6 replies to this topic

[adammini]

Hi all,


Last weekend I drove the mini home from uni, and I noticed that the gearbox has started to whine far more than usual.

I notice it most when on the motorway, changing from 4th to 3rd, it really makes a nasty noise.

I think it could be the idler gear bearing which is a pain. It sounds straight cut which it defenately isnt!

Could it have damaged the rest of the engine? The noise is not very loud (I had a clubby which the idler gear bearing went and it sounded alot worse)
Would it be ok to replace the idler bearing or should I do more do you think?


Thanks guys

Adam

[Guess-Works.com]

when the car is stationary, can you hear the whine, and when you press the clutch does it go away...

If so, very likely to be the idler.

If it's only when moving, more likely to be a part of the box or diff.

[adammini]

when the car is stationary, can you hear the whine, and when you press the clutch does it go away...

If so, very likely to be the idler.

If it's only when moving, more likely to be a part of the box or diff.

Thanks GuessWorks, it doesnt whine when stationary.
It seems to be only when on the move.

I was going to replace the diff with a x-pin assembemy before I went to france but didnt get time.

The worst is when changing from 4th to 3rd, would that be the bearings in the box itself?

I dont think I will drive it untill its fixed, dont want to wreck my engine aswell!

Adam

[Guess-Works.com]

Maybe less serios and something like a wheel bearing.... would be worth getting up on blocks and get the wheels rotating in the gears and listen for the rumble/whine

[adammini]

This is true, will have a look when im home next. Although it did sound very gearbox like, darn!

Thanks Ad

[fikus01]

reverse gear can start to engage its self and cause a nasty sound, any of the gearbox bearings/shims could have broken!! but i;ve heard of sportspack gearboxes doing what yours does right up to the point where it all goes BANG, then car stops suddenly and empties its contents all over the road!! :S:S

try jacking the front of the car up and putting you're car in gear and seeing if the diff is wrokign ok!! if u turn 1 wheel the other should go the opposit way!!

or whilts its up there be very daring/carefll ans start it up and let it tickover in 4th gear with the wheels off the ground and see if it stil makes the same sound!! mite be easier to hear it at low speeds!!

[adammini]

Oh dear! I will have a look jacking it up as soon as I can.

I have had a constant problem with the box since I bought it in that it jumps out of reverse gear sometimes.
I wonder if its connected?
The box is almost 5 years old and has done about 25000 miles, although it has had to contend with my 1380 pumping through it!

Thanks Ad