Xantia gearbox change....

RDD · Post by **RDD** » 05 Mar 2005, 21:16

Bugger

I have to source, and fit a new (read secondhand) gearbox to my Xantia. After finding the previous owner had run it on what appeared to be a couple of tablespoonfuls of copper-ease, it has improved somewhat with a flushing out, and some fresh gear oil. But, in 4th and 5th gear, cruising along, it has an annoying tendancy to judder, and lose drive periodically.
I'll be doing it down at the car club at work (big, well-lit hangar, with all the vehicle ramps, axle-stands, engine braces etc you can shake a stick at), and I'm wondering if anyone has any pointers specific to the Xantia.....
Any pointers/help appreciated!

AndersDK · Post by **AndersDK** » 05 Mar 2005, 22:11

How much oil did you fill in ?
I'd say a bit over the mark - some 2.2L - would ensure the selector mechanism is lubed up again.
The judder would be the clutch, unless something has rattled apart inside the box.
Check the axle insertion points. The seals here may well be the culpritt as they can empty the box over a couple of weeks.
If you decide to replace the box, the job is pretty straightforward : simply remove all obstacles that would be in the way to get out the box from underneath and to the LEFT.
In wiev of the juddering I'd certainly try finance a new clutch (and cable !).
When refitting the box, then you're better off if you find a couple of long bolts same thrad as the box mounting bolts. Then you can slide the box over the longbolts (heads hacksawed off) and very easy fit the mounting bolts at top.
The box is surprisingly heavy and you're quickly running dry on biceps boost [B)]

jeremy · Post by **jeremy** » 05 Mar 2005, 23:25

If its just loosing drive for a short period but not jumping out of gear it must be clutch. Probably slipping a bit under load, gets hot and the linings fade just like brakes. So when it cooles it seems to grip again. Greatest load would be in 4th and especially 5th as the multiplication of torque by the gearbox is less and anyway you don't stay in those gears for long.
Jeremy

ActivaV6uk · Post by **ActivaV6uk** » 05 Mar 2005, 23:45

i've gpt a 1.9 TD box here if its any use (i may have a good clutch too)
I'm in redditch worcestershire I think it owes me £40
Andy

RDD · Post by **RDD** » 06 Mar 2005, 01:44

I'm up in Scotland, at RAF Kinloss, Worcestershire is a bit far away

Thanks for the offer though!
The clutch will be done at the same time, no point popping the 'box off and not doing it! - when it jumps out of drive, the gearbox makes a hell of a racket. It spounds like it's bust a bearing on the 4th/5th gear shaft. I'll be dismantling the old one to have a look-see after

tonespeed1999 · Post by **tonespeed1999** » 06 Mar 2005, 02:13

I put a box in a xantia last month,due to weird noises,turned out the diff was starting to break up!!

Dave Burns · Post by **Dave Burns** » 06 Mar 2005, 03:58

Take the clutch cable anchor bracket off and the gear linkage bracket from the diff housing, they just get in the way, snag on anything they can and scratch paint.
Don't try to unscrew the box mounting stud as per BOL, just unbolt the bracket that it screws into.
Don't forget to pull the pin on the release arm/shaft before pulling the box away.

john alexander · Post by **john alexander** » 06 Mar 2005, 04:09

rdd theres a small scrappy between lossie and elgin,road opp bucaneer service station if I mind right.also one at spey bay but its not a rake about scrappy. regards john