Hi there, 

 

Running a polo 6n2 1.0 Y reg with only 60k miles. Recently noticed a whining noise in 5th and a bit of movement when going on and coming off the throttle. Pal advised me to change oil but haven't got round to it. 

 

However last night something went as I was on the motorway in 5th. Car still goes into every gear and drives fine but in 5th there is a crunching/grinding noise when driving. Excuse my lack of basic knowledge but can anyone tell me what might be wrong and what might need fixed? 

 

Cheers

Classic signs of lack of gearbox oil. When you were advised to change it you should have, you may have found it had been leaking. Leaks are common on these and in my eyes the main reason for their failure. 

As for how to fix it, usually once they start making noises that is the beginning of the end for them. Fresh oil might help prolong its life, but be prepared to change it out at some point.

Thanks very much for the reply. I will try changing the oil and see how it goes. Any suggestions on where I might find a new box and does it have to be a 1.0 6n2 box? Cheers

The only options really are second hand, which is a minefield in itself as a large majority of these cars get broken up due to failing gearboxes. 

Any petrol 6n2 gearbox will fit, however I'd suggest trying to find one from a 1.0 or a GTI in order to keep the gear ratios the same. All the 1.4 gearboxes have longer ratios and will make your car feel very sluggish.

Changing the oil may have 'cured' the whining, but you would be wasting your money on new oil now that you have the crunching sound.

 

Be VERY careful about using 'gearbox specialists'  - some of which are fine and very genuine, BUT there are many cowboys out there in the gearbox (and engine, for that matter) reconditioning game.

Some of those 'reconditioned' gearboxes have been 'reconditioned' with a steam cleaner only - they LOOK clean on the outside, but you have no idea of what is on the inside!

If you are looking for a genuinely reconditioned gearbox, ask around locally for people who have already used a particular service - You could try on your local 'Next Door' website.

 

Regards