Gearbox Rattle in Neutral

[B@man]

Noticed a few days ago that there was a audible whirring noise from within the gearbox when in Neutral, this evening after being out for a TRVCC rumble I was stood next to the car at idle and the gearbox sounds like a bag of bolts

It drives OK, shifts fine and once in gear the noise goes away, could it be low oil level or is my box about to expire ???

[GreenV8S]

Does it stop when you put slight pressure on the clutch pedal? If so, that might point to a clutch release bearing. Otherwise, perhaps a worn layshaft bearing, or something loose in the gear linkage, or the exhaust rattling against it, etc ...

[B@man]

Don't know I'll try that tomorrow, It's supposed to had a clutch not so long ago but I suppose the bearing could have dried out.

I'll give that a whirl in the morning - thanks

[redweapon]

Its a 80's gearbox, aren't strange wiring sounds the norm... Mine is noisy in 1st 2nd & 5th, has been for the last 10000 miles. Suspect its a worm thrust bearing, but it works fine so I leave it well alone.

[B@man]

Not the thrust bearing as applying pressure to the clutch makes no difference until you actually disengage the drive to the box (then the noise stops) interestingly when the box is cold it's a whirring noise, when the box is hot it becomes more of a rattle.

I'll replace the oil this evening, can anyone confirm that the box oil should be ATF and approx how much does the box hold ??

Edited by B@man on Thursday 2nd July 08:24

[grahamw48]

I believe it has been suggested that ATF can be used, but maybe best to check what comes out ?

[TVRleigh_BBWR]

Try lifting the gear stick, as it may be warn linage rubbers.

[B@man]

grahamw48 said:

I believe it has been suggested that ATF can be used, but maybe best to check what comes out ?

Doh! Why didn't I think of looking at that !

[leorest]

redweapon said:

Its a 80's gearbox, aren't strange wiring sounds the norm... Mine is noisy in 1st 2nd & 5th, has been for the last 10000 miles...

It's tempting to say there must be something wrong with 3rd and 4th then

[adam quantrill]

I stopped using ATF a while back, now I use Castrol SMX-S.

Just top it up for now. If it's the thrust bearing, then just try and ignore it, there isn't much you can do about it unless you split the g/b from the engine.

[convert]

I agree with Adam, Castrol SMX S is the one to go for.

My box has always been a little obstructive 1st to 2nd when cold (they all do that sir), but after 3 years of ownership, it was getting a bit 'sticky' after a long run.

Changed the fluid to SMX-S as suggested and it's performed great ever since.


Would also sugest looking at the bushes as per Leigh.

[B@man]

Cheers,

I'll get some ordered and give the box an oil change, have a look at the bushes and also see if I can find wher the oil leak (sorry chassis rsut prevention) is comming from. It will make a change from wheelbearings

[adam quantrill]

When you get the SMX-S in there you'll find the leaking will diminish too, as it's thicker.

[B@man]

Stopped off at Halfrauds yesterday for a couple of litres of Castrol SMX-S, drained off the old ATF this morning - Yuuuck ! it was the same colour as the river Humber (st brown for anyone who's never been to 'Ull) and the drain plug looked more like a Xmas tree, luckily no big bits of metal just a lot of very fine filings.

Looks like it was well overdue a gearbox oil change, don't know if it's fixed the noise as the wedge is now err.. wedged in with other cars and I've cracked open a case of beer

I have also located the gearbox oil leak, the rubber seals for the remote selector rod and remote unit have gone 'ard and stuck to the shaft and are now more than a 1" away from where they should be as a result are doing bugger all to seal their respective holes, oil is then running down onto the prop which is chucking it everywhere.

Can you get the complete remote assy off without dropping the box ? - It looks like it's possible (Fiddly but possible) if the silencer is removed for access Could also get Lambda boss welded in.....

Edited by B@man on Sunday 5th July 20:01