Passat six speed gearbox problems.

[vincentbob]

I'm have a 2003 Passat sport estate with 6 speed manual gearbox. At 40k miles the differential and pinion bearings failled, not unheard of apparently. VW would not cover the cost of repair as the car was just out of warranty, so I went to an independent specialist to have the work done.

The gearbox is now quiet although I don't think the changes are quite as smooth as before, but I have noticed that when in 4th and 6th the gearlever moves fore/aft about 3/8" whilst accelerating/decelerating. The repairer says that this is not a problem but I don't think it did this before the repairs. It is not the engine/gearbox mounts as it only occurs in these two gears.

Has anyone any knowledge of the gearbox construction, and suggest what might be moving?

Many thanks.