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FASTXR · 07-22-2003, 08:08

After a mostly highway trip of about 1 hour the other night, I noticed that my EF XR6 manual gearbox was pumping out a fair amount of heat. When I stopped and went to get something out of the centre console, I noticed that it felt almost like there was a heater outlet in there and the whole console itself was warm to the touch. I have been experiencing some pretty firm vibration at speed and wonder whether these two things are related.

I know its a bit vague but any help would be appreciated.

XR6 VCT UTE · 07-23-2003, 00:44

check the oil level ASAP,Does it vibrate under load/acceleration and is it noisey?.
If so it could be rear main bush,causing excessive movment in out put shaft which will cause heat.
apparently they are know for this fault in t5s around ef-el models.

mongrelEB · 07-23-2003, 06:58

What he said :)

FASTXR · 07-23-2003, 07:35

Ok, I've had both the gearbox and diff oils changed about 3 or 4 months ago. I also had the drive yoke (which is the coupling betwen the gearbox and driveshaft that I think you may be referring to) replaced 2 months ago, along with a couple of the uni joints.

Basically, at high speed (ie slightly above 110 km/h ;o)) a very firm vibration sets in for about a 20 km/h band. It is not apparent above or below this speed band, and the vibration really feels like it is coming from the gearbox. If you grab the gearstick it is like holding a drill going through brick.

I know this doesn't sound too healthy, and would be interested in getting some thoughts before I do something silly (and expensive) like get the gearbox torn down!

mongrelEB · 07-23-2003, 09:17

The only things I can think of are in-box problems. Perhaps the rear main bush trouble mentioned by ELXR6 could be caused by an unbalanced tailshaft?
Anyway I think you will have to pull the box apart unfortunately.

WBT56 · 07-23-2003, 14:44

Check your tailshaft. The alloy ones only need one small rock dent, and they are stuffed. Can cause big vibration problems.

FASTXR · 07-23-2003, 19:10

I did specifically ask the dealer to check the tailshaft and he gave it a clean bill of health. I'm probably showing my ignorance a little, but would the tailshaft have to be removed to properly check its balance? Perhaps the mechanic just did a visual inspection?

Its due for a service in another 1,000 kms so will get it checked out properly and if that doesn't show anything then I guess I'll have to bite the bullet and strip down the box.

Thanks for all your advice - will let you know how I get on.

mongrelEB · 07-23-2003, 22:19

I haven't heard of a tailshaft being balanced in-car!
Good luck finding the fault with the service - hehe usually I'm not hoping a service will turn up a problem :)

WBT56 · 07-24-2003, 04:32

Quote:

Originally Posted by mongrelEB

I haven't heard of a tailshaft being balanced in-car!

They have a machine that does it, that is how they end up with half-nuts on one or two tailshaft bolts.

FASTXR · 07-24-2003, 09:47

Well I'm certain the driveshaft wasn't taken off the vehicle. I asked the mechanic to look at it for me and I assume that looking was all he did!

As I said, I'll need to face the music and get it looked at properly. What the hell - it's only money!!