AXGT - Difficulty engaging gears

[Will]

Hi there

I have recently drained & refilled the gearbox with new oil on the AX after replacing a driveshaft. I put in around 2 litres(2 x 1-litre bottles although one semed to have slightly less in it!)

On driving, I'mm now having a bit of difficulty selecting gears - mainly from first to second, where it can be very stiff and crunch. Overall it feels very stodgy going up the gears (even after a good warm-up in this cold weather). AX gerchanges are notchy at the best of times but it has definitely become more difficult to engage smoothly since the oil change.

My initial thought would be that I have over or under-filled the box as it was fine before - any advice on which is it likely to be?

Thanks
Will

[Old-Guy]

Two questions: -
What gearbox does the AXGT have? (e.g. BE3/5)
What make and grade of oil did you use?
My reasons for asking are that some Citroen gearboxes are very fussy about their oil - not just the correct grade, but the 'right' makes too. For example the BE3 gets all reluctant and obstructive if filled with anything other than Total BV or Comma 75W/80 - it's said that Total, with its strong ties with Citroen, formulated their 75W/30 specifically for the BE3 gearbox.

[spider]

Its the small MA box on the TU units.

I'd agree, what oil did you use ?

If its notching I'd check the clutch adjustment as a quick test, as its quicker / easier than oil.

Mines slightly notchy although I think they are a bit compared to the BE units.

[Will]

Thanks for the replies. I used Comma GL4 EP80W-90. Could this be it?

I've used the same in my 2cv gearbox with no problems so assumed the AX would be ok, but it looks like the AX box might be more particular!

I replaced the clutch cable about six months ago and it is correctly adjusted, with no problems prior to the oil change.

[spider]

Is that a BV oil ? , I wonder if that's the problem.

No problem to clutch was just a thought as a notching, its the first thing I thought of.

Mines slightly notchy with plenty of oil and the clutch adjusted, adjusting it more as a test made no improvement.

[myglaren]

That oil is certainly a bit heavy for the box and will almost certainly damage the cones before long. Best to drain it and replace with the specified Total BV 75/80, cheaper than the alternative.
Peugeot and Citroen dealers will stock it as will some motor factors. Don't be fobbed off with anything else although Comma is OK.
Total fuel stations are extremely unlikely to stock it.

[citronut]

Auto data state 2lt's 75/80 in the AX

and 0.9 of a lt the same grade as above for a dersh (2CV )

80/90 will definitely be way to heavy for either car

i belive any BV spec oil will be fine

[Will]

Thanks everyone. First job then - to drop the oil and replace it with 75/80 and see how it behaves after that. My local shop stocks Comma oil so hopefully it'll be ok.

[citronut]

it must be " BV " spec 70/80

[myglaren]

it must be " BV " spec 70/80

Malcolm, I believe it was Addo who said that BV was the French acronym for boîte de vitesse - gearbox.

[uhn113x]

it must be " BV " spec 70/80

... and drop the gearbox oil when it's hot.

[Old-Guy]

You won't be able to drain out all the thick stuff no matter how long you wait - there's a whole load of places at the bottom of the box where oil puddles. You'll be lucky to drain 80% out, so when you 'refill' with the correct grade, you'll have an 80:20 mix; you may well have to do the job twice to get the contamination down to 4%.

Not only does the 'box need to be HOT but so does the fresh oil - soak the bottle(s) in a bowl of very hot water and don't forget to dry them off otherwise you're likely to get some water in the 'box. Pour in slowly until oil starts to dribble out of the level plug.