Morris Minor Owners Club

Hello all. I've just purchased myself a '68 moggy as my first car and its quite a steep learning curve! Already previous threads here have answered many of my questions but I can't find any info for my latest dilemma.
So... here's the problem - A rather unsettling rattly squeak in third gear. This only happens in third and only when accelerating and has developed suddenly after a week of driving it. Now, many things rattle about on the car so I was hoping that it was just another harmless squeal caused by vibration but somehow I doubt it.
Any advice for this total newbie would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers, Bob.

change to 4th?

I had a gearbox that one day started to make noises in 3rd, the next day it started to make noises in 4th, then 2nd, then all the time.

All the bearings seemed to destroy themselves.

Turned out to be an overwhelming lack of oil in the box...

There'll be no quick fix for whatever's up with your gearbox. Depending on your mechanical ability and desire to get stuck in, you could just change the box for a reasonable second hand one, or take out the box you've got and take it apart and find out what's wrong. you can get most bits for a gearbox, from the minor parts suppliers. bearings and gaskets etc. i rebuilt mine for about £100 worth of bits.

Failing that a recon box would cost you over £500... but you have the peace of mind that it should last as long as the original!

Thanks for the reply. Yup I have been changing up to fourth sharpish since this has developed... I will have a look see again in the clear light of day.

John Evans in Hayling Island charges 320 GBP for a replacement gearbox.

Check the oil level before doing or assuming anything worse!

Exactly -treat it to some nice new 20W50. But your heading says 'shrieking' -then in the narrative it's more 'rattling' - so is it just a rattling gear lever? If the laygear/bearings are failing - it generally makes noise in all except 4th gear. If the main shaft bearings are failing it pretty much makes noise in ALL gears.... Try some oil first! You are sure it's gearbox noise - and not a shrieking (loose) fan belt??

Hi all. Thanks for the replies. Finding the right adjective can be difficult sometimes when the noise is so alarming. Definitely an intermittent metallic jangling shreik. Anyhow, I topped the box right up with 20w50 last night then went out for bonfire night and the noise stopped immediately - so hopefully no harm done. It just seemed strange that it was only complaining loudly in 3rd. Feels a lot smoother now, thanks for all the advice. Bob.

I know that mines on its way out, 2nd gear resists staying in....... but an fresh drink of 20w50 stopped a load of wines and the gearbox is smoother now, the old oil that came out was black as I don't know what. Probably never been changed in its life!

damn you beat me!

How much 'topping up' oil did it take? A complete drain and refill would be better!

It took a fair amount of topping up so I guess it was getting low, bmcecosse. I will change the oil after work tomorrow then I think. Ta!

Bobbydeckshoes wrote:It took a fair amount of topping up so I guess it was getting low....

It only takes 1.3 litres altogether...

Better check the final drive level while you are in there, since the last owner doesn't seem to have been too particular! EP 90 required.