Advice on Gearbox Issue

Forums › Transport (cars, bikes and boats) › Advice on Gearbox Issue

networkn

Networkn
32363 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#201542 23-Aug-2016 13:13

So my sister has a 2000 Suzuki Swift with 75KM on the clock.

Apparently, for 2 weeks it's been making this noise:

https://soundcloud.com/hanz-26/voice-005-m4a

So my nephew in his infinite wisdom (despite me saying to leave it to me to sort) drove the car to Hamilton to buy a new bearing for it (Since whomever he had spoken to claimed it was a bearing issue and would cost $1200 to fix by them) and have his

friend install it. (Don't even get me started). Apparently no work was completed, but when he started the car it was unable to change gears Sunday AM).

Now the car is in Hamilton, and I am trying to find out what is wrong with the car (Apparently a qualified mechanic told him the only option now is a whole new gearbox), and find a cost effective (but proper) way to fix it.

I know it's pretty unlikely I can get it diagnosed over the internet, but some/any advice would be appreciated.

I could get it towed to a transmission specialist, but if anyone has any knowledge of this car and any likely transmission details it would be useful.

1 | 2 | 3

18435 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#1616298 23-Aug-2016 13:23

The vehicle has a retail value of around $3,000 at best, throwing too much money at it is probably uneconomic

Sidestep

1013 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1616306 23-Aug-2016 13:35

So it makes that noise as soon as it's started - before it's even put in gear?

Did he have the clutch depressed when that recording was made?

networkn

Networkn
32363 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1616308 23-Aug-2016 13:36

Sidestep:

So it makes that noise as soon as it's started - before it's even put in gear?

Did he have the clutch depressed when that recording was made?

Yes, and it's an Auto.

networkn

Networkn
32363 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1616309 23-Aug-2016 13:37

I cringe to even post this, but apparently, he tells me JUST now he recently did a "service" on the car, including "flushing the transmission".

trig42

5816 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

#1616310 23-Aug-2016 13:38

Silly question time - they have checked fluid level?

Auto or Manual?

MikeB4

18435 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

#1616313 23-Aug-2016 13:39

networkn:

I cringe to even post this, but apparently, he tells me JUST now he recently did a "service" on the car, including "flushing the transmission".

Oh God, ask him to check the oil level in the engine. I wonder if that is overflowing. :P

Sidestep

1013 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1616333 23-Aug-2016 14:14

networkn:

Sidestep:

So it makes that noise as soon as it's started - before it's even put in gear?

Did he have the clutch depressed when that recording was made?

Yes, and it's an Auto.

Ok the "it's a bearing" threw me. It's unlikely to be a simple bearing on an auto.
Starting over, specs: What cc is it? 4 speed auto? Only 70Km total? (or just post the number plate & we can carjam it..)

Edit: and what exactly did your nephew do for a 'transmission flush'?

Sharesies

Trade NZ and US shares and funds with Sharesies (affiliate link).

networkn

Networkn
32363 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1616338 23-Aug-2016 14:41

Sidestep:

networkn:

Sidestep:

So it makes that noise as soon as it's started - before it's even put in gear?

Did he have the clutch depressed when that recording was made?

Yes, and it's an Auto.

Ok the "it's a bearing" threw me. It's unlikely to be a simple bearing on an auto.
Starting over, specs: What cc is it? 4 speed auto? Only 70Km total? (or just post the number plate & we can carjam it..)

Edit: and what exactly did your nephew do for a 'transmission flush'?

1.3L Auto 75000 KM. The car is in Hamilton, he is in Auckland (when it died he came home without it).

I'll see if I can get the plate info.

According to him he got oil 50-10 he thinks from Repco at the recommendation of Repco and transmission oil (also on recommendation of repco) and filled the oil in both, up till the dip stick showed full.

Apparently he got that instructions from the manual for the car.

wellygary

8342 posts

Uber Geek

#1616374 23-Aug-2016 15:49

networkn:

Apparently, for 2 weeks it's been making this noise:

So my nephew in his infinite wisdom drove the car to Hamilton

So it was making a bad noise, and was driven on a long trip by "ace mechanic nephew" and now its seized ?

Its likely going to require somone to open it up to see what has gone fut, - but the labour costs on doing that or replacing it are probably not worth it...

Sidestep

1013 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1616403 23-Aug-2016 16:13

networkn:

According to him he got oil 50-10 he thinks from Repco at the recommendation of Repco and transmission oil (also on recommendation of repco) and filled the oil in both, up till the dip stick showed full.

Apparently he got that instructions from the manual for the car.

Hmm.. even though I'm not a huge Repco fan, they're usually good enough to give you the correct fluids.

Let's not knock the nephew just yet.. at least he's given it a try.

When did it start making this noise? Was it right after the oil change?

What actually happens when he puts it in gear? Does the gear selector move freely? Louder noise? Different noise? Does the car 'try' to move? Any warning lights?

Yogi02

238 posts

Master Geek

#1616408 23-Aug-2016 16:28

1st assumption - was it going 100% OK prior to engine and oil change by nephew?

It could be anything! - If you didn't say anything at first and after listening to the clip - I would say its noisy lifters in the engine that get better once the oil gets to the top of the motor. If it takes a long time, the oil could be too thick or there is not enough of it.

I don't understand where the gearbox issue comes in? - Did it drive OK? up and down shift ok? These characteristics will aid more than chasing a noise. Could be low oil level as some transfer case thingy fills up once running and you need to recheck level, some you check while engine is running I think.

For me, it sounds like an engine problem likely to be incorrect oil, or oil level in engine too low. If that was a gearbox noise check the oil level, if OK - likely be looking for a wrecker gearbox

networkn

Networkn
32363 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1616411 23-Aug-2016 16:32

The noise apparently was present prior to the oil change, which is why he conducted the oil change. I only have his word on that, but because I have no other evidence...

I'll try and find out what happens when it's put in gear subsequent to not being driveable.

Edit : It's like pulling teeth getting this information but..

You can put the car in gear, it moves, (same noise) but apparently takes a long time to change into second, then will go into 3rd, and drop down back into 2nd or even first, which revs the engine like crazy.

Sidestep

1013 posts

Uber Geek

Lifetime subscriber

#1616428 23-Aug-2016 17:01

networkn:

The noise apparently was present prior to the oil change, which is why he conducted the oil change. I only have his word on that, but because I have no other evidence...

I'll try and find out what happens when it's put in gear subsequent to not being driveable.

Edit : It's like pulling teeth getting this information but..

You can put the car in gear, it moves, (same noise) but apparently takes a long time to change into second, then will go into 3rd, and drop down back into 2nd or even first, which revs the engine like crazy.

Assuming that the transmission's filled with the right amount of correct fluid - I'm guessing that's your front pump or - less likely - torque converter failed.

Both start spinning as soon as the engine is started - while the vehicle is still stationary and in neutral or park - both will make a whine/grind/whirring noise on failure.

Being driven a long way like that (the poor little thing) will cause complete pump failure - loose hydraulic pressure in the trans, produce symptoms as described.

Also will have spread bits of steel throughout the trans. It's time for a replacement.

Yogi02

238 posts

Master Geek

#1616436 23-Aug-2016 17:12

I have done a lot of basic mechanical maintenance and servicing and I don't believe I have ever had noises in a gearbox that have ever been fixed by changing oil - always something worse, would be highly doubtful of a bearing going bust at 70k in a gearbox especially in a swift which are quite reliable cars.

By Nephew, is he your sisters son? (i.e. Mums car?) and how old?

They just need to get it to a mechanic - but it will be debatable if it will be worth fixing.

networkn

Networkn
32363 posts

Uber Geek

ID Verified

Trusted

Lifetime subscriber

#1616520 23-Aug-2016 20:02

Yogi02:

I have done a lot of basic mechanical maintenance and servicing and I don't believe I have ever had noises in a gearbox that have ever been fixed by changing oil - always something worse, would be highly doubtful of a bearing going bust at 70k in a gearbox especially in a swift which are quite reliable cars.

By Nephew, is he your sisters son? (i.e. Mums car?) and how old?

They just need to get it to a mechanic - but it will be debatable if it will be worth fixing.

He's 18 (Sisters Son). Apparently he didn't do it himself (Exaggerated) according to my sister a friend/mechanic changed the oils. At this point I am not entirely sure what the actual deal is.

Anyone know a decent transmission specialist in Hamilton, who will consider putting a second-hand transmission in if required?

1 | 2 | 3