I think I have ruined my gearbox! :S

Muzzaa72

Muzzaa72

Member
Hi guys,

The other day I was changing gears rather vigorously and when I tried to select 3rd there was a large crunch and it bounced into neutral. Ever since, there has been intermittent difficulty in selecting gears as though there might be something floating around. There also appears to be a little noise/rattling as I engage the clutch into any gears. Have I possibly broken something internally or maybe something in the clutch? I have the feeling the clutch needs replaced as the car has done 86000 miles with no clutch change.

Anyone experienced the same?

Also I have terrible intermittent crunching noises in the front suspension and cannot figure out what it is... I have replaced the ARB, top mount bearings and drop links. Upon inspection the track rod ends, springs and shocks are fine. Could it be the wishbones or the ball socket bolt thing that connects the wishbone to the hub? The car sometimes feels like it jumps a little to the side and rattles when cornering on full lock.

Cheers,
Muzzaa72
 
Crunching noises aren't good. If we're talking hard-lock to hard lock, then any kind of clicking or knocking sound can almost certainly be attributed to worn CV joints. Are the rubber dust sleeves intact - no tears? Double check the spring too. Not uncommon for the spring top or base to break and lose an inch or so in height. Could also be seized top-mount bearings - but you've said you already replaced?

Transmission isn't my thing - hopefully someone has some good news for you.
 
Hi Muzzaa,
Have you checked the level of your brakefluid? The clutch is hydraulic and uses the same system as the brakes. If level is OK, how long ago was it changed?
It tends to attract moisture over time. A less bright scenario could be a worn clutch. Or like I had, a bent clutch pressure group.(hope that's the correct word)
Cheers, Gumbold
 
Cheers for the replies. I booked the car into Lion Garage "Audi VW Specialists" in Loughborough and apparently there is nothing wrong. My experience with garages both North and South of the border haven't been great and I am tired of getting charged by mechanics (both Audi Dealers and so called specialists) who seem to poke at the car with a stick and don't get stuck in to find the source of my troubles! (rant over). I have now replaced the the front ball joints and the bushes on the wishbones look like new. I honestly give up trying to work this one out. I will just have to keep driving it until there is a catastrophic failure of one or more parts...preferrably not when I am on the motorway!

Btw I'm not saying that Lion Garage is bad as at least the guy was honest and didn't fit anything that wasn't needed. I just don't feel like there is anyone (except people on this forum) who really know these cars well enough to attempt to pinpoint the problems. It is a great wee car but I am slowly loosing my patience with it.
 
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Hi MUZZAR,
as your address contains LOUGHBOROUGH i would suggest you pay a visit to VINCE @ STEALTH RACING, he'
s at SOUTHAM not to far away from above, Cheers,ALAN.
 
I had a similar problem with the suspension on another car (Mercedes)

For weeks it would make this intermittent strange noise when going over bumps and nobody could work out what it was.
I eventually found that the bottom 3/4" of the spring on one side had broken off and was sitting in the middle of the spring on its holder. That was what was making the strange noise, the noise changed a bit as the piece moved around.

Probably not your problem but worth a look.
 
Quick update. Car is now a Stealth getting new clutch, gearbox and Koni FSDs (with new springs) fitted. Should do the trick and can't wait to get it back!
 
You will notice the difference :) they did my Fsd's and remap and the car has not been the same since:)

Cheers

David
 
Spoke to stealth today, car needs a new syncro for gearbox and it is on backorder for 10-14days! Damn it! :S
 
Finally picked up my car from Stealth at yesterday and what a difference! The Koni's really do make a difference and the work the guys did on troubleshooting my gearbox and the plethora of other problems was really good. To top it off I also had the car remapped again to run Stealth's code (and switch off the EGR) instead of Custom Code's remap and it is soo much better! The power is delivered a lot smoother and keeps the turbo pushing on for much longer which makes it fantastic to drive on country roads and has already given me much more confidence overtaking.

I really wasn't expecting such a drastic change in how the car feels, drives and performs but after only a day I am quite impressed! When you want to drive fast the koni's and mid range power give greater confidence through the corners but when cruising on the motorway, the cabin noise, vibrations and back breaking ride are eliminated. The quality of work and service such a small garage gives really does put main dealers to shame and my car will always go back to Stealth for any future work. ( Thought I might give them a good plug! :p) I would definitely recommend!
 
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