Another gearbox issue - 200rs!!!

[aliengreenAlex]

I noticed recently that my gearbox ether crunches or feels notchy when changing into fourth gear. After reading previous threads on here, new and old, I feel it is safe to say with great sadness that my f***ing gearbox is quickly approaching the end of its life!!
I spoke to Renault UK this morning who said that the problem would have to be diagnosed, though for a fee. Its clearly obvious that the syncro is killing itself. I went through the rig moral of highlighting that a gearbox that malfunctions after 22,000 on a car with full Renault service history isn't really fit for purpose and is obviously badly engineered. This was met with much resistance by the customer service adviser. Even when I informed him of the numerous customer reports found on forums with the same issue. This was still rejected and he maintained that gearbox/syncro failure on the clio 200 is not a common fault.
After much pressure, the adviser agreed that if the diagnosis shows that the gearbox does need replacing, Renault UK will contribute towards the cost though what percentage I do not know. If I go this route, the same thing could happen again and so the whole thing becomes a bloody mine field. Not sure I want the hassle.
Does anybody know of any decent/trusted gearbox specialists in the west yorkshire area?
I would rather get the box stripped down then rebuilt using better internals.
Or does anyone have a better idea?
I too have seen replacement gear boxes on ebay that see reasonably priced but I like to see what I'm buying when it comes to mechanical items.
Any ideas/ advice will be greatly appreciated. ...

 

[mikeh]

Many on here seem to be of the opinion that out of warranty = out of luck.

How far is the car outside of warranty?

I'd be pushing for a free diagnosis and see what their contribution is. IIRC, the last case of this I saw was on a 197 and they only had to pay a few hundred towards their new box. To have your box removed and refurbished, I reckon you've probably got to be getting on for £1k.

I'd recommend finding a local specialist to remove the box (they'll likely get it done quicker, leaving you with a smaller bill) and send the box of to Agency.

 

[kash]

Just go and part-ex it at your local Renault dealer, Thats my plan if my gearbox gives up.

I call it Operation F**k You And Your Chocolate Gearbox's, Renault

 

[Bluebeard]

I've heard if Renault offering 90% contribution, I've also heard of them offering f**k all.

You won't know until you get it in to them.

 

[R-Sport.]

If it has frsh and 22k I suspect the initial offer will be around 50/60 %, if you then hassle them to the death i guess you will end up 75 ish and a bill of around 3/400

s

 

[Knuckles]

Inform customer service that if they aren't aware that the 200 box shitting itself is a common fault, then they must know that the 197 box (which is the same box) is infamous for shitting itself. Coincidentally, when changing from third to fourth gear.

Speak to ruk and push for free diagnosis.

good luck

 

[Knuckles]

Just go and part-ex it at your local Renault dealer, Thats my plan if my gearbox gives up.

I call it Operation F**k You And Your Chocolate Gearbox's, Renault

Very good idea! Didn't think of that.

than obviously post a 'beware of my old car, I only pm'd it to f**k renault over' thread

 

[Gazza23]

I think it's luck of the draw who you speak to at RUK. When mine went at 24000 miles out of warranty, I paid £50 for diagnosis which was returned to me when they did the work. I spoke to a manager at RUK and got 75% towards a new box which left me paying £600. I agree with 'the what happens if it goes again' fingers crossed I suppose... Best of luck with yours though!

 

[aliengreenAlex]

Cheers guys for your feedback. I think I will hold off on the diagnosis from Renault and start searching for a gearbox specialist to try and get a ball park figure so when Renault do actually diagnose the problem and come back with a price, I will then decide on the better option. I do intend to keep the car for a while so right now my head is swaying towards a rebuild purely for longevity. I will post the outcome when I have the diagnosis.

 

[aliengreenAlex]

I went to Renault today to get the gearbox issue diagnosed and after the mechanic completed the inspection, he concluded that the syncro's were starting to fail and the most economical route is to change the gearbox for a brand new unit. He gave the car a thorough inspection to rule out any driving related causes, of which he could not and so reported that it is now down to the gearbox manufacturer to accept responsibility for what essentially is a faulty unit. The Renault dealer couldn't give me an idea of how long this will take to resolve but I'm assuming that this could take some time. I'll at least give it a few days before contacting Renault UK again. Wish me luck!

 

[aliengreenAlex]

Happy days! Renault have offered to pay 80% towards the total cost of a brand new gearbox. Just waiting for a phone call from ruk to book it in.

 

[dutters]

My old 200 is famously on its 4th gearbox! Can't see how renault do not see this as an issue tbh

 

[aliengreenAlex]

I agree and when I told ruk that this is obviously a common issue, the reply was complete denial. I simply don't understand why they can't see the problem. I got the impression that because of the type of car that it is, ruk will automatically assume that the majority of clio sports will be driven to with an inch of their lives causing premature wear. When I stepped into the dealership to have the gearbox diagnosed, the mechanic immediately inferred that the my car had been abused and would learn alot about my driving style by the condition of its mechanical components. As with the rep on the phone, he became extremely defensive over remarks regarding a manufacturing flaw. He just wouldn't accept what I was saying, and when the conversation became heated, I had to tell him that I don't want to argue, I just want my car fixed. Good to know that ruk really understand the meaning of customer satisfaction! !

 

[R-Sport.]

RUK will never admit liability, same as they never admitted the PH2 1*2 steering wheel melts, or the recaros wear on the 197s....

Its easier for them ( in their eyes) to deal with each case individually- it seems more cost effective then- however possibly very short sighted as all the die hard renaultsport buyers will move to another brand.

Renaultsport brand = damaged.

 

[Advikaz]

I'm still on my original box after nearly 20k. Touch wood.

It is knotchy when it's cold but otherwise seems fine.

 

[aliengreenAlex]

I don't want to admit it because I have the car that I really want but I have been looking at replacements from other brands and I've only had my clio since August last year. I've owned numerous hot hatches over the years from pugs to Citroën and have never experienced anything like this.

Yeah mine felt notchy at first but I thought I was being lazy with my gear changes. The notchiness led to crunching eventually though, especially changing down so it will be worth keeping an eye on it mate.

 

[Advikaz]

I don't want to admit it because I have the car that I really want but I have been looking at replacements from other brands and I've only had my clio since August last year. I've owned numerous hot hatches over the years from pugs to Citroën and have never experienced anything like this.

Yeah mine felt notchy at first but I thought I was being lazy with my gear changes. The notchiness led to crunching eventually though, especially changing down so it will be worth keeping an eye on it mate.

Yeah I will mate, but in fairness it's always been like it lol.