Hi Folks,

Well its happened, the gearbox has decided to make some very funny noises.

Out for a spin changing down from 5th to 4th (not ragging it as missus is 8.5 months pregnant!!) There was an almighty bang and the whole car shuddered. Pulled over for a look, couldn`t see anything obvious (driveshaft etc.)

Now on partial throttle there is a dud, dud, dud noise!! Then the speedo went off. Got home, took out the speedo drive and its pretty mangled and covered in swarf.:eek: For the life of me I can`t get it back in.

So I reckon its the diff bearings at least if not more. After much debating at my mates garage, it seems the best option is a rebuild.

Any of you folks had this done? Any idea of cost? Or any other option?

Would it be wise to drill out the rivets on the Crown Wheel and replace with bolts????

What else could be bust? Flywheel/clutch? (only done 35000 since flywheel and clutch change) Since the speedo is off it drives like a bag of spanners!!!

Needless to say SWMBO is not impressed, have hired a car as I can`t see me taking her to the hospital in the Weekend car (130bhp stripped 106 with bucket seats!!)

All in all a crap couple of days......

Any advice appreciated....

Oh dear, gearbox rebuilds can be expensive. I would have thought a second hand or reconditioned unit would be more viable. Out of interest how much power is you car putting out and how many miles has it done?

Mine has done 31,000 is almost ready for it's 3rd set of driveshafts but the gearbox is fine and dandy.

Ive had the gearbox open (when I fitted the Peloquin LSD myself). Pretty industrial inside - just wonder if you had an oil leak or summat to cause that. Otherwise deffo those stupid rivets - they have no place being in a gearbox with such a torquey engine IMHO. Spinning the wheels has been known to let them come apart with considerable force...

If so you're lucky you dont have a hole in the cover...

If you're gonna open the box up - deffo get the replacement bolts - it'll never happen again....

Armed with the factory service manual, it's not too bad to take apart - definitely do-able if you are mechanically-minded mate.

ETOS lists all the innards p/n - so it would be extremely cost-effective to give it a go yourself.

If not - I think there may be a certain individual on here from Devon who may have a spare box hanging about......

Whatever you do - word to the wise - the missus needs to feel that you are 100% plus there for her. It's a scary time for both of you, but her especially I'm sure...

Good luck with it all mate

Bas

There is someone breaking a VRS at the moment - look in the for sale section. It's in Manchester which is a bit of trek, worth a look though.

Cheers Folks,

Its only done 85000, Standard car no engine mods, thats what the pugs for!!

Can you get the bolt kit from the stealers??? Anyone got part numbers?

No holes in the casing, thank goodness....

I have hired a car so the missus is happy once again....

Gear box is coming off tomorrow to go to a local rebuilders - looking forward to the challenge. I`ve done the `Box on the Pug 3 times now :eek: but I`m sending this one to someone who knows what they are doing.....

Onwards and Upwards, will keep you all posted.

Cheers..................