C15 noisy gearbox

Dave.P · Post by **Dave.P** » 14 Aug 2010, 15:59

Hi, new member here. I have a C15 van with only 28,000 miles on the clock, problem is the gearbox is very noisy, in neutral with clutch out and engine idling its fine, its only when the vehicle is moving that the noise starts, does it in all gears but when pressing the clutch in to change gear the noise stops until you let the clutch out again, gets slightly louder when revs are higher. Even if i drive at idling speed in first gear the this strange noise is noticable, hard to describe what it sounds like but I know its not normal, anyone know what it could be please?

Citroenmad · Post by **Citroenmad** » 14 Aug 2010, 16:01

Have you checked the gearbox oil level?

Post by **CitroJim** » 14 Aug 2010, 17:51

Citroenmad wrote:Have you checked the gearbox oil level?

I'd be inclined to change it. It's not unknown for garages, through ignorance, to put the wrong stuff in. I've even seen one (my daughter's 206) filled with ATF!

The ONLY oil to use is 75W/80 and the best is Total BV75W/80. Failing that, Comma make a good 75W/80.

The use of any other grade can cause all sorts of problems...

Hopefully then the noise will cease. If not, there is an internal problem, most likely a bearing.

When you drain, critically inspect the old oil for bits of metal and other debris and if the drain plug has a magnet on it, see what's on that.

I once knew a 205 owner who drained a couple of ball bearings out of his gearbox....

citronut · Post by **citronut** » 14 Aug 2010, 18:00

hi and welcome Dave

are you certain its the box and not the clutch thrust bearing, maybe a wheel bearing or even brakes,

so you say its only whilst you are moveing along,

were abouts are you

regards malcolm

Dave.P · Post by **Dave.P** » 14 Aug 2010, 18:43

thanks for the replies everyone, I am wondering if it is the oil, the next problem is how do I check the gearbox oil, I'm assuming theres a filler plug somewhere, I know only too well what happens when you undo the wrong one. Hi Malcolm, its definately transmission related and only happens when the gearbox is under load. I'm near Dumfries in Scotland.

Dave.P · Post by **Dave.P** » 17 Aug 2010, 11:42

Gearbox oil changed, here's the old stuff, surely it shouldn't be as dark as this (a browny green colour)

Post by **CitroJim** » 17 Aug 2010, 12:34

Looks 'orrible..

And I'm worried about the pile of screws too

Thing is, has it helped the noise?

Dave.P · Post by **Dave.P** » 17 Aug 2010, 16:30

thankfully the screws didnt come from the gearbox lol. Unfortunately it hasnt cured the noise, surely the gearbox shouldn't be worn at 28,000 miles, any I'll just keep driving it the way it is and put another gearbox in if/when this one packs up.

Post by **CitroJim** » 17 Aug 2010, 16:50

Thing is Dave, there's noises and noises. Some are good (in that the 'box will soldier on for ever) and some are real harbingers of doom.

Generally if the noise sounds smooth, almost musical and is not jarring then it's of the former sort. One that makes you grit your teeth, jars through your head and is like fingers down a blackboard then it is invariably of the latter sort..

flying clutchman · Post by **flying clutchman** » 20 Aug 2010, 15:02

gearboxes are easy to chame on c15 diesels and not too hard to come by, so I'd stick another one in.

Dave.P · Post by **Dave.P** » 22 Aug 2010, 13:46

I think thats what I,ll end up doing, should be some C15 gearboxs at the local salvage. Thanks for the help everyone.

Kowalski · Post by **Kowalski** » 22 Aug 2010, 14:00

CitroJim wrote:I once knew a 205 owner who drained a couple of ball bearings out of his gearbox....

Is there a special refill hole for putting the new ball bearings in?

uhn113x · Post by **uhn113x** » 24 Aug 2010, 09:03

It's where the sawdust goes!