Hi all. I'm a new member here and let me thank you first of all for this forum and for your willingness to share information with other members. I bought a 2000 Beetle about 2 years ago and my 17-year old son ran in a ditch with it, tearing up the front of the car. I've had the body work and radiator replaced, etc. (to the tune of $2400) and in close inspection of the engine I've found something that I'm pretty sure isn't right but I don't know what it is. I'm attaching a couple of pictures in hopes that someone can tell me what this is. It is located just to the left and below of the battery box. It appears that one side is broken and that the rod (or whatever it is) has twisted. I can't tell if this is related to the suspension, the steering, etc.

I attached a photo link. I have labeled the problem areas. "A" is the item in question. It appears that the right side has twisted off. "B" and "C" are not connected to anything and I'm guessing that they should be or that something is missing. I bought a VW repair book from Chilton hoping to narrow down the search but couldn't find anything in there. I'm glad to take it in for repair I'd just like to know what I'm referring to when I go in the shop.



Any input is most appreciated! Thank you.

 

that is your shift linkage
you might be able to bend it back
does it still shift ok?

 

That makes sense. THanks for letting me know that. I have been having a hard time shifting into fifth gear at times. I'll take it in to be repaired.

 

I agree, looked it up in the shop manual. Appears to be bent, but be carefull bending it back so it won't break. FYI, front end damage to new bugs isquite extensive with the close proxmity of all the components.

 

Thank you mausolfh for the reply. I'm not going to try to bend it. I'm going to take it to a local VW dealer and have it replaced and have them check out other components under the hood that should have been checked thoroughly by the shop that worked on it after the wreck.