problem breaking open the gearbox

[cozz]

hi, ive had a problem with my 1998 c180 gearbox, have removed and refitted a couple of times, fitted some new parts and checked the rest, so have come to the conclusion the problem is in the box, have removed again and have started to take apart, got the rear section off (output end) but cant find how to get into the middle section of the box, theres no obvious nuts or anything i can see a gasket between the bell housing but am at a real loss as to how it comes apart, ie if you were replacing the input shaft how does it come apart??? if anyone has done this before id apreciate a couple of pointers, theres nothing in the manual about it that i can find,
driving me nuts!!!
regards cozz

 

[Alex Crow]

1998?
So you have an electronic 722.6 box?

Remove the torque convertor and there is a ring of bolts holding the bell housing on - plus 2x from the rear side!

These boxes do come apart very easily, if it is indeed a 722.6

 

[Dieselman]

I think at 1998 it has to be a 722.6, even on a C180.

 

[Alex Crow]

DOH!!!!


manual gearbox...............

Please start with your symptoms, it might just be a problem with the interlock detent which can be removed from the side of the (manual) gearbox very easily. Some were made of plastic, and could cause problems with jamming in gear, especially reverse.

 

[cozz]

hi yes its manual, sorry i should have given more info from the start, i stalled the car at some lights and straight away there was a noise like a ball bearing being rattled in a can, the noise stoped when i pressed the clutch pedal, with car stationary, if the car is moving and you ride the clutch the noise still happens, its not constant but as i say like a can with a stone in it, theres no problem with the clutch or gears as far as driving it goes, i have changed the thrusty and also the pilot bearing, checked throw arm and dual mass, all seems fine, listaned through the end of a screwdriver and the noise is defo in the middle section of box, like i say all drives ok obviously i dont use it, but i just cant see how the box comes apart,
regards
cozz

 

[Alex Crow]

Dual mass flywheel? Are you sure?

 

[cozz]

hi, well its like 2 flywheels together, had one on a transit before and that was called a dual mass, i know they can be a pain sometimes, many a horror story (expensive)

 

[Alex Crow]

I do know what one is, but would be amazed if it was OE on a 1998 C180.

Were you able to rotate the center by hand, independent of the crankshaft ?

Might be worth removing the interlock from the side, it has 2x 10mm headed bolts on most of these boxes, and may well be plastic on yours.
This device should have 3x ball bearings on the end, and they can come out under duress. If yours has only 2x on it you might be able to shake the loose one out from the hole it bolts into - hence no need to split the box.
Just thinking it would conveniently explain your noise...