gearbox or clutch?

[tataylor]

Here is a probably too vague explanation of my problem, but its going to go to a garage and in researching prices im wondering if this is the gearbox or the clutch. If anyone could help me I would be grateful.

Ok, coming from under the gear lever is a bubbly, gravelly sound but not all the time. It sounds a bit like a vibration not metallic. This could be there quietly for 10-15 mins of driving from start, or i can do an hours drive and not hear it. It is there mostly when in neutral and tends to quieten when accelerating, if not disappear.

Secondly, its hard to get into second gear from first sometimes. Again not all the time but especially from pulling off the driveway its tough. Its also regularly impossible to get into reverse from slowing to a stop. So in 2nd, stop car clutch in go to reverse wont go in. go to neutral, lift clutch, depress clutch, try reverse again and repeat until it works - sometimes 3 or 4 times.

When approaching traffic I change down a gear and lift the clutch letting the lower gear slow the car down - i did this the other day and there was a whining noise when I put it into second.

Generally the gears feel a bit clunky but not to the point where i would have thought something was wrong, but combined with the other points it sounds like something is going.

If anyone can throw the knowledge of what parts to expect the garage to say are knackered then it would be a great help. citroen are offering a new clutch fitted for £500. would it be cheaper to replace the gearbox than repair it?

Thanks all!

[The Wrinkly Ninja]

First, I'd look at changing the clutch cable as it may have stretched too far.

The clutch might be on the way out or it might just be the release bearing, but at the end of the day, you'll still replace the clutch.
Don't pay Dealer prices - hunt around and you'll get cheaper. Mr Clutch did Juniors HDi for 300, and that one's a pig.

If the clutch isn't releasing fully for whatever reason, then you will find gear engagement a problem.

Gearbox is the last thing you play with once all other avenues have been explored.

[tataylor]

Thanks as always for your time Mr ninja.

I will check out Mr clutch Tunbridge wells, I know its a franchise and generally bad reviews but iv found a few gd words for that branch and with your recommendation too il see what they say. It's definitely beyond my tinkering ability so il take 300 as my ceiling figure.

Cheers

[The Wrinkly Ninja]

Get an online quote first, as it's often cheaper - sneaky.

[Captain Joe]

sounds like worn bearings in the gearbox.