Hi folks, I’ve got a problem with my 2004 panda dynamic (82k). Over the past week or so I have been able to hear a whining noise, most probably from the gearbox. It is most audible in gears 2 and 3 but can also be heard in 4 and 5. Not sure about 1. The strange thing is it can only be heard between 2100-2300 RPM when decelerating i.e. foot off accelerator, engine breaking. When accelerating the whine cannot be heard. In addition, for well over a year I’ve had some occasional difficulties engaging reverse and first, a new clutch (@76k) in January helped matters but didn’t fully resolve the situation.

Should I wait to see if the problem gets worse? or be proactive, what things should I be looking to check?

Gearbox oil is full so that’s not the issue. I’m possibly thinking bearings but am not sure.

All suggestions welcome, many thanks.

Bearings or gears slowly on the way out - our 07 sounds like an electric milk float if you get it at the right speed when in 3rd. It'll either stay as is or gradually get louder. Could go on for years with no problem other than noise.
Selector cables might need lubricating/replacing or the gears are worn.
Turn the radio up or sell thing.

Got breakdown cover? I would save the £200, rather than spend it on something that might not fix the problem. Any difficulty selecting gears? Or is it just the noise bothering you?

Absolutely save your money! A 2nd hand box may well make just as much "noise" or be even worse yet still work perfectly. As for breakdown cover, how far away are your rellies? A phone call home for help can even save you that annual fee
(And yes, I've driven from Caerphilly in South Wales to the beyonds of Hull for a stranded daughter one, long, dark night when the stupid button got thoroughly pressed)
Best advice? Pop along to a local garage or pub and see if you can get a mechanic to sit in the car with you for a quick sound check - it's almost impossible to diagnose a noise in a forum. If the verdict is that it's something you can live with then crank the volume up and enjoy the ride.

No I don’t have break down cover. I've have had difficulty engaging certain gears for well over a year now. I mainly have a problem with 1st (quite notchy at times) and reverse (most times I go into third or second to slow the gears down then engage reverse otherwise it mostly crunches).

The whining noise it not really that obvious at the moment, I only noticed it one day with the radio off but my concern is that the gearbox is on its way out. I don’t want it just die on me one day when I really need the car. I understand it will probably be a while longer before anything serious might occur.

When it comes to cars I like them to be in top condition and this is the only real problem that has occurred since I’ve owned the car 3 years ago. It’s just breezed through its MOT last week with no faults at all.

In a year I do a fair amount of travelling (between 15,000-20,000 miles), so a properly functioning car is essential, that is why if I’m sure the gearbox is going I could get one for £200 off a car that apparently has 15,000 miles on it.

Overall am not sure what to, either leave it for now, get it checked out, or bite the bullet and buy another gearbox.

Can only reiterate, you need to get it checked by someone who knows, anything else is pure guesswork. Hard to engage certain gears could be notched teeth or worn mesh, but it's like throwing money at an old house, without stripping the unit down to see it's impossible to say for certain. Honestly I wouldn't spend the money unless they/he/she can say for definite that it's bad news, call the family in as it only has a few days to live.

AAB1992 said:

.........what things should I be looking to check?.........

Click to expand...

Seems you already have the answers then

Right, after some detective work I’ve found the source of the problem........

It’s not the gearbox at all. It’s coming from the timing belt/ water pump area!!

Timing belt, tensioner and water pump were done at 69K last July, so I will be take the covers off and having a look in the next few days to see exactly what the problem is.

With it having been done last July is there any chance I can take the faulty part(s) back to the shop where I got them from? Don’t most parts have a 12 month guarantee?

Or get Arnie on the case