So there goes 5th gear...

[cj5350]

OK, so it's happened... my 5th gear bearings sound like they have given up the ghost after the weekends trip on my 2000 td5 130..:censored:

So given that my box was rebuild not more than 30,000 what's my options

I can tear it down and replace it with stock parts again or is it worth the extra money ( and I mean lots) and getting an Ashcroft transmission with the oversized bearing fitted..

or am I just asking to much with my current setup??

For reference its a 2000 TD5 130 with a stage one tune and a puma intercooler, stock ratios and a disco2 transfer with 255 85 16..

Never tow more than a tonne and touring mode would be even less

Cheers

CJ

[DazzaTD5]

I would have thought it should have lasted longer than 30K after a rebuild... but towing in 5th is a big no no on any vehicle, I realise people do it all the time, its their vehicle, their choice, as a repairer I've never towed in 5th with any vehicle.

Of course the above doesnt apply if u have never towed in 5th....

As with all things Ashcroft... it generally is a good option / solution, but does come at an additional costing, that can work out being cheaper if you dont have to rebuild the gearbox again at 30K...

Regards
Daz

[manofaus]

I just did my 5th support bearing. Reason being the ashcroft box even though it was reasonably priced (@2200) the wait for the box to be built was the killer for me. When I had a look at every thing in the box it was all quite serviceable. Now that I know that I would still just change the bearing if it starts to get noisy again. I have changed my driving style to be gentler to 5th too... within reason.

[XDrive]

Not only towing in 5th gear but also driving up hills in 5th gear especially when a chip has been added can seem easy. However, the extra torque can destroy the gearbox quickly. I would suggest that if 5th gear went at only 30000km, barring any obvious damage that might have occurred during the rebuild, I would look at changing driving style (as others have mentioned) to suit the added power of your Defender. Cut back to 4th on hills and don't lug the engine with too much torque in the higher gears.

Regards

XDrive

[stewie110]

I would have thought it should have lasted longer than 30K after a rebuild... but towing in 5th is a big no no on any vehicle, I realise people do it all the time, its their vehicle, their choice, as a repairer I've never towed in 5th with any vehicle.

Of course the above doesnt apply if u have never towed in 5th....

As with all things Ashcroft... it generally is a good option / solution, but does come at an additional costing, that can work out being cheaper if you dont have to rebuild the gearbox again at 30K...

Regards
Daz

Doesn't that depend on the gearbox? I have a PUMA now and have started towing.. so I assume I switch 5th for 6th in your statement? I am totally unfamiliar with gearbox designs I have however gone through two td5 5th gear rebuilds (with no towing).. with the second one being an ashcroft which never failed again.

[strangy]

with 33's, and a Disco transfer - 5th, if used is going to be working hard even if it isnt towing.
Im guessing any warranty wouldnt have gone past 12 months or 20k.
I would get the upgrade box if it were mine.

[TeamFA]

Not only towing in 5th gear but also driving up hills in 5th gear especially when a chip has been added can seem easy. However, the extra torque can destroy the gearbox quickly. I would suggest that if 5th gear went at only 30000km, barring any obvious damage that might have occurred during the rebuild, I would look at changing driving style (as others have mentioned) to suit the added power of your Defender. Cut back to 4th on hills and don't lug the engine with too much torque in the higher gears.

Regards

XDrive

I would have to second this. Ever since our layshaft sheared and I had to rebuild the box, I have greater mechanical sympathy for 5th and reverse gears, knowing how they're engineered within the extension housing. Our is chipped, intercooled, etc.., and never thought anything of just pushing the foot down a little harder on hills in 5th gear (as did the previous owners, probably). Now it's change down to 4th as soon as the engine starts to have to work a bit harder. Might use a little more fuel and wear the synchro rings a little more, but much cheaper and more convenient than shearing that shaft again...

[CraigE]

Ashcroft all the way, depending on current exchange rates. About 2 weeks for them to build and and another week to deliver to your door. I did specify TNT air freight over DHL.
I did this and have not looked back.
Will work out cheaper than getting an exchange here and you can then rebuild your box at your leisure as a spare.
30,000kms is not good even on standard bearings and towing in 5th. I got nearly 190,000 out of mine in stock form and used to tow the camper in 5th, maybe why it did give up, buth having said that mine was the input bearing that failed, band on race broke.