Juicetastic09 Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 I had my car into the garage this morning to investigate the whining I mentioned in a previous post. They've told me the gearbox needs replacing and advised the clutch is done at the same time, total cost £1522. Gutted. I've been on to the dealer I bought it from 5 weeks ago and they've told my garage the warranty will cover it. My warranty certificate states a claim limit of £500 so now I am just waiting to find out what happens next. If they agree to pay I'm wondering if they may not agree to the clutch replacement as it's the gearbox at fault? Does the clutch have to be replaced at the same time? 🤔🤔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsFocus Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 The clutch doesn't have to be replaced at the same time, but it would be mad not to. If it fails in the next few months then the gearbox has to be removed again to replace it. The clutch itself is really cheap compared to the labour of removing the 'box. As you bought the car 5 weeks ago, the £500 warranty isn't really relevant, the car wasn't fit for purpose so should be fixed for free anyway. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexp999 Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 If you bought it from a business (such as a dealer) 5 weeks ago, your consumer rights trump any warranty. The car purchased must be of satisfactory quality and last a reasonable amount of time. For the first 6 months after purchase, the burden of proof is on the seller to prove that the product/service (in this case car) was not faulty at the point of sale. Which basically translates to a free 6 month warranty 😉 So don't worry about what the certificate says, the dealer you bought it from will need to cover the cost. Quote the Consumer Rights Act 2015 if they don't seem amenable. You must deal with them though, they have to be given the opportunity to repair it. You can't just hand them an invoice having got it done elsewhere, unless they've agreed to that first. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicetastic09 Posted March 5, 2020 Author Share Posted March 5, 2020 Thanks guys. I know the dealer is responsible for the repair but they've referred my garage to the warranty company so I'm just waiting to see what they say. I would rather do what they advise and change the clutch too, I know they're not scam artists and trust them not to be conning me. It's the only garage I've used that charged me less than they quoted for a job because it didnt take them as long as they thought. They did agree the car seems otherwise sound and is lovely and smooth to drive and I would definitely rather have it repaired and keep it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexp999 Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 Just make sure you are not picking up the difference in cost as it's the dealer's responsibility. I'd also make sure that this doesn't mean you can't claim as much on your warranty later, outside the 6 months (depending on how long it's valid for). 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicetastic09 Posted March 5, 2020 Author Share Posted March 5, 2020 2 minutes ago, alexp999 said: Just make sure you are not picking up the difference in cost as it's the dealer's responsibility. I'd also make sure that this doesn't mean you can't claim as much on your warranty later, outside the 6 months (depending on how long it's valid for). It's a 3 month warranty. I'm not planning on paying anything so will battle if I have to although I could do without that. I haven't involved the finance company yet as that would be a last resort. I'm just hoping the dealer will do right and sort it out without too much hassle. I love the car though so I am a bit gutted 😔 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexp999 Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 Tbh if everything else checks out and you get a car with a new gearbox and clutch I'd say you'd done quite well really. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicetastic09 Posted March 5, 2020 Author Share Posted March 5, 2020 Just now, alexp999 said: Tbh if everything else checks out and you get a car with a new gearbox and clutch I'd say you'd done quite well really. Yep that's my thinking too. That's why I would rather have it repaired and keep it 😁😁 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Botus Posted March 5, 2020 Share Posted March 5, 2020 I doubt you can get a gearbox and clutch for 1500 a clutch is 350 in parts and labour to do the lot will be another 350 - making a box 800..... which sounds like a rodge the bodge overhaul - I expect a boring manual box is over 2k, and a dsg one with their silly clutches, later actuator and ecu the wrong side of 5k Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicetastic09 Posted March 6, 2020 Author Share Posted March 6, 2020 7 hours ago, Botus said: I doubt you can get a gearbox and clutch for 1500 a clutch is 350 in parts and labour to do the lot will be another 350 - making a box 800..... which sounds like a rodge the bodge overhaul - I expect a boring manual box is over 2k, and a dsg one with their silly clutches, later actuator and ecu the wrong side of 5k They've quoted £633 + VAT for a reconditioned gearbox, clutch kit is £298 + VAT. The old box has to be returned to the company supplying the reconditioned one or the price increases by another £300. Yesterday the warranty company were asking if it had been dismantled as they wanted photos of failed parts along with the old box returned to them. 🤦♀️🤦♀️ 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsFocus Posted March 6, 2020 Share Posted March 6, 2020 2 hours ago, Juicetastic09 said: They've quoted £633 + VAT for a reconditioned gearbox, clutch kit is £298 + VAT. The old box has to be returned to the company supplying the reconditioned one or the price increases by another £300. Yesterday the warranty company were asking if it had been dismantled as they wanted photos of failed parts along with the old box returned to them. 🤦♀️🤦♀️ Just tell the warranty company they would have to pay the £300 surcharge if they want the box themselves, it's their choice then. I assume they're paying for the work instead of you paying and them refunding you later on? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alexp999 Posted March 6, 2020 Share Posted March 6, 2020 It's been 5 weeks since you bought it, this should all be the dealers problem. They just have to sort it, you shouldn't even need the hassle beyond dropping it off. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicetastic09 Posted March 6, 2020 Author Share Posted March 6, 2020 I told the dealer yesterday that they were responsible for the repair. They very quietly replied "yes I know". I also made it very clear to them that I would not be having the gearbox dismantled or providing photos of failed parts. He tried to suggest that garages replace gearboxes unnecessarily when sometimes it's only certain parts that have failed. Then went very quiet when I told him the nearest gearbox specialist is 60 miles away and I would not be taking it there. The car is currently driveable but they cannot give a timescale on how long for, it could last weeks or it could completely fail today. I have video of the noise the box is making when driven and also noise in the engine in neutral. The garage watched then test drove the vehicle for 20 minutes. I'm satisfied that the diagnosis is correct. I will be telling them today that I am not interested in the warranty terms as they do not apply. I'm not sure if they think because I am a woman that I must be a clueless pushover but if that's the case they will be very disappointed. I wouldn't have lasted 18 years in my current profession by being a soft touch and crumbling at every obstacle. 😉😉 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Carl123 Posted March 6, 2020 Share Posted March 6, 2020 28 minutes ago, Juicetastic09 said: I told the dealer yesterday that they were responsible for the repair. They very quietly replied "yes I know". Secretly set your phone to record all conversations with the dealer. You can use it against them if they later retract something you say they said. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ennvoqation Posted March 6, 2020 Share Posted March 6, 2020 2 hours ago, Carl123 said: Secretly set your phone to record all conversations with the dealer. You can use it against them if they later retract something you say they said. Don't do this, as it's not legal nor admissible in court unless you specifically say right at the beginning that the call is being recorded. I can't remember exactly why but I have vague memories of it being called 'entrapment'. It's far better to get everything in writing and upfront. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TomsFocus Posted March 6, 2020 Share Posted March 6, 2020 2 hours ago, Juicetastic09 said: He tried to suggest that garages replace gearboxes unnecessarily when sometimes it's only certain parts that have failed. Well at least he's right about something... It'll just be the input shaft bearing that's worn out, really common on the Mk3s unfortunately. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicetastic09 Posted March 6, 2020 Author Share Posted March 6, 2020 10 minutes ago, TomsFocus said: Well at least he's right about something... It'll just be the input shaft bearing that's worn out, really common on the Mk3s unfortunately. They have said bearings and looking online with the noise it's making this would seem most likely. I don't know any mechanics that would strip and repair a failed gearbox, it seems to be a specialist job. I emailed the dealer earlier and put a rocket up them. They've now replied saying they're sourcing a reconditioned box and they want me to return the car to them for repair. They will provide a courtesy car. This morning on my way to work it was sticky on gear selection and the clutch slipped for the first time although it was better once it warmed up and I have told them about this. Can I insist the clutch is done too? Do I have to drive it back to them bearing in mind its 70 miles with a dodgy gearbox? Or can I insist they come and collect it 🤷♀️ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenFord Posted March 6, 2020 Share Posted March 6, 2020 2 hours ago, Carl123 said: Secretly set your phone to record all conversations with the dealer. You can use it against them if they later retract something you say they said. Why secretly? Put the dam phone on the desk and tell them you're recording! 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicetastic09 Posted March 6, 2020 Author Share Posted March 6, 2020 Dealer has confirmed via email that they will also do the clutch as "good practice and a gesture of goodwill" plus the reversing switch. I'm now waiting for them to tell me when I can return it and hope that it lasts long enough to get me there. 😁😁 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_hudson Posted March 6, 2020 Share Posted March 6, 2020 5 hours ago, TomsFocus said: Well at least he's right about something... It'll just be the input shaft bearing that's worn out, really common on the Mk3s unfortunately. +1 on this... grinding noise when clutch pedal released Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicetastic09 Posted March 6, 2020 Author Share Posted March 6, 2020 22 minutes ago, n_hudson said: +1 on this... grinding noise when clutch pedal released Up to now it's been whining from about 3rd gear and getting worse as I increase speed. Some days its unbearably loud then it seems to drop off to a faint whine in the background before building back up again. Then 2 days ago I noticed a whirring noise that stops when the clutch pedal is pressed and this morning was a grinding noise in first gear until the engine warmed up then it went back to a faint whine. I also get a slight grinding noise as I slow down for junctions/roundabouts/traffic lights. It's not consistently bad but the bad parts are getting worse. This morning it felt sticky/soft going into gear which was new. Hope that makes sense, not sure how else to describe it? I know these forums pop up in google searches so hopefully it will help someone searching for the same problem. This is the whine tuesday morning 9 miles into my journey to work. I was in 4th gear just slowing down into a 30mph stretch. Bearing in mind the background noise you can probably imagine how loud this was inside the car This is the whirring in neutral, it's not as noticeable until I press the clutch and you hear it cut off. Excuse the state of the footwell, the rest of the car is clean 🤣 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
n_hudson Posted March 16, 2020 Share Posted March 16, 2020 Id suggest that it is the input shaft bearing, sounds VERY familiar to mine when it failed. I'd take it to a gearbox specialist and get their opinion... but as said above, its very common. I didn't change the clutch and flywheel as I'd had them changed only a few thousand miles before, but with having the box off its a false economy to not change them due to the labour costs involved. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicetastic09 Posted March 18, 2020 Author Share Posted March 18, 2020 The dealer had the car back on saturday and gave me a loan car to use. I collected it this morning, gearbox, clutch and reversing switch all done and didn't cost me a penny. May be a while before I stop listening for any noise but I'm glad to have her back 😁😁 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
StephenFord Posted March 18, 2020 Share Posted March 18, 2020 1 minute ago, Juicetastic09 said: ... all done and didn't cost me a penny. ... That's always a good price! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Juicetastic09 Posted March 18, 2020 Author Share Posted March 18, 2020 4 minutes ago, StephenFord said: That's always a good price! Indeed! 😁😁 They also did the slave cylinder, no idea if that's standard practice when replacing the clutch? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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