Is it just me who has problems with Vauxhall 6 speed gearboxes?

[jimreidvehicle 255]

We opened our service /performance centre in April last year and in this time we have had to replace or recondition 8 Vauxhall 6 speed gearboxes! Some have been under our used car warranty some have been for vehicles part exchanged but as this seems to be quite a resent problem we have experiencing I would love to know if any one else experiencing the same problems?

Mostly but not restricted to Vauxhall Astra (07 to 09) however we have also had two Zafiras about the same age and last week a 10 plated new model Astra 1.4 Turbo Sri! So is it just me, or just Aberdeenshire drivers or is it a major built quality issue that Vauxhall really need to address?

 

your thoughts please. 

 

[umesh 336]

Shocking Jim, personally not had issues having said that I don't tend to buy or get many Vauxhalls in ! A 10 Plate really is not acceptable !

I thought I'd been unlucky with Audi - VW #DSG Boxes but Vauxhall seems a nightmare !

Work shop next door has Vauxhall Vans ( Local company ) with about 4-5 gearbox issues !

[c_cars 56]

Standard fault with the 6 speed box, normally a whining noise through the gears; we've had quite a few as we sell a lot of Astra SRI CDTIs.

 

Also had it in Zafiras with the 1.9 Z19DTH engine and Fiat Grande Punto Sportings with the 1.9 diesel Multijet engine, all using the same gearbox.

 

Its a common fault and doesnt seem to be age or mileage related, just assume it to be down to how the car has been driven from new!

[Gavin@Rousdon 137]

Welcome to the world of the Vauxhall M32 Gearbox !!!  Whinning in 5th and 6th gear and finally the bearing goes through the gearbox casing. I think its due to the bearing overheating but maybe wrong, we have rebuilt a few as one of our trade customers buys 'Non-Running' Vauxhalls (oh Joy!!) but now prefer to just fit a recon box. It can happen at any mileage but watch out for car around the 80k mark. Also fitted to the Astravan and Vivaro (plus Renault Traffic and Nissan Primastar). Be carefull if using second hand gearboxes as a fix as I believe the ratio's are different for cars and vans.

 

If anyone needs a recon M32 gearbox I use a company who are fantastic and slightly cheaper (about £150 ) then those who advertise on ebay and other sites.  Very professional outfit and highly recommended (mainly by word of mouth) here in the South West. Happy to pass on their number if anyone wants it.

[sparky 274]

Is the M32 box fitted to both 120bhp and 150 bhp models?

 

Have replaced quite a few flywheels on the 1.9 CDTi's but touch wood, have yet to had to replace a gearbox.

[jimreidvehicle 255]

Welcome to the world of the Vauxhall M32 Gearbox !!!  Whinning in 5th and 6th gear and finally the bearing goes through the gearbox casing. I think its due to the bearing overheating but maybe wrong, we have rebuilt a few as one of our trade customers buys 'Non-Running' Vauxhalls (oh Joy!!) but now prefer to just fit a recon box. It can happen at any mileage but watch out for car around the 80k mark. Also fitted to the Astravan and Vivaro (plus Renault Traffic and Nissan Primastar). Be carefull if using second hand gearboxes as a fix as I believe the ratio's are different for cars and vans.

 

If anyone needs a recon M32 gearbox I use a company who are fantastic and slightly cheaper (about £150 ) then those who advertise on ebay and other sites.  Very professional outfit and highly recommended (mainly by word of mouth) here in the South West. Happy to pass on their number if anyone wants it.

Gavin

yes please can you email me on jim@jimreidvehiclesales.co.uk regards

[Tom 164]

1.9 CDTi engine and box is Fiat I believe, I don't touch them my mechanics ordered me not to!

[Andy Entwistle 96]

Hi Gavin

 

I'll take that info too. My best mate has a 1.9CDTi vectra and his box self destructed last week, i've just been looking at the best option for him..

 

Andy

[Gavin@Rousdon 137]

Hi Andy

 

The are called Gearchange in Bridgwater, there number is 01278 722359 or www.gearchange.co.uk

 

I think after claiming they were cheaper earlier in this topic other companies now are cheaper but Gearchange don't charge if the casing is damaged whereas others seem to add £200 for that. Also they are very professional only doing gearboxs they know they can repair properly.

 

Also Andy I think the Vectra is an F40 gearbox not the M32, I maybe wrong but if you give them the reg number they can check.

[Andy Entwistle 96]

Thanks Gavin 

[jimreidvehicle 255]

Gavin is 100% correct the 6speed is the same M32 box

[Andy Entwistle 96]

Box now out the vectra, def an M32 and wearing a large hole where the bearings tried to escape.....

[Gavin@Rousdon 137]

Sounds like a M32 gearbox  to me!!!!!!!!!!!

[Andy Entwistle 96]

yup !

[Del 0]

Hi

can anyone recommend where I can get a gearbox replaced on a 2008 zafira with 77k on it as it has all the hallmarks as described above with whining in 5 and 6 gears.

I would like to find a reliable fitter in the west London or Twickenham area. 

Also does anyone know what I am likely to pay for the work?

Any help would be appreciated 

Thanks

Del

[Phil H 124]

hi Jim, the box is rubbish, I drive a 59 plate

Astravan and do about 25k a year in it and I'm on my third recon box in the last 18 months, my advice is that if there's any bearing noise at all get it fixed straight away because if the bell housing gets damaged they're a fortune to replace. My gearbox man has now managed to get hold of some uprated bearings for it and only charges £350 now for a full recon. Just about to get mine done again now with the newer bearing kit

[williamblackshaw 43]

Surely James Baggot can help? He has a good relationship with Vauxhall i understand

[James Baggott 227]

*no comment*

[jimreidvehicle 255]

 A little off thread but would like to mention this on here!

it just shows the enormous reach this forum has. Because of this most many many month ago, I regularity get emails and calls about Vauxhall Gearboxes! Now can I put the record straight , I don't sell of recondition these gearboxes nor can I condem your gearbox over the phone even if you do hold the phone up whilst slipping your car into 6th gear, I am not a specialist however if you are local to the Aberdeen area I am more than happy to get one of my technicians to take a look for you ;-)

Jim

 

[GreenGiant 287]

For payment of the appropriate diagnostic fee, I hope?

[jimreidvehicle 255]

Of course GG we are not a registered charity ;-)

[GreenGiant 287]

Which is something the general public seem unaware of, mostly.

[bruce100 2]

Once again need to correct the unknowing public that the M32 gearbox is German Made to Opel Spec's .

It is Built And Designed In Germany By GETRAG.

This box is the thorn in the side of Alfa's 159, the previous 156 had an Italian Box and was Bullet Proff.

THE M32 IS A GERMAN GEARBOX BUILT BY GETRAG.

ciao

The box fails due to small size containing too many gear so gets very hot and degrades the oil. a new bearing kit and yearly oil changes will prolong the box along with careful use.

[It's me 611]

2 hours ago, bruce100 said:

 

The box fails due to small size containing too many gear so gets very hot and degrades the oil. a new bearing kit and yearly oil changes will prolong the box along with careful use.

only problem is only an enthusiast with a hanky on his head would use this valuable advice, everyone else and his dog would think we were trying to spank them

[Steve 0]

On 24 February 2014 at 10:10 AM, Gavin@Rousdon said:

Welcome to the world of the Vauxhall M32 Gearbox !!!  Whinning in 5th and 6th gear and finally the bearing goes through the gearbox casing. I think its due to the bearing overheating but maybe wrong, we have rebuilt a few as one of our trade customers buys 'Non-Running' Vauxhalls (oh Joy!!) but now prefer to just fit a recon box. It can happen at any mileage but watch out for car around the 80k mark. Also fitted to the Astravan and Vivaro (plus Renault Traffic and Nissan Primastar). Be carefull if using second hand gearboxes as a fix as I believe the ratio's are different for cars and vans.

 

If anyone needs a recon M32 gearbox I use a company who are fantastic and slightly cheaper (about £150 ) then those who advertise on ebay and other sites.  Very professional outfit and highly recommended (mainly by word of mouth) here in the South West. Happy to pass on their number if anyone wants it.

Hello Gavin, I've got a whining noise in 5 and 6 on my Primastar.. You mentioned a recon job for £150 somewhere.. I'm in Southampton, where is it exactly? And could I have the number?

Sorry Gavin I forgot to put on the alert to notify me if you respond, I've done it now.. Thanks

Edited August 30, 2016 by Steve
Thought I'd made a mistake