Purchased a 2003 206cc Allure 1.6 16V (87k) a couple of months ago - it's a fun car and I'm really enjoying driving it so far although there's an annoying grinding noise coming from the front passenger side of the engine which I'm currently trying to diagnose.
It occurs when the clutch is engaged and is most noticeable in 1st, 2nd and 3rd gear. As far as I can tell it doesn't occur in 4th or 5th. The noise goes when the clutch pedal is down.
My initial suspicion was low gearbox oil although the level turned out to be fine. Did a full change and replaced the drain plug and washer for good measure but it didn't make any difference.
I had my local garage look at it quickly whilst it was in for a timing belt change and they suggested it could well be a bearing in the gearbox or the clutch release bearing but was difficult to pinpoint without opening up the gearbox. Some Googling suggests it could be the input shaft or layshaft bearings.
Just wondered if anyone has any ideas of what it could be? If it is a gearbox bearing, how much would I be look at for getting my gearbox refurbished/repaired or perhaps I'd be better off replacing it with a second hand gearbox?
Any advice greatly appreciated!
