Swifty Baby

Hi all,

4 weeks ago I heard a different noise to the usual S2000 tuneful notes. At the service 3 weeks ago I suggested it might be a wheel bearing and they investigated, couldn't find anything and said wait for it to get worse.... it got worse.... rapidly! After a very short trip it smells like something is getting warm.

Today it has gone in for what I thought was a wheel bearing or diff issue as the noise varies due to rolling speed, not revs related. Garage has said wheel bearings are fine, diff is fine, problem lies with gearbox and they can see some small metal filings. I have had no problem changing gears although have driven on the careful side since I thought a wheel bearing was about to go.... could a bearing have seized in the gearbox?

What I'd like to know is if anyone else has had an issue with the gearbox like this. I know it's very hard to describe a noise.

Car has done 103,000 miles and has the clutch buzz issue so if I do need work on the gearbox then I will get the clutch changed as well. Could the clutch buzz issue have caused a problem with the gearbox??? I have done 55,000 miles in it so far and had no major faults.

Thanks for any comments.

noizyboyz

Could try changing the oil see if it improves, but the small metal filings do not sound good.

m1bjr

Common on all older RWD boxes is the gearbox output shaft bearing.

Often a little more noisy when coasting down in gear - a deep whining growl that is often on/off as you apply/reapply power.

Sound like it?

tomkbucks

mine has the output noise , and clutch buzz - fix - turn up the volume of the radio

though does not ' smell ' like its getting warm - have you got out and checked to see if the wheels are warm ?you may have a binding caliper ? also pop the bonnet - anything very warm ?

Swifty Baby

Volume of noise increases as speed increases, nope no on/off as apply/repply power.
Have been happy with clutch buzz for 4 years and no need to correct it now although will be cheaper to change clutch at same time.
Definitely hot smell from rear of car, not tyres, not brakes. First check was if the wheels are warm, brakes fine. Same smell inside car too.... (not me!)
Concerned about the metal filings though.... cost me nothing except servicing and brakes/tyres so not totally unhappy. Garage have suggested a gearbox specialist nearby.

Dembo

It's probably not worth fixing the gearbox. Mine from a low mileage MY04 cost £400 from a breaker, and you'll have to pay the labour for removing and refitting either way.

I'd have thought once on ramps it would be obvious where the smell and heat was coming from.

tomkbucks

have you checked the oil in the gearbox / diff to see colour and if there is any crap in it ?

Swifty Baby

Cheers Dembo, I'll look into the breakers option.

Yes it would seem there is crap in the oil.

m1bjr

The hot smell is burning hypoid gear oil sir
Maybe a bearing picked up and spinning in the housing.
Demob's got the best idea, sack it off and get one from a breaker.
Last box I had refurbed by the BIL as we were too busy, cost £450 at mates rates and that was a crappy old Suzuki!