Seems that my gearbox needs a new bearing...

[Adam230K]

I was getting a "bang" noise from the centre/rear of my car in transition of gears. It then evolved into a very severe also "banging" sound and it would also shove the car forward, felt like getting hit in the back by another vehicle.

So i took the car to a trusted indy, and he told me that the propshaft/diff are all fine but the "gearbox bearing" was gone, or something of the sort, and that i needed to go to a gearbox specialist to get it sorted as they dont do that type of work.

Really annoyed about it, it sounds like an expensive job, and i'm not sure what indy to take it to? and i also dont know what kind've parts are they gonna put into the gearbox thats possibly not MB?

 

[Leemc2008]

Getting a box from a breakers yard might turn out to be cheaper than a freshly re-built box..

 

[Dieselman]

Graham had the same problem on his manual 230K and couldn't find anyone prepared to do the job. I can't understand that as it's not difficult but I think there was a parts issue.

He ended up with a box .

Are you sure it's not the clutch dragging between changes, alternatively it sounds like the baulk rings allowing the gears to mesh whilst still at different speeds.

 

[Adam230K]

Well the specialist sounded very sure, he said that i might as well either re-condition the gearbox or find a 2nd hand one. They checked the clutch too, so it cant be that. By the way, in terms of driving, how long have i got left til the car becomes undrivable? roughly? it seems ok when driving (very carefully) but when i start to slow down (regardless of being in gear or being in neutral) it makes a faint knocking sound.

 

[nickcc101]

Could be the teeth on the lay shaft gears are damaged if the banging is in all gears.

 

[Adam230K]

the banging comes when i change hard, its before my gearstick even fully enters the gear.

If i even leave the gear in neutral, dont touch the clutch peddel, and just move it towards any of the gears, as its enterting the gear i'll hear a "thud", but a very faint one.

 

[nickcc101]

Could be the mainshaft is moving, retaining circlip broken ? Sorry but don't know much about MB boxes.

 

[BlackC55]

The MB manuals are normally so reliable too.

 

[Adam230K]

I found one for £200 with 50k miles on it, what u think?

 

[vijilants]

Sounds like a good deal. If i were you though and you are planning on keeping the car, if you havn't already done so, I'd change the clutch at the same time as the gearbox is out.

 

[Adam230K]

why do you recommend i change the clutch?

 

[grober]

why do you recommend i change the clutch?

Because the clutch is a "wear" item and unless its been renewed recently- not just the driven plate renewed--but the pressure plate and thrust bearing also-- it makes sense to change it while the gearbox is out. The major labour cost of a clutch renewal is taking the gearbox out-so if you are doing this already???

 

[Will]

why do you recommend i change the clutch?

Because it's almost rude not to whist the gearbox is out

Although, to be fair, MB clutches tend to last for quite a long time

Will

 

[vijilants]

why do you recommend i change the clutch?

Because if it ever needs to be done in the future (and clutches wear out) again the gearbox will have to come out and effectively you land up paying double the labour.

In the long run, you save your self a lot of money and hasstle.

Whilst the gearbox is off, it takes next to no time to replace the clutch.

 

[Will]

Great minds think alike eh

Will

 

[Kompressor_Dude]

Looked through my service/repair docs as i have the same car, but there's nothing been done that would be of any help to you im afraid - not even a clutch

What's recommended with a nackered box, rebuild or low mileage replacement? Strange situation really as i'd consider your car low mileage!

Edit:
As long as you put the clutch in the right way around!

 

[Adam230K]

yeah might as well splash out another 100 quid ;p

 

[andy27168]

Hi,
When I bought my C230K good few years ago now it had only done 24,500 miles, the clutch went at approx. 25,000 miles.
One side of the friction plate fell completely off.
New OEM clutch, and 110,000 miles later still ok.
New clutch if I remember correctly was between £160-£180, plus fitting but if the box is being removed anyway fitting the clutch will be negligable.

 

[Adam230K]

I know there are a few people on this forum who have the ability of checking how much parts are brand new.... if any of them could help quote me (roughly) a new clutch for the 230K i'd be grateful.

 

[Dieselman]

Just a thought before you buy a new gearbox. The mechanic didn't say it was the release bearing, did he.?