Determining health of gearbox? and me lol.

[MacColl]

My 89 GT has low grumbling noises coming from below the middle of the dash area. This seems to be more noticeable when the car has heated up.

Someone suggested it would be the differential bearings of the gearbox that tend to go around 140K which is pretty much what my mileage is

I also have a number of noises, a round and round squeak at low speed on the offside and a round and round click on the drivers side at higher speeds. Myself and Old Mac Rocco took the car for a spin and feel that it could also be to do with the suspension which seems very old and tired looking.Pressing down on each corner shows signs of squeaks and clatter but It really is quite hard to detect what exactly the problem is? The clutch pedal seems to have a lot of slack and is stiff when pressed. Just to round of the fun it could probably do with a new linkage but at least that has been diagnosed.

So I have the option of drive shafts, gearbox and potentially other parts off an 84 GTI. The only issue being that it has done 130K but it was working perfectly when in use.

So what do I do? and is there a way I can determine the health of a box like checking for slack on the bearings? or would even a gearbox oil change help?

It's really frustrating when you hear all these noises and have no idea of what way to go about solving them I've got other clattering noises which must be suspension and plastic/interior? parts rattling but the roads are really bad which is also a factor. Also the squeal of the heater fan and the tick of the speedo At least these are fixable

So many things to address but in what order? like the headgasket/timing belt that might well need to wait. Or new suspension/bushes and tank and filler neck treatment. Wish i could enjoy my days off more

[ianaudia4]

I would not miss changing the timing belt if you don't know how long it has been since it was renewed.
In my 27 years of continual VAG ownership I have never heard of a hard and fast rule about differential bearings going at 140k, I have had many cars with a lot higher mileage. The squeaks could be wheel bearings or CV joints or a number of things.

The best way to eliminate the problem is to systematically check, renew and if needed lubricate the parts that could cause the noises, starting with the simple bits first.
Yes, old and tired suspension would benefit from being renewed as well as the bushes and ball joints.

The clutch cable is probably old and past its best, renew it for about £20 but pour some oil down it before fitting, the speedo cable as well will cost about the same.

Good luck and are you coming to Biggar next month?

[MacColl]

The guy that sold me the car assures me that the timing belt was done recently but there is no receipt in the file. I suspect when the water pump was fitted a new belt was fitted but i'd rather make sure.

Thanks for this it seems I am asking so many questions about so many parts of the car that it can become overwhelming. Going to get the car on axle stands this afternoon and have a really good inspection. I'll replace the stupid metal clips on the CV boots for heavy duty cable ties as there has been grease leaking from them since I fitted the boots.I'll also check there is sufficient grease in there. New gearbox oil might be worth a try.

Then depending on what parts I end up buying off a fellow owner I'll write a list of tasks and stick to them religiously need to be tight with budget.

Was just talking yesterday to Old Mac Rocco about Biggar. I might come along for the day Sunday or even camp on the Sat, catch up with Scottish VAG members. I believe you are convoying up on the Sun?

Cheers

[ianaudia4]

Yep, we are having an invasion of the borders on the Sunday and we will all go into the centre show and shine, not to win (except Neil) but to get the best spot at the show!

[mark1gls]

As you said might be worth replacing the gear box oil, it might be the original oil from new, just make sure you use the right hole to fill the gear box with oil (NOT the green plug ontop of the gear box, thats for timing!)

My Mk1 Golf has 225,000 miles on the clock and uses the original gearbox, its a little noisy and leaking oil from the flages but is still going.

[MacColl]

Thanks for that

I think I can now have a plan of action with this area of the car.

Think I'll go for the replacement drive shafts that I can get obviously I'll make sure they are in good order with boots etc. I'll also change the oil and go for fully synthetic. If things sound healthier I'll look at the clutch cable and linkage kit.

I'll also look at getting the spare gearbox, struts (that take dampers/shocks as inserts) and bearing housings from a donor car. I can then refurb these with fresh bearings/paint and have the stuff ready when I fit suspension and bushes.

As for Biggar I just don't know yet because of funds and work, I'll definitely be aiming for the Registers national in July though

[Nate]

a round and round click on the drivers side at higher speeds.

check all tyres for bits of grit stuck in the tread. my lorry suffers from this badly since the last change of tyres.

[MikeH]

Check the output flanges on the spare box for lateral and vertical movement. Also, try to turn one flange by handand hold the other one still. You shouldn't be able to do this unless you have superhuman strength, or unless the diff is getting very loose and worn.

I've just swapped a gearbox on my '92 scala that had done 189k. It depends on what kind of treatment the car has had, and a bit of luck as well.