Hi all. I recently bought a Bravo 1.4t 120 hp to replace my Stilo. All in all a great car but after 2 months or so it started whining from somewhere near the gearbox.

As soon as I go over 20mph or so, the sound is present. It gets slightly stronger after about 70mph but that's it. The gearstick only moves slightly in 6th gear, but not any other gear. The sound is always present, no matter if I'm in neutral, clutch in or out.

I did have to replace both outer CV joint gators, since they were cracked and leaking grease. Before the repair, the noise was very, very quiet. Soon after it gained volume, but not deafening. Just mentioning really, since I doubt the joints could be the cause for the noise.

I am kinda stumped still, since all that matches the simptoms of a failing M32 is the metallic whining noise. It's usually only in 5th and 6th. Mine is ever present in all gears and neutral with or without the clutch.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Did you already changed transmission oil?

Oil was checked during a recent service and the level was sufficient according to my mechanic. Could replacing and filling to a higher level do anything? I did read that it needs 3l of oil rather than 2.2l that the manual states. And a different make?

I doubt that just fresh oil could silence it. Seems too loud to me.

Change it with correct specs gear oil www.castrol.de
Don't overfill, or the sealings will blow..!!
In general, I change gear oil every ~50.000km, no matter if it is filled for life...

Any other ideas perhaps? The issue baffles me due to it not being typical for an M32 failing.

SchumacherM said:

Oil was checked during a recent service and the level was sufficient according to my mechanic. Could replacing and filling to a higher level do anything? I did read that it needs 3l of oil rather than 2.2l that the manual states. And a different make?

I doubt that just fresh oil could silence it. Seems too loud to me.

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You need new mechanic. It is not possible to check the oil level in the M32 gearbox. The only way to ensure a M32 has enough oil is to drain it out and re-fill with the correct quantity. There is a plug in the side of the gearbox that could be mistaken for a level check point but its not. If the oil is only up to this point it is too low.
You have two options:
1/ remove the gearbox and strip and repair (or just replace) it
2/ Drain the oil and re-fill with the correct amount (2.2l if drained in the car) of the right oil ( SAE 75W-85 - API GL-4). and see how it goes.

I'd do 2/ first.
see: https://www.fiatforum.com/croma-ii/...16v-2005-gearbox-oil.html?429554=#post4105910 (Croma has M32 box too).

Robert G8RPI

Did not know that. Thank you. And 2.2l is the correct ammount? I've heard people saying you need to put more in, supposedly 2.2l is not enough.

Hi,
2.2l is if you just drain the gearbox in the car. About 0.2l is retained in the gearbox, mostly in the differential housing. If the gearbox is opened, you need to use 2.4l when re-filling. I've done a fair bit of research on this and am confident that these quantities are correct. If you have trouble finding the correct oil try a GM (Opel) garage, they use the M32 gearbox in a lot of cars.

Robert G8RPI.

Thank you.

hi there, the problem you are having with the m32 ,is that the bearing in the box are prone to go,and the oil needs a much better spec. and at least 3lts of it . I have many posts on other forums ie vxr, and replaced many boxes over the years. if you can hear any noise in 6th gear at over 50, and you have any movement on the gear stick you have a problem.it should have no movement at all, I have been in the oil industry as one part of my job , and so learnt a lot about different oil specs. the best oil you can put in is , (AMSOIL MTG 90 75/90 FULLY SIN), and 3lts of it, the box never had enough when it left the factory.As for the box it needs the three end bearings replaced, and theres also a new end case with better oil ways, look at the vxr Courtenay site, and look up m32 gearbox. hope this helps.

see: www.autolusso.co.uk

Service we offer,

Gearbox rebuilds

Neither Courtenay nor Autolusso are much use to the OP in Solvenia.
From the symtoms I don't think he has the "normal" M32 issue and may well just be low on oil. Not sure about adding more oil, might help with cooling on long runs, but the troublesome bearing is low in the box so should always be covered. Without knowing were the level is in relation to seals etc it's hard to know if a higher level will give problems, but it's interesting that Fiat made the 200ml difference between drained in car and a split bos if it did not matter, The volume has already been increased from 1.9l in the earlier manuals.

Robert G8RPI.

g8rpi said:

Neither Courtenay nor Autolusso are much use to the OP in Solvenia.
From the symtoms I don't think he has the "normal" M32 issue and may well just be low on oil. Not sure about adding more oil, might help with cooling on long runs, but the troublesome bearing is low in the box so should always be covered. Without knowing were the level is in relation to seals etc it's hard to know if a higher level will give problems, but it's interesting that Fiat made the 200ml difference between drained in car and a split bos if it did not matter, The volume has already been increased from 1.9l in the earlier manuals.

Robert G8RPI.

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Hey Mr. Wiseguy, there's a lot inside info at the AutoLusso site about the specific gearbox troubles, and sollutions.
So it's interesting where ever you live.

Have a good day, btw, how's your dog doing..

No need to be offensive.
You just said "services we offer, gearbox rebuilds" If you wanted to show the M32 info then you should have linked to that:
http://www.autolusso.co.uk/gearbox-m32.html

Robert G8RPI.

g8rpi said:

No need to be offensive.
You just said "services we offer, gearbox rebuilds" If you wanted to show the M32 info then you should have linked to that:
http://www.autolusso.co.uk/gearbox-m32.html

Robert G8RPI.

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:shrug:

It's interesting about the oil level I remember reading somewhere about certain Alfa Romeo models that use the imfamous M32 gearbox where owners refilled with 3 litres of oil as the level seemed low - or should I say the recommended level of 2.2 litres was just on the limit so any loss of oil through a weeping oil seal or such means the bearings are at risk of being under lubicated. I'm changing my box oil this summer and I'm really thinking of doing this.

https://www.eco-torque.co.uk/single-post/2016/12/02/M32-GEARBOX-Guide-To-Faults-Fixes


Looks like you're having the 3rd symptom. Just like I do. Changing oil won't cure it. I'm driving (still) with this whining for about 15000 km.

It seems to be this exact issue. An M32 specialist who's going to fix the box by friday has also suspected this type of faliure.

SchumacherM said:

It seems to be this exact issue. An M32 specialist who's going to fix the box by friday has also suspected this type of faliure.

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That's an new one to me. Sounds even more expensive than the 5/6 gear shaft end bearing issue.


Robert G8RPI.

Problem sorted with a typical 5/6th bearing replacement. The work done is guaranteed, so it should outlive the car. It was just a typical M32 faliure in the end.