Bag of spanners

[Kinky]

Not good news .....

Started up the car this morning aok. Put it into reverse at which point the gearbox [I assume] started screeching with a high-pitched metallic screeching.

Reversed out, dropped it into D, still screeching .....

Driving down the road - it runs AOK - no delays in gearchange, but still screeches.

The sound disappears after about 10 mins driving.

This evening, same thing at work, exactly as above. But this time 1 additional 'problem' ...

I parked on the driveway, and changed to P. I thought I'd play with the gearbox and see if the noise would come back. The problem now is that it needs some force to change into Reverse and there's a HUGE clunk from the gearbox (never had that before). I kept changing between P, R, N and D, and all were OK - no screeches or noises. The ONLY problem now is going from P into Reverse - where it needs some force and then a huge clunk.

Does anyone have any ideas?

I don't know if it's original box, or it's history, only that the car has 132k on the clock and has a tow bar [might be relevant].

I would be EXTREMELY grateful for any pointers or ideas.

Does anyone know how much a new/replacement box would cost? (inc. labour)?

I deliberately held back from bidding on a set of alloys this evening (which I WOULD have won) - my limit was £240 and they went for £195

Yours depressingly,

K

 

[Glideman]

Sounds like the belts inside the box are slipping, is the oil level OK with the engine running?

 

[Kinky]

Yeah - sorry - I should have mentioned that I've not had a chance tonight to check the levels, but it is job #3 tomorrow (1 = get dressed, 2=coffee/fag).

K

 

[Motard]

Hope all will be well for you Kinky. BTW your car looks great in that colour!

Bob

 

[Kinky]

Cheers Bob.

Hopefully all will be well, and I'll make it over to see you this year (with Andy_k) - if I recall - I hold the wine, you hold the spanners and Andy holds the car up

I'm not commenting on the colour - suffice to say the wheels make it look brilliant [Shudes quality handywork].

Hope you had a great new year.

K

 

[andy_k]

my first thought would be to check the fluid level. low fluid can cause all sorts of problems but they are usually noticeable when you are driving. Remember to check the fluid when the transmission is at operating temp - recommended to check after about 5 miles in warm weather and double that if it's cold

If you are feeling mechanically minded you may consider dropping the sump pan and having a look for any "debris" in there and the filter - if you drain the auto fluid when the gearbox is hot make sure you get out of the way of the flow of oil quickly - it gets bloody hot!!!

Gearbox noise is always a worry and if it's of any use the gearbox was changed on our car by the previous owner at 165k - not a cheap job but have a chat with Andy Gayle I think he does a fixed price on gearbox refurbs

http://www.aimpronet.com/andygayle/servicedetails.asp

Andy

 

[Ian B Walker]

Kinky, I just happen to have an old box from a 190, needs a bloody good clean and an end cap, Its yours if you want it, no charge.

 

[BaldGuy]

Bloody hell Ian.......you really are what it says in your avatar, the world would be a far better place with more people like you......
Have a banana or 2 :bannana: :bannana:

 

[Kinky]

Dear Mr. Nice Guy (reminds me of an old Megadeth track),

If worst comes to worst I may well take you up on your offer. However, I could not possibly accept it for nothing (assuming worst case).

I shall phone around tomorrow AM (Purslows (who rock ), Andy Gayle, etc, and will update as and when.

Thank you so much. I hope I can be of as much comfort to anyone else on here one day.

K

 

[Ian B Walker]

Its no big deal, thats what we are here for isnt it? help each other and stuff.

 

[Kinky]

Agreed wholeheartedly.

 

[Glideman]

Don't forget to replace the torque converter too, they can be repaired by cutting them in half & welding them back together after repair. If you need this doing try STS Transmissions in Mellor, Lancashire, as fare as I know they are the only ones to do this. They will also give a better idea of whats wrong, ask for David or Richard if you give them a ring. They're the best for auto boxes. A lot of garages just flush the TC then re-fit it, this is'nt a good idea as the debris from the box get loged in the fins in the TC, it's a bit like a snails shell inside & almost impossible to get every bit out.

As fare as doing the job yourself goes, get plenty of beer in the top bellhousing bolts are a bugger to get out as the box is very tight in the transmission tunnel. Best done on a ramp & be carefull with the TC oil seal as it can sometimes get nicked when your sliding the box in.

Hope it all goes well for you as you helped me when I first joined the forum.

 

[Kinky]

Cheers G.

As Mr. Walker says above - we're all here to help each other.

I've got a shortlist of calls to make tomorrow, so I'll see how it goes, and update as and when.

And if it's a case of popping up to Lancashire - even better !

K

 

[Motard]

Hey Kinky,

If you come down here with Andy K we don't need spanners, more like a skip, angle grinders and cutting gear!

Bob

 

[Kinky]

well I've got a tow bar - so I could bring a skip.

Having said that .... some more discerning colleagues at work already consider the car a skip

K

 

[Brian WH]

Having said that .... some more discerning colleagues at work already consider the car a skip

K

They are only Jealous M8.

Unless you need to tidy the back eh.

 

[Ian B Walker]

Cheers G.

As Mr. Walker says above - we're all here to help each other.

I've got a shortlist of calls to make tomorrow, so I'll see how it goes, and update as and when.

And if it's a case of popping up to Lancashire - even better !

K

No problem there, I live on the doorstep and have another torque convertor too

 

[Kinky]

I called Purslows and spoke to John at the service desk.

It's booked in Friday for a service and for them to investigate the gearbox.

I'm reluctant to take the car out to check the oil levels in case something goes, which means I won't be able to get it to them on Friday.

So I'll be taking the Alfa and Lancia to work this week :bannana:

Had an interesting chat with Purslows.

Basically, if it's an 'emergency' they would try and squeeze me in ASAP. If its just a service then it's a bit longer. I explained it was not an emergency as I have a selection of cars to use (ie - I'm not 100% dependant on it) - hence the booking for Friday.

They will investigate the gearbox first before the service, and will advise - at which point I'll decide if they do it - or I seek alternatives (Andy Gayle, etc, etc).

Updates as and when.

K

 

[Kinky]

Well, Friday has arrived.

I got into the car this morning with nervous anticipation.

Started first time perfectly ... and now the moment of truth ..... going from Park into Reverse ....... and it was perfect! Drove out of the driveway - no grating/screeching sound from the gearbox .... Bugger I thought.

However, after about 3-5 mins running you could vaguely hear the noises - admittedly not as bad as it was originally. I then plucked up the courage to via the M3 [reluctant in case the gearbox broke - outside lane - 80mph(ish)].

No probs the whole way there at all - except that now you could hear the screeching noise the whole time.

Arrived at Purslows, and whilst in the car park I played with the gearbox - going from Park to Reverse - and absolutely no problems at all ! - handed the key over - explained the problem and now it's the lap of the Gods.

As I left to walk to work (10 min walk) there was another gentleman walking my way who had his car at Purslows too. We got chatting as we were walking the same way. His car (don't know what model - but it was silver* ) is 6 months old and the engine keeps cutting out for no reason. He phoned his local dealer (in Guildford) who said they could it in 2 weeks time - they then suggested he call Purslows - as they are quiet - hence explaining why he was in Basingstoke. They're going to replace the EMS.

I told him [Richard] about the site and how a great bunch we all are (yes - even you too Fuzzmeister) and suggested he come and sign up and start participating. So time will tell.

Anyhow - when they've done their exploratory work they're going to call me and tell the good/bad news.

Watch this space .....

K

* When we spoke about the colour he said, and I quote .... "dull boring Silver". He then went on to say that he saw a luvverly blue E-class which he was VERY tempted with ..... !

 

[lotusmark2]

hope the news is not too bad Kink!