Hi,

The car is a Seicento Sporting SPI 2000 (W reg) with 68,000 miles. Spent most of its life fairly modifed.

I had a noise start about a week ago which appeared to be from the gearbox/clutch area at the front of the car. The noise was there whether you were stationary or moving! Its a constant whirring/graunching which appears to increase with engine revs slightly. The noise did not change when the clutch was depressed. Changed into all gears without too much effort.

Checked the gearbox oil and it was at the correct level.

We removed the gearbox and the clutch, thrust bearing and everything seems fine and free.

When turning the gearbox main layshaft (the one that the thrust bearing sits on) the gearbox seems to make a whirring noise. Is this normal? There is no play or anything on this layshaft!

Any help would be much appreciated.

Regards

Matt

if it makes it when the clutch is in then the gbox is disengaged and therefore it wont be that. same as if it does it when in neutral. of so its engine side your problem mate, sounds like bearing, if not on the clutch id say bottom end?

Not quite, I agree that if the noise is still there with clutch pedal depressed its not gearbox.

Its slightly different if the car is in neutral, its a constant mesh box so the gears are turning even in neutral.

Cheers

SPD

didnt know that. learn something new every day. check the clutch tihng then fella.

Hi,

Thanks for the replies although I am still none the wiser!

I pulled the belt off the alternator, no play and as free as you like.

Spun up the starter motor and its moving in and out and spinning over freely.

Engine also sounded sweet before I removed the box. The engine has had the oil and filter changed every 4000 miles (I have a pile of filters) and has never gone below the minimum level on the dipstick.

I've had no oil light on the dash.

I spun the gearbox over with an electric drill and it sounds quite in nuetral and all gears except reverse. (although the drill was quite loud)

What are your thoughts guys? Is it rebuild/new gearbox time. If so can anyone recommend a place to go to.

Regards,

Matt