Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - JaybeeInHJ
Hi all, first post here!

I'm looking to buy a 2nd-hand gearbox to replace my failed one, however, if a problem arises, I don't want to be caught between the supplier and the mechanic both pointing the finger at each other. I definitely don't want to go down the 1st-hand route as that'll cost double.

Anyone know what I need to look out for in a 2nd-hand box/supplier? Just how often do problems arise with them? All knowledgeable replies welcome.

Thanks,


JB

Edited by JaybeeInHJ on 03/04/2008 at 20:16

Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - Lud
I can never remember the web address, but there's an outfit called findparts or something that represents a confederation of breakers. You say what part you want and they email you with a price. I got a gearbox for my Escort for £100 delivered to my garage man and it's been perfectly all right.
Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - Peter.N.
If you take the cover off you can check the condition of the synchro rings. If the teeth on the gears that engage in the synchro hubs are worn on one edge this is usually a sign that the rings are worn.
Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - JaybeeInHJ
Thanks, anybody else? I was hoping for a good half-dozen to make a decision on!!

Thanks,


JB
Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - thomp1983
have you tried getting a quote for supplying and fitment from a gearbox specialist that way any problems are to be dealt with by them.

if not try partsgateway they cover alot of breakers and all items are guaranteed

chris
Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - nick
The only problem with a guaranteed secondhand box is they'll give you a replacement box if it turns out to be no good but you'll still be out of pocket on the labour cost of fitting the box, taking it out and refitting another replacement.
Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - thomp1983
true enough but unless you lose the car for a few days and have yours rebuilt your always going to have to take that risk, can't think of any company that throws in free labour if their supplied unit fails

chris
Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - Lud
The website may result in several emails, and you can choose on price or on what the person on the phone tells you. The one I got was rational and reassuring, and gave me the mileages of the boxes. It was very painless, but of course if the box had been no good might have hurt a bit more.

I guess yr mechanic can have a good feel of the gearbox and get some idea of how good it is before putting it in (with the new clutch you will want to install at the same time). If he's honest it shouldn't be all that expensive unless Saabs are a bit unusual.
Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - Hamsafar
Check out www.yell.com
and search for gear boxes in your area.
A proper gearbox specialist who does them on an exchange basis and can fit them is best. If you use a separate fitter and supplier you will have very little comeback if there is trouble.
Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - JaybeeInHJ
Thanks for the tip mate, but why would I need a new clutch too?

Edited by Dynamic Dave on 09/04/2008 at 19:50

Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - Hamsafar
It's pretty standard practice, as the clutch kit is cheap, but the labour isn't. If fitting a gearbox, it's already right there before you.
Your experience of 2nd hand gearboxes? (Saab 96) - adverse camber
agreed.

I;m not totally clear what you have - Im assuming a saab 96? despite the 900 header.

If you are going to go to the labour cost of replacing the box then I would be looking at anything else that has to be disturbed and thinking about the age of the car and the cost of replacing it now as opposed to in a year or whatever.

Gearbox linkage would be one thing - or do I misremember that there is a weak point on the reverse selection on these due to linkage wear?