Gearbox faulure: design fault?

[phillsw]

Hi,

I own a 52 plate Leon 1.8 20v (non-turbo) and a hole about the size of a 10 pence piece has just been made in my gearbox.

On firday I noticed a clicking sound from the front left when slowing down. The frequency of the sound was relative to the speed I was travelling.

I'd had two new tyres put on the front on wednesday, and wondered if something had got cought and was catching with the rotation of the wheel.

I went out this morning to jack up the car and take a look - driving the car around the carpark to check the noise was still there.

When checking under the car, gearbox oil was streaming out. I even found a piece of the box casing in the ground, in the trail of oil.

Anyway, I've been googling and found that this is a common issue on 1.6VW engined cars at low milages.

It's only done 43k, I don't hammer the car, nor do I force gears or anything else that could cause this.

Does anyone know if my gearbox in a 1.8 20v, is the same as the one in 1.6 engines. The reason I ask is, if it is, I plan on taking it up with SEAT/WV. I know the car is out of warranty, but geaar box failure after 43k? Come on?!

The car is probably only worth £3k, and from what I've been reading, it could cost me £1400 for a new one - although I won't know for sure until I call around tomorrow. Does anyone know what I should expect to pay?

I'm gutted. The car has never let me down once, and now it has, it's done it big style.

Thanks for any help.

 

[Markyboyt]

I really dont know if it is common with that gearbox or anything but I can recommend http://www.partsgateway.co.uk as they will send info of your request to seat breakers, is free so in the event of you having to forkout for a box its worth trying

 

[jwfcms]

my box on my golf went at 60k terrible boxes IMO. the boxes are crap in the cold. they feel sometimes notchy and then if they have done a few miles feel loose as anything. i have got a astra van with 150k for work the van is in mint condition but the mileage is high, gearbox is perfect in the cold or whatever you throw at it its never let me down still going after 150k and always changes gear smoothly.

they are common problem on a 1.4 and 1.6 engine boxes as the crown wheel and pinion in the differential are rivetted together, after time the stress snaps these and then if left all comes apart and makes a hole in the gearbox housing, then the box cant be re conditioned as cheap as you need a new housing then. i payed 600 for mine with free fitting on a 1.4. the 6 speed boxes are supposed to be better, just heard of the selector forks wearing quick as they are made of brass and sometimes 1st - 2nd fork breaks.

 

[ibizacupra]

diff rivet failure on vag cars is common.
good luck with VAG on it

 

[phillsw]

I spoke to a gearbox specialist yesterday and he doesn't believe it's the rivet. It's a defferent gearbox to the 1.6. He said something about a disk of some sort spliiting, and smashing through the casing. Makes sence when I consider the tapping sound.

Anyway, he quoted me £450 for another box and £120 for fitting. Figured I'd get the clutch replaced at the same time to save future costs - £129 for the kit. Comes out at just under £850 including vat and pickup. This is at M&T Transmissions in Sheffield.

It's a lot to pay, but much cheaper than the £1578.09 I was quoted for just having a new gearbox put in.

Thanks for the replies.

 

[andycupra]

thsi forum is not littered with people complaining of broken gearboxes..