Exchange/secondhand gearbox/overdrive units

[WildStag]

Although it appears from the paperwork thatmy Precious's box & clutch were replaced in the 1980s, I can hear noise from the box which goes away when I depress the clutch, leading me to think that the bearings are worn (perhaps not unexpected since Precious has a towhook and rear oversprings fitted which suggest previous heavy use). With some oil also leaking from the selector fork seals and a really heavy clutch (in fact quite unpleasant). it is probably time to get the chequebook out. :shock:

I am not looking to rebuild the box myself but should I just acceptwhatever exchange box is offered by a specialist garage or should I ask that the present box be dropped first andits innards investigated with a view to the garage replacing bearings, seals etc? Is this a false economy? If I accept a recon box, what should I do to ensure it has been rebuilt to an acceptable standard? The present overdirve is a J-type and works OK - do I keep this or do I swap out as well? :?

When the box is out, it is a given that I get the clutch sorted. I am unlikely to ever tow a caravan but with local councils getting very keen on household recycling, I may want to hook up a trailer to take refuse to the "household amenity site". Are there different grades of clutch (there does seem to be a variety of prices from suppliers)?

As ever, grateful for the collective outpourings of wisdom, grief, guilt etc.

[DJT]

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This is a big topic that will probably result in many opinions and facts. Hopefully you will get some useful feedback.

Personal experience:

I recently rebuilt my own box. From noise you describe, I agree with your diagnosis. I reckon the front main bearing is worn. I obtained all the necessary bits from JP, but one of the main bearings supplied was unbranded. The other was RHP (I think). There are 2 types of needle roller bearing in the box. One of them (the longer) is not available. I was lucky that EJ Ward had one at Stoneleigh.

As for getting it done professionally; I can't comment as I have no experience.

Regarding the clutch. I fitted a standard B&B bought from JP. What I did fit was a later type longer g/box front nose and modified release bearing carrier. This has resulted in a clutch that is smoother than it has ever been. Still fairly heavy compared with modern cars, but much nicer to use than it was.

If the o/drive is working well, it may be OK to refit it. I did. Your call. Overdrive Services of Sheffield come well recommended I believe.

Hope this is of some help

Dave

[Sheepdip]

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I to recently rebuilt my box, its not difficult but did experience excessive laygear end float which a thicker thrust didn't eliminate (apparently have to machine box and put an even thicker thrust in), it still has some noise. A friend hada load of problems with the input shaft needle roller bearing having broken up and chewed both surfaces - resolved by machining and fitting a different bearing (around £100). As you say can't source laygear front needle roller now (I acquired one from a friend). In all, my view is you can't see the condition until stripped, if you're not DIY then you'll pay someone to do thisand reassembleand may be expensive if badly worn. Note that Paddocks do a recon kit for £120 and an exchange box for £245 so may be cheaper to swap



Sheepdip

[DJT]

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Sheepdip wrote:

Note that Paddocks do a recon kit for £120 and an exchange box for £245 so may be cheaper to swap

They provided me with my rebuild kit. As already stated one of the n/rollers is unobtainable. They reimbursed me for this when I told them I got one elsewhere. I was also not very impressed with the synchromesh rings. In fairness, they did say when I ordered the kit that the quality of these is not what it was. I compared with the existing ones and, as they were in good nick, refitted them. JP agreed to take theirs back and reimbursed me for them also.

Dave

[Sheepdip]

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What was the problem with the synccro rings? I had a very baulky gear change beforehand which I was hoping to cure - and still have.

[chrisn]

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When I first bought my car at 4 yrs old, second gear was difficult, and remained so until I rebuilt the box. Simply looking at the new rings, I could not detect any significant difference-its only when they are in place that wear is evident. However, even with new rings in, second is still baulky which has been a disappointment.

[DJT]

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Sheepdip wrote:

What was the problem with the synccro rings? I had a very baulky gear change beforehand which I was hoping to cure - and still have.

They just did not look up to standard. Speak to JP and they will admit that getting good ones is difficult. I had no problems with selection of gears, beating synchro, etc. so having examined mine and decided they were more substantial, and better madethan the replacements, I put them back in.

The main reason for stripping down was the noisy front main bearing that was causing me to turn the radio up louder to drown it out :shock:.

Dave

[NickA]

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My box was exaculty as you describe, noisy but quiet when the clutch was depressed. I bought the bearings from www.autogear.co.uk. They were allhigh quality OEM bearings. RHP it I remember correctly. I just replaced the bearings as I had no other issues with the box.

What's thepart no of the front layshaft bearing that unobtainable? is it 150339? Just curious. Autogear show it as part of the re-build kit.

[DJT]

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Nick,

Yes, that is the bearing that no-one seemed to have earlierthis year when I was doing the job. I was lucky that EJ Ward had one on his stand at Stoneleigh. Whether this is still 'unobtainable', I don't know.

Dave