Gearboxes are one of the most difficult things to repair without a proper workshop. I've done old motorcycles on the street, but I wouldn't try a car gearbox. How would you know which bearing, and what other problems might be in the 'box ?

The car's just got a year's MOT so it has a year left. I would check the gearbox oil level and continue using. I went to the trouble of repairing the transmission in an old Seat Ibiza, but it probably gave it just over 12 months extra - not worth it at all.

Just use it and check it over carefully - including driveshafts, mountings etc. Look out for a replacement before it breaks.

Guessing you mean a new used box?

don't see why not.

Thats if you have a good high lift jack,

NOT some piddly little Halfords thing or the like,

'cause the front of the car has to be lifted high enough to pull the box out once unbolted,

say two feet.

gearbox comes out from the bottom.

So good jack,

two accy stands and a helpful buddy when your putting it back in.

4 hours for a pro.

My local garage says its the 'gearbox bearing' that has gone and that it is uneconomical to repair. I want to find out if it is worth/possible for me to have a crack at it -

Depends how you calculate the 'economical' bit. If it would cost less to repair the box than to change the car for another, it is economical (for you personally). The usual way the decision is made is to compare the cost with the car's scrap value, which may give the wrong answer.

Find out how much a second hand gearbox is from scrapyard. Fit a new clutch kit as well (parts usually cheap) unless recently changed.

NEVER get underneath a car that is just raise on a jack - I once had to rescue someone nfrom under a car - not good - fortunately guy wasn't too badly injured. Secure on proper stands or on something solid. I use solid railway sleepers.

Edited by Big John on 10/09/2015 at 21:14

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the replies - this forum really is ace!!

Rest assured I never work under the car unless its on axle stands. If I was to drop the box I think I would need to get a better jack but I have been considering it anyway.

It wasnt all that long ago (a year or so) that I chnaged the transmission fluid during a major service. I will check the level this weekend to be sure and top her up if low just in case that helps.

My main question is still the same though - what does it sound like is wrong with the car? I know the input shaft bearing is worn but I am convinced this bad clattering sound is something else.

I can get a bearing and seals from eBay for ~£40 but I dont want to do anything until I am pretty sure what the fault is.

By uneconomical I understood him to mean the cost of the repair is about the same as buying another 52 plate honda!

PS - Noise is a lot worse than it was now :-(

Thanks,

Dean.

Edited by dean_wales on 11/09/2015 at 21:13