gearbox crunch

[malatlcb]

Hi I have recently inherited my father-in-laws 406 2.0GLX petrol, it's a 1999 on a V plate with only 74,000 on the clock. It has been stood for quite a while, having checked the old MOT's I found he has only done 1,400 miles since 2011!!! Anyway, the problem is 3rd gear, it is usually fine when engaging from 2nd to 3rd, but when changing from 4th down to 3rd there is a crunch like the clutch hasn't fully disengaged. The clutch bites quite high and there are no noises or rattles, in fact the engine is one of the quietest at idle I have ever heard, any help greatly appreciated.

[steve_earwig]

Hi there, welcome

Did you try changing the oil yet? Worth a look - viewtopic.php?f=1&t=6123&hilit=+molyslip

[Bailes1992]

My old D8 used to have a 3rd gear crunch!
Get the gearbox oil change with genuine Peugeot oil. They only seem to like the Peugeot stuff.
If that doesn't cure it then just take your time going into 3rd and it shouldn't crunch.

[malatlcb]

Thanks guys I'll give it a go and let you know.
I have just checked the associated posts about draining and refilling the gearboxes and there seems to be a few different options, any info on this one?

[PeterN]

Failing that the 3rd gear synchro is worn and would cost more than the car is worth so I would live with it.

Peter

[KozmoNaut]

Try double de-clutching when downshifting. Synchros can wear out relatively quickly if driven by a "less-than-gentle" driver.

It won't fix the issue, but it will make it easier to live with.

[steve_earwig]

I have just checked the associated posts about draining and refilling the gearboxes and there seems to be a few different options, any info on this one?

I think you car will have a BE gearbox, so the drain is on the diff casing but the fill/level plug is on the end cover - remove l/h wheel and arch liner Oh no, all those stupid clips. Anyone know if the reversing light switch in the same place and the same size as the ML5s?

[jasper5]

There's enough room to get at the filler without removing the wheel arch liner.

I agree with double de-clutch.