Vauxhall M32 gearbox question

[andymc]

Hi, I have a Saab 1.8 petrol and the box is starting whine a little, its not too severe and could be easily mistook for a wheel bearing noise, just a quick query is it worth doing an oil change? Has anyone tried this and has it cured the issue?
The M32 seems to be well known for having issues and other than replacing it I'd be interested to know if it could be fixed (cheaply)

Andy

[All that jazz]

Had my fair share of M32 issues having had numerous Astra 1.9s. If it's whining already you're fked and will need at least one of the bearings replaced, if not more. Get it done now because it will only get worse and then you'll be into 4 figure territory for a new or recon box.

Use either Stephen A Brear in Leeds or WG Motorworks in Kent to do it. Both will do a proper job and have masses of experience with these boxes.

[davebem]

The trick is to replace the gearbox oil every 2 years or so and slightly overfill it to prevent the issue. Once its starts to whine its probably the top bearing has started to play and become pitted inside.

[andymc]

so no amount of (heavy) oil is going to help?

[All that jazz]

No. It may lessen the noise a bit for a while but it won't fix the underlying issue which is that one (or more) of the bearings are buggered which if you don't replace it/them sharpish will bugger the other bearings from the bits of metal floating about and then you'll need a complete new unit which will cost you thousands. Seriously, get the bearing done now and it'll only cost you a couple of hundred.

[ubbs]

My wife's Astra h 1.9 CDti 150 had 2 replacement gearboxes done under warranty in the space of 15k wouldn't mind if it had done 100k but this was between 28k and 42k! The second one felt much different from the first 2 a revised and strengthened gearbox or so I was told had a slightly different casing too

[windy1]

I've done this myself on my own car (astra h). Not a nice job to get it out but there are bearings available (use the timken ones) to repair it.
Be very careful about carrying on driving it with a whine. Mine came out as soon as it was convenient (good weather outside on the driveway) and caught it just in time. The bearing next to 6th fell into bits when I took it apart. It's quite a nice box to take apart if you are into things mechanical.

If it's whining most in 6th, slightly quieter in 5th, other gears OK then you'll have encountered the same problem as I had.

Vauxhall dealers will tell you it's a new box required. They don't employ technicians these days, only fitters to fit a part. Find someone that will take the gearbox out and send it somewhere to get repaired.