Clutch/gearbox problems

[dwetherill2]

Hi all,

I'm getting a horrendous crunching sound from my 1997 vectra arctic. It mostly happens when using the clutch in low gears (junctions etc) and it has happened when stationary (happened loads stationary in a traffic jam yesterday when i was resting my feet). It has also happened when driving in 3rd gear a few times.

The sound only lasts a second or so and its getting more frequent. Tends to be worse on hot days, and it normally takes at least 10-15 mins worth of driving for the problem to start.

Vauxhall dealership want £300 just to look at gearbox and a possible further £850 for clutch/gearbox replacements. Given the age of the car, I'm a bit cautious about paying this without finding out more about the problem.

It had a recent MOT and they couldn't find anything when checking the clutch bearings. From looking at similar forums there is some discussion of clutch drag, replacing gearbox oil, syncos and linkage, clutch plate spring and thrust bearings related to similar problems. Has anyone had any experiences/ know what it is likely to be? And more importantly how much was it to rectify?

Appreciate your help
David

[DeanF]

Hi all,

I'm getting a horrendous crunching sound from my 1997 vectra arctic. It mostly happens when using the clutch in low gears (junctions etc) and it has happened when stationary (happened loads stationary in a traffic jam yesterday when i was resting my feet). It has also happened when driving in 3rd gear a few times.

The sound only lasts a second or so and its getting more frequent. Tends to be worse on hot days, and it normally takes at least 10-15 mins worth of driving for the problem to start.

Vauxhall dealership want £300 just to look at gearbox and a possible further £850 for clutch/gearbox replacements. Given the age of the car, I'm a bit cautious about paying this without finding out more about the problem.

It had a recent MOT and they couldn't find anything when checking the clutch bearings. From looking at similar forums there is some discussion of clutch drag, replacing gearbox oil, syncos and linkage, clutch plate spring and thrust bearings related to similar problems. Has anyone had any experiences/ know what it is likely to be? And more importantly how much was it to rectify?

Appreciate your help
David

Are you saying ? (As it is not very clear from your post) That when you Select a Low gear, It is crunching when going into that gear ??

If so, Has the gearbox oil level been checked ??

Possible issues.

Worn clutch./Dmf Flywheel
Low Oil level.
Worn Syncro's
Incorrectly Adjusted Linkage (although this would happen all the time generally & not after getting warm Etc)

Dean

[dwetherill2]

Thanks dean.

Well it happens while im in gear. Often when im doing clutch control in slow moving traffic. Dont think its ever happened when changing gear. It even happens when im not in gear.

So do you know if replacing the syncros would be as expensive as replacing the clutch?

david

[opel_estate]

your thread was split see http://forum.vectra-c.com/showthread.php?t=56198

[DeanF]

Thanks dean.

Well it happens while im in gear. Often when im doing clutch control in slow moving traffic. Dont think its ever happened when changing gear. It even happens when im not in gear.

So do you know if replacing the syncros would be as expensive as replacing the clutch?

david

Syncro's would only give you hassle whilst changing gear, So that rules them out, Do you feel the crunch through the Gear stick or pedal ??

Dean

[Thomas1]

Whatever the cause of the problem is, no sense whatsoever in getting a Vauxhall dealer to deal with it - you'll be paying a much higher labour rate for no tangible extra benefit. Any competent high street mechanic can handle clutch replacement, and it it's the gearbox then a transmission specialist would do a better job.

[dave16v]

out of interest how do you change the gearbox oil ????? or check it

[Gsi3.2]

manual boxes don't really need an oil change , auto's are best changed every 60,000 miles...

the auto's have an obvious dip stick to check the level and the manuals don't...really the manual is to all intents and purposes a sealed unit and best left alone unless you can spot an obvious leak..

[stuartbat]

i had a veccy b and had to replace 2 gearboxs in it due to the bottom diff gears being like cheese. Sounds like uve lost a few teeth on 1 of the diffs i had this problem also. the cruching sound is the missing teeth getting further ground up in the diff unfortunalty. ( sorry my spelling crap but its late and im tired)