Fix Or Repair Daily?

[Kimmy G]

Hi all,

I have just signed up to the forum in the hope that someone could give some advice.

I bought my 05 plate car in April and have had nothing but problems with it since purchase.

The mileage is now 53,000 (bought at 46k)

I have had so many repairs done and it seems never-ending.

My issue today is that I have been told that my differential bearing is going.

When I drive and come off of the accelerator or brake to slow, there is a 'wind-like' noise; as though the gears are winding down but it just seems slightly louder than it used to.

If it actually is the bearing- I'm clearly mechanically inexperienced and it seems as though I am bait for garages-what would be the best course of action?

Replace the bearing; recondition my gearbox; or buy a reconditioned gearbox?

ANY advice would be great.

 

Thanks in advance.  

[Tdci-Peter]

5 hours ago, Kimmy G said:

I have been told that my differential bearing is going.

When I drive and come off of the accelerator or brake to slow, there is a 'wind-like' noise; as though the gears are winding down but it just seems slightly louder than it used to.

I would make sure my breakdown cover was up to date, and carry on using it!

A slight noise on over-ride (slowing down), is not enough to justify a major gearbox overhaul.

I would, from time to time, jack up each front wheel in turn, rotate it in both directions, and listen & feel for any odd sounds or roughness. There will normally be a little clunk at each reversal of direction, but otherwise it should be quiet & smooth.

"differential bearing" sounds a bit odd. There are a number of bearings in & around the differential. It would take a real expert, or a con artist, to identify that from a slight wind-like noise. Gearboxes can make some odd sounds for long periods without problems. And there is no certainty it is the gearbox.. If if worsens significantly, then seek expert help, from at least two sources.

[Kimmy G]

Thanks for replying Peter,

I don't want to risk breaking down, it petrifies me. The noise is enough now that it is irritating to not ignore.

I thought I had sought at least one expert source... two garages have said the same thing without me mentioning gearbox

I firstly took it to a local garage, he took it for a drive with me and was 'doing his thing' with the gear stick, quiet road, speeding up and slowing down. He said differential; told me to try gearbox oil and it may quieten the sound.

I had just had a new clutch fitted so they would have topped up the gearbox oil then??

Secondly, I booked a 'safety check' with Halfords Autocentre. He also put it on the sheet- 'gearbox differential noisy'... 

However the guy also lost my brake fluid cap (I discovered 2 weeks later when my windscreen fluid ran out); he told me my 5 week old clutch was worn (I didn't tell him that until the end- to which he said take it back) my clutch is fine; and they also said my tyres are not legal- they really are- I've checked again with a depth gauge.

Oh and power steering pump slightly noisy- Ok I agree but I have no play with my steering- no issues at all.

So when you say expert do you mean solely a gearbox specialist? 

I really have had enough. It's putting me off the car which I didn't buy cheap, and all the repairs etc.

I'm  taking it to a 3rd garage tomorrow, I know this person through a family member. On the phone he said if it is gearbox,  to fit a used one rather than change the bearings. I really don't want to do that- I have heard those with so many problems. 

I bought the car for £2500; if sold and issues mentioned what would I be looking at- I know it will be a BIG loss but nearly everything else I have had to repair- the exhaust system is nearly the only thing that has held up.

OR sort the gearbox. These parts seem to all be reasonable, it is the London labour rates that are killing me.

Thank you.

 

[Tdci-Peter]

6 hours ago, Kimmy G said:

when you say expert do you mean solely a gearbox specialist?

No, not necessarily.

I mean a garage or workshop that has a genuine and objective good reputation, and has staff with relevant experience. Which is not very easy to find or verify! Word of mouth from satisfied customers is the best way, though internet based reputation guides can help. Be very wary of any advertising claims though.

Connections through family & friends can help, but, as I have found to my cost, it can backfire, and then it is very difficult to complain and get any refund or warranty work done. This is particularly tricky on expensive jobs.

It might be worth widening the search area. Driving out some distance, then returning by public transport or hiring a car may be viable for a fairly major job, if the workshop has the reputation you need. I am always a bit suspicious of "courtesy cars", it is not really free, just loaded as an overhead on the bill. But maybe I am being too un-trusting?!

From what you say, you have gone further down the line than I originally thought. But I would not put much faith in a Halfrauds Autocentre at all. Hardy anyone on this site has a good word to say about Halfords, except perhaps for their screen cleaning products. But no further!

[iantt]

diff bearings, i would source a 2nd hand box off eBay or local scrap yard and get a local garage to swap boxes over.

[Tdci-Peter]

8 hours ago, Kimmy G said:

On the phone he said if it is gearbox,  to fit a used one rather than change the bearings.

I was kind of hoping Ian (iantt) would chip in here. He has a lot more experience than me, working on modern Fords.

His advice is usually sound.

[Kimmy G]

Thank you both so much for your time and valuable advice. 😊😊