A few TD5 problems

Hi all - just bought a 2000 TD5 with 110k on the clock.

Fixed a few problems already but any advice on the following?

There are a few minor knocking noises from the front end which I can't pin down. The front prop shaft has quite a lot of backlash in it and the front diff seems noisy with this movement.

There is also a distinct knock when I change the steering wheel direction.

Also it is sometimes tricky to engage 1st or 2nd - worn synchros dya think or could it be the clutch although it seems fine otherwise.

There's been some servicing done on it recently - new airfilter etc, but shall I change all the oil anyhow?

Thanks for any advice, and thanks for the great site.

Jim

"Also it is sometimes tricky to engage 1st or 2nd" - they all do that. Mine's been like this since new and and now 6 years (and 118k miles) later it's still the same. Make sure there's MTF94 oil in the gearbox...other than that the problem diminishes when thoroughly warmed up (always worse when cold)...