Hi all,

 

My 07 plate 1.9tdi Octavia II (manual gearbox) has done approx 104k miles now. I bought it at 2 years old in March 09 when I think it had done about 14k.

 

About a year ago, I noted intermittent grinding when changing from 1st to 2nd (never happens in any other gear changes, up or down). I mentioned it at my service but the garage said they had road tested and could not find any fault (not too surprising as it is only intermittent). I didn't follow this up at the time. Whether this has any impact on what's happened now, I honestly don't know.

 

Recently, we were away on holiday and the car began to make a droning noise at about 60mph + and also was also vibrating a bit - not too severe, so carried on until we got home. My brother in law who was in the car with me for some of the time suggested a wheel bearing fault. 

 

With the noise getting worse (now happening at lower speeds - anything from about 35mph upwards, but variable in intensity as I accelerate/decelerate) I booked it in to my regular independent garage, exepecting them to say a wheel bearing, but instead they idenitifed a 'lumpy' rear tyre (still legal tread but old and losing its shape) which was responsible for the vibration; and a noisy gearbox.  The garage said that they had checked the gearbox oil level and it was fine. Obviously the tyre has been replaced now, but I'm concerned about the gearbox. It's really quite loud now and is surely a sign that something is not right.

 

I'm really looking for advice here, I'm no petrolhead myself, so can anyone suggest:

 

1. Is there any hope for my current gearbox? - I've seen some people on other threads suggest trying to change the oil to see if that helps?

2. If not, how much do you think I'd be looking at for a new gearbox or a refurbished one? Would a refurbished one be a good idea - are there any reputable sources out there?

3. Or - Could it be time to think of trading in? I've been very happy with the car and was not planning on getting rid for a while yet, but if this is going to cost megabucks, I need to be realistic given the age and mileage.

 

I'd appreciate any advice - Thanks!

First thing I would do would be to change the gear box oil.  It's due after over 100k miles.  If that doesn't cure it, then you not lost much. If it does, it's a cheap & quick fix.  Whatever, it can't do any harm. 

Thanks skodacarman, will give it a try

I think your gearbox has an unusual fill method. The engine is installed tipped over a little (since when it was first designed), but the fill/level plug was never relocated to suit.

 

So the correct oil level is actually above (yes!) the fill/level plug. The oil has to be put in through the reverse light switch (which must be removed) which is higher up.

 

You can't check the level (properly), you have to drain it and refill with the correct amount!

 

Also there are 2 drain points. one of them isn't obvious.  Worth goggling the whole procedure.

 

I've done this on my 1.9pd Superb (same engine/gearbox?).

 

Hopefully your independent garage is aware of this.

 

Happy to be corrected if someone knows different.

Edited 30 September, 201510 yr by CombatWombat

This link shows how to change the oil in a 2005/6 VW Jetta, but I think your engine/box is the same.

 

If you click on the first picture in the linked article it should take you to a VW service bulletin about this topic.

 

http://www.myturbodiesel.com/wiki/manual-transmission-gear-oil-change-mk5-mk6-tdi/

 

HTH.

Edited 30 September, 201510 yr by CombatWombat

Thanks CombatWombat, I'll print all this out and take to my garage - see what they say.

 

Appreciate your help.

Update:

 

My local indy garage has changed the gearbox oil, but after a couple of weeks driving around it has not had any noticeable difference.

 

I've asked them for advice and they've suggested it would cost minimum of £700 just to take the gearbox out, inspect it and refit afterwards PLUS the cost of actually fixing whatever they discover is wrong with it once they have taken it out and inspected it.

 

This seems high to me and I got the feeling they weren't that keen on doing it - they certainly weren't pushing me to book it in.

 

I guess my options are:

 

1. Go ahead with my garage's quote and take the hit;

2. Get some more local quotes;

3. Try my luck with a reconditioned gearbox  - there's a few firms advertising online but one or 2 horror stories as well;

4. Trade it in and see what offers I get.

 

Any thoughts would be welcome or any personal recommendations for local garages in Cardiff or reconditioned gearboxes specialists to consider.

 

Thanks

If your happy with the car then id get the box removed & repaired at a transmission specialist,probably cheaper than fitting a new recon box,your box may just need new bearings & a syncro ring. At that mileage id change the clutch at the same time.