Megane RS265 LSD Gearbox whine

[Xenoous]

Hi all,

Im having some symptoms of failing bearings in my 2012 Megane RS 265, it's the LSD box. Basically I'm getting creaking/knocking at pull away and stopping, and a whine that increases in volume and pitch as I speed up. Garage also mentioned my gearbox is knocking when they had it up on the ramps...

Does anyone know somewhere close ish to Cambridgeshire that are able to either fit a reconditioned box or rebuild mine, and what the cost would be?

Found a company in Accrington that would fit a reconditioned LSD box for £1k, but that's a near 4 hour drive away...

Any help is appreciated.

Cheers,
Ben

[Xenoous]

shaun442k said:

Beaniesport in Milton Keynes if you haven't sorted this already.
No idea on price but even if it's too late for your gearbox he's well worth a visit for other issues and servicing etc.

Getting it sorted with a few other jobs at AW Motorsport. Confirmed gearbox bearing issue, and on top of that I'm having a new clutch and clutch damper delete as its peeing out fluid.

June will be expensive!

[Xenoous]

74k, but I don't know if it's been rebuilt from previous owner.

Mines an early phase 2 265.

[Xenoous]

Ben Lowden said:

Exactly what I had done on mine, along with a new clutch/flywheel/clutch damper delete at AW. For anyone interested in cost – the gearbox rebuild was 1200 which included removal/refitting although that excludes clutch/flywheel that'll almost certainly be worth changing at the same time. My bill was closer to 2400 as they rebuilt my front calipers for me as well as fixing a couple of other issues.

Christ, how do you still even like it. Ever since I got this car it's been nothing but a complete PITA. The few occasions its been ok, its put a smile on my face, but I'm struggling with it now. It's either going to stay with me for a year, and if trouble free we'll see from there, or it's being sold. Jury is out. I really wanted to love this car. It drives great, but reliability is just ridiculously poor.

Mines having gearbox rebuilt, clutch (hopefully I don't need a flywheel), clutch damper delete, aircon condenser replaced, creaking from the front being investigated (doesn't appear to be the ball joints/bushes). Probably something like top mounts at this point.
In the last year I've to have the turbo off as a bolt snapped, replaced recirc, ball joint, thermostat, discs and pads all round, tyres. I get its all part of car ownership, but its grating. I suppose it doesn't help the wife has only just returned to work. Finances are stretched wafer thin right now.

Just hope I get some enjoyment out the car over the summer now...

[Xenoous]

Forgot to add it still needs to have the oil breather gasket replaced, but I'll likely wait until it needs the cambelt doing, next year...

[Xenoous]

I think our expenditure will be similar once I get my belts and gasket sorted. Glad you're enjoying yours.

I'm going to try get out for some early morning drives and perhaps some Renault meets in the near future. Will hopefully get to finally get to use it for the reason I purchased it for, to enjoy driving...

If not it's being flogged for a shed!

[Xenoous]

Annoyingly I've just seen a Mazda3 MPS come up for the same money I'd expect to be able to trade mine in for. I'm going to get the box, creaking and air con sorted before I make any decisions, but I'm certainly tempted.

But I think you're right. I purchased this car for a reason, to really enjoy driving. I'm going to give it a chance, and go from there. Right now, it just feels like it's sucked the fun out of what should be a cracking car. However I'm nearly over the upcoming expenditure, and I'm just looking forward to getting it back, and taking it for a blast through some of Suffolk's finest.

Not long now, surgery is on June 6th...

[Xenoous]

Welcome to RS ownership, it ain't cheap! However Alex is brilliant. Message AW Motorworks on Facebook. Seems to be better at responding there.

I never updated this thread, but after a new clutch, flywheel, gearbox rebuild, clutch damper delete and a nice bill the cars running great again. Like you all though, my airbcins also gone. Alex confirmed it as a condenser issue. £250 to sort.

[Xenoous]

Mine sometimes struggles to get in 4th when cold. I'd definitely consider it to be one of the notchiest gearboxes I've ever used. Warm its fine, but it makes the first few miles irritating. Trouble is I cant remember if it was like it pre-rebuild, probably the same.

It's going up for sale as soon as I find a suitable 4 door replacement for the same money I can get for it.