Gearbox Oil Change

[alexbillbridgnorth]

Hey guys
Took my car to my local Hanford garage (always very good and looked after me) they looked at my car and said all this problem I've been having with the gears is to do with my syncromesh on second gear has gone or something can anyone explain this to me in further as I've never hear of this snycromesh thingy.

Any way the read reason I'm here is to just ask how to change the gearbox oil I have a 1.6 53 plate 206cc allure. The manual does state you should change the gearbox oil but I haven't got a clue where to start, looking at the side of the transmission casing I an see two plugs that almost look like drain plugs is this something to do with them? Also will I need a washer of some sort to seal the plugs again, if so where can I find it? I did look around though I can't find a instruction page on the site so sorry if this has already been posted.

[gazza82]

I haven't got a 1.6 so can't help on the drain and fill plugs, but they are on the end of my 1.4 box. The 2.0 is a bit different with the drain underneath if I remember correctly. The lowest one is usually the drain. (Although I've seen on 1.4 box that didn't seen to have a filler plug! )

I'll have a look in my Haynes to see if that helps. If I can get a scan of the page I'll try and upload it.


But a little tip I learnt is to make sure you can undo the filler plug before you drain it ... for obvious reasons!!! Sometimes the plug is over-tightened and hard to undo.


As for synchromesh, this is an internal part of the gearbox and allows you to change gear without the two gears crashing together. In early cars you didn't always have this so a technique know as double-de-clutching was needed. Push clutch down, but car in neutral, push clutch, put in lower gear. You can imagine how we would put up with that now!

If it has gone, it's probably a new or replacement gearbox I'm afraid.

But don't take their word for it .. it's an easy cop-out.

So if you start to get problems changing down from 3rd to 2nd, etc .. it could be that. But it might be the gearbox oil is old or the wrong type; it's cold so the oil is thicker; or your clutch isn't adjusted (cable) or isn't releasing properly (air in fluid and needs bleeding).

[Capncol]

That's an MA5 'box if you look at this thread

In the 3rd photo, you can see the drain bung at about 11 o'clock from the drive shaft oil seal. It's the gold one with a square hole. (you are looking from the top of the gearbox, so this would be at the bottom with 'box in car.)

Picture No 8. Filler / level plug is the one furthest away, again with square hole, also upside down. When in car, look under nearside wheel arch and it's about 7 o'clock from the pressed metal end cover of gearbox.

Picture 7. Assembly on left is a syncho shown with brass selector.

[alexbillbridgnorth]

Thanks guys for both your help. only just bought the car aswell didn't want the gearbox to be on it's way out. I though the clutch was a hydraulic clutch and therefore dosen't use a cable to tighten? If there is a cable to tighten where would this be so I can check ?

Thanks for the pictures mate though the plugs look slightly different on my car (there not gold) though in kinda the same spot I think so I've uploaded a picture can you have a look and make sure i've got this right? I don't want to damage it by undoing a screw I shopuldn't be. (The holes are also both square).

Is it just a case of undoing the drain plug letting the oil drain, screwing it back in and then undoing the filler plug filling it back up and screwing back in or is there more to it then that?
Also how many litres of oil should i refill it with?

Oh and Gazza82 how do you bleed the fluid as I might aswell try all your suggestions first before spending nearly £1000 on my car really appreciate the help!!

Thanks lads!

Filler Drain.jpg

[Capncol]

That's the ones. Fill it til it comes out of the filler hole, from memory just under 2 ltrs. No cable to adjust on your car.

[alexbillbridgnorth]

Great stuff. On my Clio I had before the drain plug needed a new brass washer each time to seal the drain plug. Will these need the same?
Last question I promise

[GrandadMonkey]

The original sealing washers should be renewed whenever they are disturbed.

Bleeding of the clutch hydraulic system is described in Chapter 6, page 6.5, section 6 of the Haynes Owners Workshop Manual No. 4613 for the Peugeot 206. Well worth the investment at only £14.20 http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/New-Haynes-Ma ... 0728820601

[alexbillbridgnorth]

Great thankyou and where would I get the washers from as I can't find them anywhere

[alexbillbridgnorth]

Please someone know where I can get the washers??

[GrandadMonkey]

Motor factors and Peugeot dealers will sell suitable ones. Try them.

[alexbillbridgnorth]

Just to keep you guys updated. I have changed the gear oil though didn't help the notchiness of the gears. I have been told by three different garages now that it's my syncro or whatever they call it. Car is still in warranty so I've got a bloke coming over to have a look at it. The problem is because it doesn't happen all the time just around 70% of the time (won't go into gear, etc...) I'm worried when he comes to inspect the car it will all be well!! ah well fingers crossed. Thanks for your help though guys!!!!

[ptomo]

To be fair it does sound like synchromesh to me although most would opt to change the box as it would be as cheap to get 2nd hand box than it would to get it opened up and swap the synchro over but again you have to take someone's word that the box your fitting is of good quality

I personally would swap the box myself jus be slot of hassle if it was a dud one to take it back out and back to breakers yard for another,that's the risk of doin it yourself but if a garage sources one for you then their obliged to replace it if it isn't right which they should know from test driving after fitting

[alexbillbridgnorth]

Bit of a weird one this is. Well after a little while of time after changing the oil to the right oil in the manual (Total Transmission BV 75-80W) the car feels a lot nicer still a little funny at time but an amazing improvement I reckon the garage put the wrong kind of oil inside it!! Anyway after around 2 weeks of waiting after the oil was changed is when I started seeing improvements, weird I know but I thought I'd let others know just in case they change the oil and don't see any difference just give it a bit of time of general usage.

[GrandadMonkey]

I reckon the garage put the wrong kind of oil inside it!!

Had the gearbox oil been changed before then? Glad you're seeing an improvement now you've renewed it yourself.