Thread: Possible Gearbox Problems

G'day PeterAllen

Does the rattling sound still go away when the clutch is depressed?? if so I would first be looking at the throw-out bearing or fork, also the clutch plate springs or the pressure plate, if not, check for excessive play in the input shaft which would indicate a worn primary shaft bearing. which ever way you look it would possibly require gearbox removal

cheers

Originally Posted by PeterAllen

Never a week to go by without a new issue. My 87 5speed manual is making a lot of strange rattles. Started with a sound like a rusty wheel on a washing trolley. Sound was intermittent and was only present on acceleration (under load). No sound when clutch engaged (even when revving hard). Checked and retensioned all belts. Now sound is more of a loose rattling noise and present in all gears. There is noticeable vibration when driving in gear with throttle between accelerating and deccelarating. Vibration not present when accelerating. Seems to be a more noticeable "clunk" when engaging gears although there is no problem with gear selection. Had fifth gear replaced last year and dreading pulling the gearbox out again. Any ideas??

Sounds more like a tailshaft universal joint to me, go and take a good look at them before you drive it again. Sonds like one or more are about to disintegrate Squeak, clunk, vibration...Sounds ominously like a uni!

JC

Yup! you could well be right Justin

Thanks for your replies, I haven't had a chance to look at the car and will try to get to it this aftenoon and check out the tailshaft. Will keep you posted.

G'day PeterAllen

When you are under there, give the front and the rear uni a good shake and also check the "A" frame ball joint,by trying to move it with or without a lever,any movement in it will give you a loudish "Clunk" when you engage gear and let out the clutch or power up in drive in an auto, this will often echo up the tailshaft and give the impression of being a gearbox/transfer problem.

cheers