Hello,
I've recently acquired a N reg Fiat Brava, 1.6 with a manual gearbox...or what's left of it shall I say! I'm pretty sure that the whole gearbox needs replacing, but before I drag the poor thing to the mechanices, thought I'd get your opinions on it...

Basically, 1st, 2nd and 4th work, but 3rd and 5th won't go into gear and the whole thing grinds unless it's in neutral or the clutch is down.

I've never actually done any work on cars before but really want to learn. Is this too much of a job for a newbie??

In my opinion it is a bit of a big job for a newbie. The sub frame has got to be dropped out of the car. The passenger side drive shaft has got to come out. I wouldn't recomended doing it inless you have got some one who knows what there doing who can point you in the right direction.

Can you decide if it is a 1.4 or a 1.6 ???

In any case the best bet is to find a replacement gearbox and have that fitted together with a new clutch.

Any second hand box is a bit of a risk but if you put a request out on one of the Internet parts sites giving the car details, you will get replies from various specialist breakers who may guarantee that the box is OK. If it's a 1.6 then the box from a much newer car may fit.

Good luck

bluejohn125 said:

Can you decide if it is a 1.4 or a 1.6 ???

In any case the best bet is to find a replacement gearbox and have that fitted together with a new clutch.

Any second hand box is a bit of a risk but if you put a request out on one of the Internet parts sites giving the car details, you will get replies from various specialist breakers who may guarantee that the box is OK. If it's a 1.6 then the box from a much newer car may fit.

Good luck

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Woops, sorry. It's a 1.4, so typically the harder one to find by the sounds of it!

I don't know anyone that has done anything like this before to help me with it...does anyone know and good mobile mechanics that would be willing to show me how it's done?? Bit of an ask I know but I'd really like to start learning all these types of things...

You can actually have two different types of gearbox in the 1.4.One's the same as the 1.6, one's basically a Punto box. If you have'nt done any work on cars before I think it's probably too big a job to try yourself. Contrary to prvious advice it's not neccessary to remove the subframe, however it becomes more of a knack to remove and refit the gearbox with the subframe in place. I always leave them in, but I've done dozens of Fiat and Alfa clutches over the years so it's a bit different. If you decide to try it I'd be happy to give you advice along the way.

flying clutchman said:

Contrary to prvious advice it's not neccessary to remove the subframe, however it becomes more of a knack to remove and refit the gearbox with the subframe in place.

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You can remove the gearbox without dropping the sub frame but as you say its knack, and when you do it I presume you have the car up in the air. Not so easy when you have it on axle stands lying on your back.

Not at all, as you may guess from my name I fit clutches for a living and I only work mobile. I too put the car on axle stands. You lay on your back and lift the gearbox onto your chest and roll it off. Simples! I do appreciate that I've been doing this for many years but Bravos are not among the more difficult cars to remove a gearbox from nowadays. (try a Rover75 or Mondeo) Removing the subframe gives you a lot more room but it's totally unneccessary.