Gearbox Problem

[Guest]

I've noticed a 'rattling' noise when driving for a while now but on Saturday it got really (scarily) loud. I thought it was engine related at first (especially with the heat) but after some investigation I think it's the gearbox (surely that's better than the engine?), as the noise stops when stationary and I depress the clutch.

I think I'm being a bit optimistic here but I plan to get some gearbox oil and fill it up hopefully this evening, but I think it's probably more serious, in which caseI would be grateful ifanyone can give me some advice as to whether the box is (easily) DIY rebuildable, or if not any recommendations as to where to take it in the West London area.

Thanks, Mike.

[stagowan]

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Adding gear oil made little difference. I got hold of a mechanics stethoscope (what a great bit of kit!) and the noise is coming from the top of the gearbox, so it's definitely a gearbox out job.

[djw113uk]

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May be the layshaft bearings...

I missed a gear once trying to outdo a sprint, and knocked a few teeth off the laygear. Thankfully I got hold of the replacement and swapped them over. Just a gasket set and patience.

On the 1500 triumph box the lay-gear bearings often fail... my brothers did and made a regular knocking noise. Tends to be quieter in 4th as thats "straight through". If you can get the gearbox in and out yourself then you are halfway there! Depends if you "trust" anyone else to do it. We didnt set up any special tollerances.. it just went back the same as dismantled.

[stagowan]

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Thanks, a mechanic friend of mine popped round and also thinks it's a layshaft bearing problem. He also said that he doesn't bother fixing gearboxes himself, he always getsa localgearbox specialistto do them for him which he recommends,so I'm going to give them a call tomorrow.

If they turn out to be as good as he says, I'll let the forum know.

[stagowan]

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Update: Gearbox specialist doesn't do classic cars so I've removed the gearbox myself, what a nice easy job - NOT!! The bolts at the top of the bell housing were incredibly difficult to get to, I was close to giving up but managed in the end and have the scars to prove it!

I'm going to strip it down but was referring to the workshop manual I got off the internet on a CD and would you believe it, the first page I need is missing, so if any of you kind gentlemen has a copy of 37.20.25 sheet 1 they can scan for me I would be very grateful.

Thanks, Mike.

[stustag]

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Here you go !

[stagowan]

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Top man - thanks a lot

[stagowan]

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Found the problem, some teeth have sheared off one of the gears (see piccie).

[djw113uk]

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Thats exactly what mine looked like. I got a replacement gear off of a supplier, and put it all back together.

Be careful though - there are two different gears depending on the age of that box.. you need the gearbox number. They are NOT interchangeable - I stripped 3 boxes ( I had 2 spares), but they were both the wrong type! If it is the same gear as mine it is the front most cog on teh lay-gear.. at the bottom , font of the gearbox?

[stagowan]

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That's the one, 4th gear apparently. Early ones are£123, later ones are £26.50. Guess which one I've got!

Anyone out there got a spare lying around?

[djw113uk]

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I think I may have got mine from T.D Fitchets, but just try all the specialists / gear box repairers. Mine was about £25 second hand. May have been Paddock!

Else its ebay? - you could get a whole spare box for little more than the cost of that gear!

[stagowan]

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I nearly bought a gearbox on ebay last week, just caught it in the last couple of minutes, £75 with no bids. Went for it but got sniped!

There's another one on there now, a bit tatty but hopefully okay inside, I've emailed the seller to see if it's the right age.

[djw113uk]

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Change over gearbox number is LD5818

Part numbers are: 142434 and 159621 with costs of £103 and £22.5

I am sure I got the dear one secondhand and paid about £25... but it wasnt from Fitchet!

[djw113uk]

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Revington TR - speak to Alan.. he had one in his hand when I called! £50 second hand for the early one - as long as your gearbox is before LD5818. Unless you are the man from Belgium who has already ordered it?

Needs slightly cleaning, but does have all its teeth! They are in Somerset, I could collect and get it as far as swindon if you wanted!

Where are you?

[stagowan]

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My gearbox is LD3XXX can't remember exactly, but before the cut off point. £50 sounds good. I'm in Hayes, Middx (West London). Swindon's a bitof a trek but possible if necessary, or could he mail it to me?

Thanks for your help.