Inspecting a gearbox

[mikeh]

Is there anything to look out for with a second hand gearbox before refitting?

Any obvious signs of damage/wear?

 

[NorthloopCup]

Nope. The ONLY way to tell its condition is to strip it and I guarantee you'll have got a worn 3rd gear anyway. Not seen one that hasn't done that yet tbh.

 

[AlexW]

Echo the above, No real way of finding out condition other than stripping it which isn't a 5min job.

Best way to be sure is either rebuilt, or at least drive the car it came from.

 

[mikeh]

I wasn't after a full health check, just any characteristics of some issues that may be noticeable with the box off.

The frustrating thing is, I know my box is good if not for the crack in the main box housing

I'll chuck it on and take my chances before stripping the old one down to have the casing welded.

 

[NorthloopCup]

I wasn't after a full health check, just any characteristics of some issues that may be noticeable with the box off.

The frustrating thing is, I know my box is good if not for the crack in the main box housing

I'll chuck it on and take my chances before stripping the old one down to have the casing welded.

Honestly mate it's just a suck it and see situation unfortunately. Wheres the crack in the casing mate? Any ideas what caused it?

 

[mikeh]

Runs from up along side what I presume is the reverse switch and down along the bottom of the casing

Not sure what caused it. Theres the odd scuff and scrape, so I guessed it was probably an impact of some kind.

That said, I tried a temp bodge with Chemical metal and the chemical metal has cracked in the same place, so there must be some load on it.

 

[NorthloopCup]

Runs from up along side what I presume is the reverse switch and down along the bottom of the casing

Not sure what caused it. Theres the odd scuff and scrape, so I guessed it was probably an impact of some kind.

That said, I tried a temp bodge with Chemical metal and the chemical metal has cracked in the same place, so there must be some load on it.

Is it the box with a bolted in diff by any chance?

 

[mikeh]

Do you mean a 130, ie. 182 box? I think that was what they did with the 182 to stop the diff circlip issue?

If so, yes.

 

[Budgie]

I've got a box from a Ph1, which has been rebuilt by Agency less than 10k miles ago. Drives perfectly. No whines or crunches.

 

[mikeh]

Thanks, but I've already sourced a box.

If it turns out to be no good, I guess I'll rebuild my box into the new casing.

 

[NorthloopCup]

Do you mean a 130, ie. 182 box? I think that was what they did with the 182 to stop the diff circlip issue?

If so, yes.

Not all 130's are the bolt in diff mate I don't think. I've seen a few where the bolt from the bolt in section has come out and gone inside the box. It gets in between the gears/shafts and forces them apart, a la, split casing.

 

[mikeh]

Not all 130's are the bolt in diff mate I don't think. I've seen a few where the bolt from the bolt in section has come out and gone inside the box. It gets in between the gears/shafts and forces them apart, a la, split casing.

I'll have a look at that.

The box has had a lot of abuse since the new suspension - lower to the ground, more vibration, not to mention the drive shafts hitting the chassis legs (just as you warned me )

 

[NorthloopCup]

I'll have a look at that.

The box has had a lot of abuse since the new suspension - lower to the ground, more vibration, not to mention the drive shafts hitting the chassis legs (just as you warned me )

It's worth a look when the box is out mate for sure.

Lol! The joys of running them that low eh! There's another gb on for hubs btw.

 

[mikeh]

It's worth a look when the box is out mate for sure.

Lol! The joys of running them that low eh! There's another gb on for hubs btw.

Awesome - I'm on it.

I will raise it a bit for now, I think.

 

[NorthloopCup]

Awesome - I'm on it.

I will raise it a bit for now, I think.

Yeah just seen it.

Yeah you'll only need a few turns on the collars to get the clearance mate. Mine used to do it all the time. Lol

 

[mikeh]

Just touching on the subject again

I noticed the new gearbox has sealant between the box and bell housing where as the old did not.

Is this a sign that perhaps its been rebuilt/refurbed?

 

[NorthloopCup]

Just touching on the subject again

I noticed the new gearbox has sealant between the box and bell housing where as the old did not.

Is this a sign that perhaps its been rebuilt/refurbed?

Is the sealant red mikeh? If it is then no I doubt it's been rebuilt as they came from Renault sealed with loctite 518. If it's any other colour then I'd almost definitely say it's been apart at some point.

 

[mikeh]

I couldn't see any sealant on my old box, but its not red on the new one, but rather black.

That's helpful - thanks