Smashed gearbox -arggh

[APNess]

I knew it was all going too well. Running sweet as a nut etc, just serviced, fine n dandy etc etc. Have always had a bit of trouble getting into 2nd at high (anything over 6000) revs, and tonight it manifested as an awful grinding sound, with subsequent trouble getting into 1st or 2nd. I managed to notch it into 2nd a couple of times when revs were higher, but it seems the syncro on 1 nd 2 has finally given up the ghost. I have an awful feeling this means reverse as well, in which case I'll have a devil of a time getting the car out of the garage.

So... Tom? you've been here before... what's it gonna cost for a recon gearbox, where can I get it done etc?

My alternative is taking the plunge and getting another car, flogging the car for whatever I can get for it. Runs great in all gears except 1 and 2, and maybe reverse :S

My only consolation is I guess I knew in my heart of hearts this was coming, as the gearbox has always been a bit reluctant every now and again going into 2nd. Car's done 107k.

Hmmm. Have to figure out how to get to work tommorrow too.. Nnngh.



My own fault I guess, but having a fast car and drivig it slow so as to save the components seems a bit pointless :S

Doh.

Right, off to go cry into my bank account.

Paul

[4WheelDrifter]

Sorry to hear that mate.
It sounds like another job for the garage meet.
I was wondering what Tom's gearbox solution is, with all that power. I'm a bit scared to tune my S2, for fear of destroying the fragile gearbox.
I know there's a gearbox specialist in Burtle, near Bridgwater. Probably a bit far for you though.

[Kodiak]

Synchros are a relatively new invention. If you work on your technique a bit, you can learn to live without them. PM me if you want some tips.

I once drove from Amsterdam to Paris without using the clutch, and there were no disasters or grinds. Your issue should be even easier to drive around.

BTW, are you sure that the problem is the gearbox and not the clutch? If the clutch wasn't declutching completely, the symptoms might be like you describe.

That's just my two cents. Sorry if I've underestimated your abilities. Maybe you've already considered this stuff and found it a no-go. But I'm pretty good at driving smashed gearboxes and could give you tips if you need 'em.

[APNess]

Managed to get by without a clutch with a citroen but it was no fun, and that didn't have 400+ lb ft of torque either. Clutch showed no signs of slipping, and goes into the higher gears ok, even from a stand (had to set off in third from a couple of junctions...)

Like I say, my immediate problem is getting to work tommorrow then I'll have the weekend to figure something out. Box of matches and a gallon of super unleaded should do it I reckon

[4WheelDrifter]

The clutch dragging would be the problem. I used to have this problem in a Metro. (Did I just say that?) But the solution was easy on that. Just tug on the cable to get it to readjust. I guess that won't work on the S2!

[s2avant95M]

my gearbox went (crown wheel and pinion ) last year, had to have the gearbox rebuilt. came to £1800 including new clutch. sorry to give the bad news.

[APNess]

*clunk* £1800.

That's not an option.

I'll figure out what to do with the S2 when I've got some more transport sorted out. I could pay to get it fixed easy enough but I think it's time I changed to the dark side - been resisting the lure of diesel long enough.

So, apart from a chip, how can I make a diesel go faster? Nitrous?

[audiman]

I had my box rebuilt about 2 years ago mate. It costs about 700 for the box plus fitting. If i was you i would look for a s.hand box and fit that. My current box, one i bought from SteveH, has done me nearly a year without fault. It has taken big power wthout making any noise or nothing. Time you sorted that problem out, i paid 250 quid for the gearbox, s/hand. You might be able to find one for about the same money, if your skint.

[APNess]

I'll see what it's like in morning - been scouring autotrader as I always do when something falls off the car (which has happened... um, twice now, in 5 years, so it's not exactly a bad un :S)

Any ideas who/where to try for a s/h box? A 5 speed would do,not bothered about 6th if it's cheap - and yeah, I am skint :S

[audiman]

Dude, changing to 5 speeds aint gonna be as cheap. different prop and gear change. Try All audi or 4 ring spares.

[Jas11n]

Dude, changing to 5 speeds aint gonna be as cheap. different prop and gear change. Try All audi or 4 ring spares.

I don't want to get hopes up ,,but,,,,someone was selling a six speeder on audifans last month.....

now for the problem I can't get the details of the seller at the moment..

Site is still down,,,,,move to the new server has hit one or two problems, bloody database is at 250mb and their server keeps on timing out. (even when zipped to 20mb it times out on unzipping at the other end)

We are working on it tomorrow,sooooo fingers crossed it should hopefully be back up and running over the weekend and I'll be able to ask him whether it's still for sale..

Not much of a help I know

[Doug_RS2]

There was an RS4 gearbox for sale on AudiSport.net.

[s2avant95M]

There was an RS4 gearbox for sale on AudiSport.net.

Yeah, I think mine was £700 completely rebuilt, but then of course there is fitting and clutch parts, then the dreaded VAT. I suppose if you fit it yourself you could save £600 - £800.

Good luck with the search anyway.

[S2central.net]

On the positive side... when PaulJ gets another 'box fitted, his dead one can be donated to Lee as a conversational subject with his contacts at Quaife to see if they can graft an ATB into the front or centre differentials.

After that it can of course be reco'd / repaired and will live another day !


Paul

[SteveH]

Paul,

Bad luck m8 I know of someone with a few boxes. Send me a PM if interested and I'll forward the details to you.

Steve