FIAT 500 - gearbox failure at 30,000 miles. Dealer sorts it?

[PhillipM]

I'll just an SKF equivalent from the local bearing place, same with the rest. I didn't have much of a look at the bearing itself as it was late when I dropped the 'box out, will have a good look when I clean the rest down tommorow.

[PhillipM]

Blaster72 said:

Good result OP, pretty shoddy for it to fail at such low miles. Was it much of a job to get apart?

Not too bad with all the bolts being fairly new to be honest so nothing really stuck bar seized exhaust bolts but that's normal. Worst bit was getting the front bumper and it's clips off as you have to take some of the crash structure out to get the box off!
One of the driveshafts made me swear as it wouldn't come out but they're held in with a spring clip and there was swarf from the bearing in the groove. Fortunately I have a rather large rawhide mallet that's good for persuading things....

[PhillipM]

I think that's what they built them out of wasn't it? Newspaper and chewing gum?

[PhillipM]

Bearing is a Polish NSK....SKF or FAG replacement will be going in methinks...

Edited by PhillipM on Friday 12th February 16:45

[PhillipM]

This may be a asking a little too much of the phone camera and online photo hosting, but you should be able to see some of the bearing damage on the inner race:

[PhillipM]

Nope, seems perfectly fine. Will just put some thicker oil in it, be okay....


https://youtu.be/J428m-C3IgM

Edited by PhillipM on Friday 12th February 19:57

[PhillipM]

It is a WR plate, but given the synchro's, selectors and clutch are fine...

[PhillipM]

Mr2Mike said:

I doubt it will make any difference. SKF bearings are made in India, Malaysia, Korea and China, and FAG also have factories in Hungary, India, China, Brazil etc.

Yep, some of the best bearings come out of China, India, etc. But I've never had much luck with aftermarket NSK stuff full stop, so I'm not sticking another in

Edited by PhillipM on Friday 12th February 21:47

[PhillipM]

alicehill said:

Hi, I know this was a while ago but can you possible remember how much this repair cost?

About a tenner for the bearing and £30 for oil, plus a bit of surface sealant if you're doing it yourself.
I've still got a spare bearing if you want me to post it out to you.

If you're wanting someone to do it for you then probably £250-300 as there's a lot of labour and cleanup involved.

[PhillipM]

Mr2Mike said:

With a good chance of it having the same problem...

Yes, there seems to be a fair few of them on the 'net with the same issue!