Thanks for the offer pinkskud, but you're right it would be a bit of a roadtrip!

bit too far for me too

Hiya guys, I'm trying to convince a guy at work to help me out on this 5th nut, but failing that would any of you be interested in giving me a big hand to do it if I drove the car to you (I'm in Bracknell just over an hour to bedford or hayling island in 4th gear)? I would expect to pay you for it though have no idea how much you'd want ?

I'm really at a loss on the car, she has a squeky rear too but only if the car has a load (ie 3 - 5 people in it, worse with more people) and the steering makes a sound when I turn which is a squeeky creeky noise. Also there is a small(noticed from seeing under car) oil leak which the garage I took it to said wasn't a problem as they'd replace all the seals on replacing my gear box....Only bought her in December already had the air sensor and radiator break... I'm guessing I managed to get a bad one from a lot of good cars?

Thank you all for your help so far, especially for confirming its ok to drive it in 4th forever. Really do appriciate it.

and the steering makes a sound when I turn which is a squeeky creeky noise.

Sounds like the track rod ends. These are relatively easy to DIY (unless there is any stuck nuts).

Rob T i dont mind going through it with you.

you'll need to get two new 5th gear retaining nuts (chances are only one has gone, but its not worth taking the risk) and a load of new gear box oil, might as well change that as its all got to come out.

PM me if you still need some help