Thread: Manual gearbox/clutch - reco or just buy a new/second hand one?

Originally Posted by Young Angus

My clutch is making a noise which I don't think is very nice, I've talked about it in other threads a bit but someone suggested that if I'm ever going to do any serious trekking or towing in my Disco I should at least have it looked at.

Just for my own information, what kinds of prices should I expect for either a replacement gearbox or clutch...or to have them fully reco'd? Which would you suggest?

If your clutch is making the noise why replace the gearbox? just do the clutch, and get the flywheel machined.

Well I'm just not sure what it is making the noise. I described it on an earlier thread and some people said clutch, some said gearbox. I'm hoping it's just a clutch. I can hear a kind of dull rattling noise when the clutch is out in neutral when sitting still idling, then when I push it in the noise seems to disappear completely, but there still might be a faint rattle when I'm driving through the gears when the clutch is out...or maybe I'm just looking for other noises now that some other people told me I might be able to hear stuff if I listen for it.

I honestly don't know what it is but I'd want to get it checked out before I did any serious driving or towing with it. She's driving really well apart from that, I love it!!!

Could just be as simple as a clutch change out. I think you should start there and also change out the spigot bearing. Sounds like this what is making your noise.

Originally Posted by klappers

Could just be as simple as a clutch change out. I think you should start there and also change out the spigot bearing. Sounds like this what is making your noise.

ditto x2

Hey mate,

Well I guess if price is a concern, which it usually is with any vehicle then you can always opt for the second choice which is of course.. DIY!

The symptoms you described sound like either friction plate or worn release bearing or release fork damage.

These components are not too expensive to replace depending on which set up and vehicle you drive.

Not too hard to do, depending on how you handle yourself with the correct tools and most of all, safety.

I replaced mine in the 130 with very little mechanical experience and of course alot of helpful assistance from all the people that share this forum.

Good luck.

I had an old Manual Rangie that had a reco gear box that made a noise like that.
Of course I cannot 100% sure it is the SAME noise, but it was a spinning noticable but faint rattle, when I had the clutch out at idle.
I always assumed that it was the box. I did 100's of thousands of Ks in it in some of the toughest environments OZ can throw at you without a problem.

When the clutch is in, nothing is spinning in your box. As soon as you release the clutch the input shaft starts spinning which also spins your cluster shaft (from memory) My Rangie had roller bearings and caged roller bearings throughout and imo the noise was just a little play within that system until torque was applied by selecting a gear and releasing the clutch.
In my instance it wasn't an issue.
It was a bit like a "race" noise that I was used to from listening to races that were tired from the rear axles in cars. I was a mechanic! But it wasn't a loud noise just a spinning rattle.

Young Angus,

Go to the Defender gathering at Bullen/Templestowe on 27 Jun. Lots of R380 users to listen to your noise.

I have what might be a similar noise in neutral, sometimes pushing the clutch down selecting a gear and taking it back out again stops the noise. I am not that worried.

Oops I didn't read th is until now and it's already past the 27th of June...thanks for the suggestion though I would've tried to get down to that it's not too far from me

Thanks for all the input, I've been so caught up with work I haven't had the chance to put much time into it yet but I will, if not just for my own curiosity. I've gotta get down to one of these Land Rover meets though it sounds like a great place to talk about stuff!

I had my cousin suggest a clasp bearing may be the culprit too. It's not causing any trouble just annoying me because I don't know exactly what it is and if it has the potential to cause problems or not. I'm a musician not a mechanic hahaha