The Honeymoon Period Is Over - 7 Days Later!!!

[Ralph]

Ok so if you read my welcome thread you will know I picked up a 2010 Clio 200 FF with Cup Pack and only 19,000 miles on the clock last Mon. This was a temporary car whilst browsing for my next purchase, however I became smitten with the little Clio and decided I would probably keep it longer than first anticipated.

Anyhow fast forward to today and having had a bit of time to spend driving the car I have noticed some grinding in the gearbox.......bit of Googling and OMG the gearbox is fooked! (well maybe) I have read everyone's stories and reports on the chocolate based syncros in the box and decided I too probably have that issue. When changing from 3rd to 4th it's not smooth and feels like it's 'catching' on its was down, from 5th to 4th the issue is audible and makes a clank/grinding noise like you haven't depressed the clutch enough.

So it's 2010 (out of warranty) with 19k on the clock and FRSH - what do I do?!?

Given that it seems most have experienced some sort of gearbox issue I figured you could advise me? Sent an email to KTEC this afternoon who wanted best part of £800 minimum plus VAT to take box out, change oil and rebuild whic seemed a lot. Have seen some wild quotes from Renault themselves about cost of replacement etc.

I had had hoped that with the amount going wrong some enthusiast/specialist had spotted a gap in the market and offered a service/product to rectify the issue?

Its booked in with SJ Cook in Bristol next Weds for a diagnostic check and test drive (£59.00) to confirm the dreaded news.

Any advice or experience gratefully received.

Si

 

[Mattb_197]

There are independent Renault Sport specialists who do rebuild these boxes but it's the labour that adds up, your probably talking a days work just to get the box out and back in again. That's before you start tinkering with the internals and the cost of parts.

The only things you can try to make it better is drop the gearbox oil and put some fresh in there, check/adjust the linkages and maybe have the clutch bled too. If that doesn't fix it then I'd say you probably do have a box that's got wear and is on it's way out. Then you have to ask if it's worth fixing or just putting up with it.

 

[Pav]

There are independent Renault Sport specialists who do rebuild these boxes but it's the labour that adds up, your probably talking a days work just to get the box out and back in again. That's before you start tinkering with the internals and the cost of parts.

The only things you can try to make it better is drop the gearbox oil and put some fresh in there, check/adjust the linkages and maybe have the clutch bled too. If that doesn't fix it then I'd say you probably do have a box that's got wear and is on it's way out. Then you have to ask if it's worth fixing or just putting up with it.

this :thumbup1:

 

[Kazumz]

Ok so if you read my welcome thread you will know I picked up a 2010 Clio 200 FF with Cup Pack and only 19,000 miles on the clock last Mon. This was a temporary car whilst browsing for my next purchase, however I became smitten with the little Clio and decided I would probably keep it longer than first anticipated.

Anyhow fast forward to today and having had a bit of time to spend driving the car I have noticed some grinding in the gearbox.......bit of Googling and OMG the gearbox is fooked! (well maybe) I have read everyone's stories and reports on the chocolate based syncros in the box and decided I too probably have that issue. When changing from 3rd to 4th it's not smooth and feels like it's 'catching' on its was down, from 5th to 4th the issue is audible and makes a clank/grinding noise like you haven't depressed the clutch enough.

So it's 2010 (out of warranty) with 19k on the clock and FRSH - what do I do?!?

Given that it seems most have experienced some sort of gearbox issue I figured you could advise me? Sent an email to KTEC this afternoon who wanted best part of £800 minimum plus VAT to take box out, change oil and rebuild whic seemed a lot. Have seen some wild quotes from Renault themselves about cost of replacement etc.

I had had hoped that with the amount going wrong some enthusiast/specialist had spotted a gap in the market and offered a service/product to rectify the issue?

Its booked in with SJ Cook in Bristol next Weds for a diagnostic check and test drive (£59.00) to confirm the dreaded news.

Any advice or experience gratefully received.

Si

Mate, put your wallet back in your pocket for christ sake! Lol!

Wait until it blows, then go get it changed, no point in paying for it to be done now! What a waste of time!

Mine's been 'on its way out' for 20k miles now, since I picked it up at 12k, it's still going! It's a bit of a ball ache to drive when cold and sometimes when driving it hard, it can catch, but who cares! I can pay for it to be done now or I can just use it until it blows up! Makes no difference what so ever, apart from the fact that you're buying another chocolate box!

Change the oil, that's all you can do. Drive it as follows when not ragging:

1st > 3rd > 5th > 6th.

When driving hard, change gears in the correct order (obviously). By prolonging it when your driving nicely like the above example, you'll have better fuel consumption and less gear changes! Change at 2.25K.

I also find the extra distance to go from 1st > 3rd is enough to give the tranny a second to catch up, hence no crunch and a smooth buttery change.

If I go from 1st to 2nd, I usually double clutch, in the case there's a hill I need the gear for.

When on the limit, I couldn't care less. It gets the abuse it deserves.

 

[Sean197]

'Phone Renault UK and tell them it only has 19k and a FRSH, tell them you think it's unacceptable for a gearbox to begin to fail after so few miles. Also tell them you know it's an issue which has been raised with them before, and ask them if they would be willing contribute towards the cost of a new gearbox. They do usually contribute something, even if it's out of warranty, so that's the first thing i'd be doing.

 

[Ralph]

Mate, put your wallet back in your pocket for christ sake! Lol!

Wait until it blows, then go get it changed, no point in paying for it to be done now! What a waste of time!

Mine's been 'on its way out' for 20k miles now, since I picked it up at 12k, it's still going! It's a bit of a ball ache to drive when cold and sometimes when driving it hard, it can catch, but who cares! I can pay for it to be done now or I can just use it until it blows up! Makes no difference what so ever, apart from the fact that you're buying another chocolate box!

Change the oil, that's all you can do. Drive it as follows when not ragging:

1st > 3rd > 5th > 6th.

When driving hard, change gears in the correct order (obviously). By prolonging it when your driving nicely like the above example, you'll have better fuel consumption and less gear changes! Change at 2.25K.

I also find the extra distance to go from 1st > 3rd is enough to give the tranny a second to catch up, hence no crunch and a smooth buttery change.

If I go from 1st to 2nd, I usually double clutch, in the case there's a hill I need the gear for.

When on the limit, I couldn't care less. It gets the abuse it deserves.

Ok so does it not self destruct if not repaired then??

Given the age, low mileage and condition of the car I think really it has to be sorted to do the car justice

Just worried about continued driving - will it cause further damage.

Si

 

[Ralph]

'Phone Renault UK and tell them it only has 19k and a FRSH, tell them you think it's unacceptable for a gearbox to begin to fail after so few miles. Also tell them you know it's an issue which has been raised with them before, and ask them if they would be willing contribute towards the cost of a new gearbox. They do usually contribute something, even if it's out of warranty, so that's the first thing i'd be doing.

Well I tired that and it failed - basically it's a new car to me, I have not demonstrated any brand loyalty to Renault so they cannot justify making a financial contribution towards repair/replacement. Pretty poor if you ask me given the circumstances but there we go not much point labouring the point.

Si

 

[Ralph]

So aside from KTec which other Renault specialists can I look to for advice and a quote to sort this problem out??

Si

 

[Micah]

Depends where you're based?

 

[Kazumz]

Ok so does it not self destruct if not repaired then??

Given the age, low mileage and condition of the car I think really it has to be sorted to do the car justice

Just worried about continued driving - will it cause further damage.

Si

You damage a car everyday by driving it, it's a car.

It'll eventually just get to a point where you won't be able to get it in gear, then it'll be worth getting done.

Bleed it, change the oil and enjoy it.

Sent from my SM-N9005 using Tapatalk

 

[Ralph]

Depends where you're based?

Just added it to my profile sorry bud - based in Somerset but willing to travel for reputable garage.

Si

 

[CallorFold]

One name I heard mentioned a lot for Gearbox issues were "Agency Transmissions" - based in Worcester (WR4 9EL)

Have no experience of these myself, but left a note on my phone that if I ever had any problems they were recommended.

 

[Chris]

Renault have been known to pay some of the repair bills/contribute when the right case comes along. Being yours is full service history and such low mileage you would have a decent case. Ring RUK.

 

[Jimmy]

As above, I'd urge you to try the 'cheaper' options first (oil change, bleed, check linkages etc) before committing to paying out a lot of money for a gearbox replacement/fix. Of course if this doesn't solve it, then you can try the other route. But you might be pleasantly surprised by doing the above first.

The problem with the horror stories on the internet is that they make it much easier to jump to conclusions. Not all 'boxes are buttery smooth and there are ways of driving round issues, as Kaz pointed out.

I hope that's gone some way to putting your mind at rest....even if it's just a little bit

 

[CallorFold]

Also, most importantly, I'm assuming you bought this car via private sale? If not take it back to the dealer.... warranty and all that....??

 

[Yiannis197]

I do not agree with the "wait till it blows" opinion for sure. What if it decides to brake down when on a trip, or a track day, or when abroad? You can't drive a car which in your mind is about to break down from second to second. Also, I don't agree with the "drive it without using all the gears" approach either, this is nonsense imo no offence.

If you get the dreaded crunch you have to repair it otherwise it's always going to be at the back of your mind. If you want a reputable garage go to Jade developments in Barwell-Leicester. Sean has opened and rebuilt hundreds of mk3 gearboxes, in fact, he has just finished developing the mk2 gripper

His prices are more than reasonable. I'm only taking my car to him and I live in London, it is worth the trek 100%.

 

[Ralph]

I do not agree with the "wait till it blows" opinion for sure. What if it decides to brake down when on a trip, or a track day, or when abroad? You can't drive a car which in your mind is about to break down from second to second. Also, I don't agree with the "drive it without using all the gears" approach either, this is nonsense imo no offence.

If you get the dreaded crunch you have to repair it otherwise it's always going to be at the back of your mind. If you want a reputable garage go to Jade developments in Barwell-Leicester. Sean has opened and rebuilt hundreds of mk3 gearboxes, in fact, he has just finished developing the mk2 gripper

His prices are more than reasonable. I'm only taking my car to him and I live in London, it is worth the trek 100%.

Thanks for the advice Yiannis, I am going to give him a ring as heading up to Nottigham in a fortnight so could drop it in on the way up perhaps??

sounds like his knows his stuff what with working on TOCA vehicles etc. the red Clio 200 in his gallery looks a weapon too!!

 

[Yiannis197]

Indeed! He won the clio cup championship last year, in fact, he's won it a few times.

Call him and I'm sure he will book you in, he loves talking cars as well

Sent from my D6603 using Tapatalk

 

[Ralph]

UPDATE 01/06/2016

Ok so after lots of research, advice, phone calls etc. the Clio finally went into a gearbox specialist in Bristol today. They literally just do gearboxes and have seen numerous 200's with synchro issues in different stages of destruction. Dropped it off this morning at 9am and by 2.30 it was all out and stripped down, 3rd and 4th synchro had failed and required replacement. New synchro so ordered which arrive tomorrow morning at 9.30 then it's rebuild, refit road test and collect!!!! It also includes completely new seals throughout and has the benefit of a 6 month warranty which is peace of mind.

Having said that my days with the little French pocket rocket could be numbered, having been hooked in more than I ever imagined I would it looks like my next car is pretty much done deal. Having initially been looking for a B7 RS4 having just sold my E46 M3 the time spent with the Clio has completely changed my car hunt.

I have never felt so 'connected' with a car, the Clio is such a drivers weapon it's no wonder that they are held in such high regard and grace trackday paddocks far and wide. The combination of suspension/steering/linear NA power is intoxicating and reminds you what driving is all about. Every journey is an event and has brought a smile to my face, my wife detested the little Clio she. I brought it home, however having sold her Fiat 500 and with a VW Passat company car a few weeks off being delivered she was 'forced' to use the Clio. After several days use she gave it a glowing report and looked for reasons to go out in it which just shows how magical it really is. I have also realised the attraction of 'hot hatches' as the Clio has transported me around with family in toe, some country lane blasts on the way to work in the small hours of the night and never batted an eyelid.

Have an intermediate service booked at local Renault dealer, just had new MoT put on and then it will be heading for the classifieds so if you know anyone that's looking for a totally mint 200 which is fully loaded with super low miles and a freshly refurbed gearbox with warranty then point them in my direction.

I paid my subs last night so I can advertise it on here - would much rather it went to an enthusiast than an eBay tyre kicker!

Watch this space......

Si

 

[Kazumz]

UPDATE 01/06/2016

Ok so after lots of research, advice, phone calls etc. the Clio finally went into a gearbox specialist in Bristol today. They literally just do gearboxes and have seen numerous 200's with synchro issues in different stages of destruction. Dropped it off this morning at 9am and by 2.30 it was all out and stripped down, 3rd and 4th synchro had failed and required replacement. New synchro so ordered which arrive tomorrow morning at 9.30 then it's rebuild, refit road test and collect!!!! It also includes completely new seals throughout and has the benefit of a 6 month warranty which is peace of mind.

Having said that my days with the little French pocket rocket could be numbered, having been hooked in more than I ever imagined I would it looks like my next car is pretty much done deal. Having initially been looking for a B7 RS4 having just sold my E46 M3 the time spent with the Clio has completely changed my car hunt.

I have never felt so 'connected' with a car, the Clio is such a drivers weapon it's no wonder that they are held in such high regard and grace trackday paddocks far and wide. The combination of suspension/steering/linear NA power is intoxicating and reminds you what driving is all about. Every journey is an event and has brought a smile to my face, my wife detested the little Clio she. I brought it home, however having sold her Fiat 500 and with a VW Passat company car a few weeks off being delivered she was 'forced' to use the Clio. After several days use she gave it a glowing report and looked for reasons to go out in it which just shows how magical it really is. I have also realised the attraction of 'hot hatches' as the Clio has transported me around with family in toe, some country lane blasts on the way to work in the small hours of the night and never batted an eyelid.

Have an intermediate service booked at local Renault dealer, just had new MoT put on and then it will be heading for the classifieds so if you know anyone that's looking for a totally mint 200 which is fully loaded with super low miles and a freshly refurbed gearbox with warranty then point them in my direction.

I paid my subs last night so I can advertise it on here - would much rather it went to an enthusiast than an eBay tyre kicker!

Watch this space......

Si

Sorry to hear that you're selling up man! Especially after repairing it too!

Ah well, all the best buddy