How long have I got left?

[Mouse_GTI]

After being told by the garage that my gearbox is probably on its way out, how long do I have? This is what I've noticed so far...

- At present it makes the loud "wooooooooo" noise when I let off the revs when in 1st gear. This has been going on 2 months now and never happened before. It's quite loud.
- In 5th you can hear a very faint "metallic whirling" noise which gets louder when you press the accelerator in 5th, this noise is still relatively quiet, but it is there. I first noticed this a year ago.
- As of last week, reverse gear has started making funny noises.
- When travelling in 3rd or 4th, doing around 30-50 mph speeds, there seems to be a jerky motion when tapping the accelerator (I know this is to do with the drive by wire or fly by wire - always get confused which one it is) and with this motion now comes slight noises that weren't present before and coincide with the (de)application of the accelerator
- At present I've yet to have trouble getting into gear and never have done (it's only slightly stiffer when it's freezing cold).

I was gonna wait for it to go and buy a refurbed box off ebay, however the guy is 600 miles away and doesn't deliver. I've been made aware of a guy 50 miles up the road who is meant to be good for gearbox refurbs. I'm planning on going to Download Festival in June, so it would make sense to put it there just before I go (as I won't be using the car). Will the box last til then? I'm just worried with all the new noises that have come around in the last few months, surely it's only a matter of time before I start loosing gears. This also won't be great as the car is my daily. If I plan to sell next year, the gearbox needs to be trouble free or no one will buy it

[alexperkins]

It sounds pretty serious to be fair mouse. Id get it sorted asap - mine was making light whirring, and the differential was under 500 miles from collapsing completely!

[tegwin]

hmm... most cars will judder if you bounce on and off the throttle.. the GTI is bad for this because there is a bit of flop designed into the rear gearbox stabilising mount

If it is making the noises you suggest.... have you tried replacing the oil (or making sure there is actually some in there?) Putting in some decent oil might see you through another few months providewd you are not hammering gearchanges...

Although if its getting worse, I would get it rebuild sooner rather than later...

Worst case scenario, you drop a gear and it cracks the castings... Thats new gearbox time which is expensive.... getting your current box refurbed before it gets that far is a good idea!

The GTI box is noisy anyway....]

Hard to say without seeing/hearing it though!

[alexperkins]

what he said lol

[Tim_GTi]

I'd get it done asap mate. Plus mine took less than two days. Took it in first thing on a Monday. Was available for pick up Tuesday evening.

[JPR_polo_gti]

where did you get yours done Tim? I'm in Cardiff and not sure where to get it done.

[Bepe]

mine went a bout 6months before it ate itself but the sooner you get it done the less damage you do, and they will be able to refurb the box, my box was complety shagged as i didnt no what the problem was.....

[Mouse_GTI]

Thanks for the advice guys. I'll try and get it in earlier. The garage who has done my servicing the last 3 years said it would be a waste of time replacing the oil (which I supplied) if the box was on it's way out. I agree it may prolong it from going.

Anyone want to buy 3 x 1 litre bottles of gearbox oil I bought it from Opies Oils but ran past the 28 day return period

[alexperkins]

what oil is it? lol make, spec etc

[Tim_GTi]

where did you get yours done Tim? I'm in Cardiff and not sure where to get it done.

The Gearbox Centre, in Cwmbran. Du want their details?

[JPR_polo_gti]

yes please! how much was it and how's it now?

[Tim_GTi]

Still perfect. I cost me just shy of £700 IIRC to get my own reconditioned. Not cheap I know, but was a good job. Got the clutch done at the same time too. Had to ask specifically to do my own, as from standard they put a differenyt box in. If you can get the box removed before hand for cheap or DIY, you'll save a rather large sum.

Here's their number: 01633 871766

[tegwin]

Just for information...

I took my own box out of the car and delivered/picked it up from the repair place myself in Kidiminster and they charged £450 for the pleasure....

[JPR_polo_gti]

what does that £700 include? Labour for the time to remove and fit and the price of the new clutch aswell?

[Tim_GTi]

what does that £700 include? Labour for the time to remove and fit and the price of the new clutch aswell?

Everything, drive in drive out. I supplied the clutch and they fitted that for free, so it doesn't come into the equation (When was the last time yours was done?). I'm pretty sure you save about £200 with it removed and just given to them, don't quote me though.