Vauxhall Vectra B (1995 - 1999) - 97 1.8 Clutch/gearbox crunching sound

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Tue 26 Aug 2008 15:07
97 1.8 Clutch/gearbox crunching sound - dwetherill2
Hi all,

I'm getting a horrendous crunching sound from my 1997 vectra arctic. It mostly happens when using the clutch in low gears (junctions etc) and it has happened when stationary (happened loads stationary in a traffic jam yesterday when i was resting my feet). It has also happened when driving in 3rd gear a few times.

The sound only lasts a second or so and its getting more frequent. Tends to be worse on hot days, and it normally takes at least 10-15 mins worth of driving for the problem to start.

Vauxhall dealership want £300 just to look at gearbox and a possible further £850 for clutch/gearbox replacements. Given the age of the car, I'm a bit cautious about paying this without finding out more about the problem.

It had a recent MOT and they couldn't find anything when checking the clutch bearings. From looking at similar forums there is some discussion of clutch drag, replacing gearbox oil, syncos and linkage, clutch plate spring and thrust bearings related to similar problems. Has anyone had any experiences/ know what it is likely to be? And more importantly how much was it to rectify?

Appreciate your help

David

Edited by Webmaster on 26/08/2008 at 15:13

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Tue 26 Aug 2008 15:13
97 1.8 Clutch/gearbox crunching sound - jase1
From looking at similar forums there is some discussion of clutch drag replacing gearbox oil
syncos and linkage clutch plate spring and thrust bearings related to similar problems. Has anyone
had any experiences/ know what it is likely to be? And more importantly how much
was it to rectify?


Does sound like the clutch from what you've said.

When stationary, try holding the clutch pedal for a couple of seconds then change gear. Does it grind or baulk then? If so, then it's clutch drag.

Replacement clutch on Vectras isn't cheap I believe -- I think this model was an engine-out job, so at least £500.
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