Corolla Gearbox Bearing

swht

Just got my 05 1.4 corolla back from a service today. Mechanic said there's noise coming from the gearbox, he suspects a bearing. He gave the price of a reconditioned box :eek:. Can gearbox specialists replace just the bearings and if so what sort of cost would I be looking at?

corkgsxr

Id replace the oil and see how it gets along. Dropping the oil will also tell ya if you have metal bits in the oil

Renegade Mechanic

Seems a tad extreme so suddenly. Is he sure its not the clutch release bearing? Incidentally I had a car with a gear oil leak some time ago. All oil had leaked and the customer only brought it in when the gearbox got noisy and the gear changes difficult! Fixed the leal, refilled with an Ep type 80w90 oil and told the customer that while the noise had actually gone with the refill of oil, the gearbox could go at anytime or the noise return as damage had obviously been donr. Left it up to them to decide. That was two years and about 20k miles ago. Ive serviced it twice and its still bombing away:D.

Tldr: Id chance just changing the oil first.:)

JohnBoy26

gonzo.phd wrote: »

Just got my 05 1.4 corolla back from a service today. Mechanic said there's noise coming from the gearbox, he suspects a bearing. He gave the price of a reconditioned box :eek:. Can gearbox specialists replace just the bearings and if so what sort of cost would I be looking at?

Yes the bearings can be replaced. It's not the easiest job in the world but any good mechanic should be able to do it for you. You will most probably be better off changing the clutch as well while the gearbox is off.

JohnBoy26

corkgsxr wrote: »

Id replace the oil and see how it gets along. Dropping the oil will also tell ya if you have metal bits in the oil

If they bearing are noisy then unfortunately replacing the oil won't cure anything.

I'd highly advise the op to get this issue sorted asap because if the bearings disintegrate its bye bye gearbox.

swht

Thanks for the replys, what sort of costs would you be looking at for just the bearings and clutch? Read elsewhere that noisy bearings are a problem on the corolla.

Mechanic didn't seem to think it was extremely urgent, said to drive it on for now but to be aware that it might need something done soon. I hate to think it could fail completely though if I could have done something to prevent it.

knifey_spoonie

In my experience its more than likely the bearings that need to be done, changing oil will do nothing. To replace the bearings your going to be looking at 600-650 inc. VAT and labour. I would hold off on the clutch until the car is apart and let the mechanic make a call on it then.

By the sounds of it your mechanic doesn't want to open the box himself, his preference seems to pull out old box and fit the recon'd box.

JohnBoy26

gonzo.phd wrote: »

Thanks for the replys, what sort of costs would you be looking at for just the bearings and clutch? Read elsewhere that noisy bearings are a problem on the corolla.

Mechanic didn't seem to think it was extremely urgent, said to drive it on for now but to be aware that it might need something done soon. I hate to think it could fail completely though if I could have done something to prevent it.

Is yours a petrol or a diesel? The diesel version of your model corolla had a weak gearbox where bearings are concerned, but the petrol version don't seem to give much problems with bearings.

Although rarely done, replacing the oil in the gearbox every so often could improve the bearings lifespan.

Maybe the mechanic thought it wasn't urgent to do anything becauWe the noise mightn't be so bad yet. However it will get worse and worse until the bearings eventually fail which in turn will destroy the gearbox.

swht

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Is yours a petrol or a diesel? The diesel version of your model corolla had a weak gearbox where bearings are concerned, but the petrol version don't seem to give much problems with bearings.

Although rarely done, replacing the oil in the gearbox every so often could improve the bearings lifespan.

Maybe the mechanic thought it wasn't urgent to do anything becauWe the noise mightn't be so bad yet. However it will get worse and worse until the bearings eventually fail which in turn will destroy the gearbox.

Sorry should have said its a petrol, yes he did suggest the noise isn't too bad yet.

Could anyone recommend an honest and reasonably priced gearbox specialist in Dublin (or surrounding counties) who would have a look at it.

supervento

gonzo.phd wrote: »

Just got my 05 1.4 corolla back from a service today. Mechanic said there's noise coming from the gearbox, he suspects a bearing. He gave the price of a reconditioned box :eek:. Can gearbox specialists replace just the bearings and if so what sort of cost would I be looking at?[/QUOTE


i would recommend you carry the car to someone who is familiar with carrying out this repair, you might be surprised a Toyota main dealer could/should be fairly reasonable to carry this job, the side of the gearbox needs to be removed and normally two bearings on the shaft need to be replaced, NOTE: you do not need to need to take the gearbox down to carry out this repair, just the side of the gearbox needs to be split.

roughly speaking you should be looking at


bearings €90 ex vat
gear oil €30 ex vat
labour €227.50 (3.5hrs x€65)
total €347.50
vat 13.5%: €46.91

total including vat: €394.41

get it done as soon as possible, no point delaying it, most Toyota Garages will have these bearings in stock.

knifey_spoonie

I wouldn't recommend just replacing the bearings, you will generally find the the plate is deformed due the the extra movement within the box caused by the worn bearings. Also without removing the box and bench striping it, it will make it very difficult to inspect the box thoroughly.

toyotaavensis

OP would you consider getting a second hand gearbox from a breaker?

JohnBoy26

toyotaavensis wrote: »

OP would you consider getting a second hand gearbox from a breaker?

That's a false economy really though imo. It might be in no better condition than what the op has already.

swht

toyotaavensis wrote: »

OP would you consider getting a second hand gearbox from a breaker?

I would consider anything to keep the cost down but I would be afraid that itd have the same issue.

toyotaavensis

It is a risk alright but if you can get one from a big scrap yard who gave you a guarantee it would be an option.

Not saying it is risk free but you can get a second hand gearbox for 100-150 quid which is a lot less than a reconditioned one.

Bigus

Second hand corolla box for 05 is running at 300 euro they are in demand.

toyotaavensis

Not so sure about the 300 notes
http://cars.donedeal.ie/cars-for-sale/corolla-1-4-vvti-enginegearbox/6499781
250 for this and you get a few extra bits and pieces.

swht

Thanks again for all the replies, I've been pricing getting the bearings done in some gearbox specialists around Dublin, all around €600-€650. Present situation means I have to try and keep costs down as much as possible so will try to get the family mechanic down the country to do the job. Only problem with this is its always work on the side in the evenings and I would have to supply the parts.

Does anyone know if this is the sort kit that I would need to fix a noisy bearing on a corolla? http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Toyota-Corolla-1-4-VVTi-Back-Bearing-and-Oil-Seal-5-speed-Gearbox-Repair-Kit-/181328626126?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a380741ce

toyotaavensis

If i was you i would go to a main toyota dealer for the part.
This is something you dont want to have to do again and if the part from ebay has a fault it will be a balls.

JohnBoy26

toyotaavensis wrote: »

If i was you i would go to a main toyota dealer for the part.
This is something you dont want to have to do again and if the part from ebay has a fault it will be a balls.

Agree 100% with this. Only go with genuine Toyota bearings. Any good mechanic should be able to do the job though so it doesn't have to be a gearbox specialist fitting them.

supervento

gonzo.phd wrote: »

Thanks again for all the replies, I've been pricing getting the bearings done in some gearbox specialists around Dublin, all around €600-€650. Present situation means I have to try and keep costs down as much as possible so will try to get the family mechanic down the country to do the job. Only problem with this is its always work on the side in the evenings and I would have to supply the parts.

Does anyone know if this is the sort kit that I would need to fix a noisy bearing on a corolla? http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Toyota-Corolla-1-4-VVTi-Back-Bearing-and-Oil-Seal-5-speed-Gearbox-Repair-Kit-/181328626126?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item2a380741ce

did u price any Toyota Garage out of interest? not that is much good to u but u'd easily get them done in a main dealer in kerry for €400- €450

swht

supervento wrote: »

did u price any Toyota Garage out of interest? not that is much good to u but u'd easily get them done in a main dealer in kerry for €400- €450

I did indeed, they quoted 1000e but that included a clutch. Spoke to the mechanic down home and he recons about €300 so will be going with that!

jt65

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Agree 100% with this. Only go with genuine Toyota bearings. Any good mechanic should be able to do the job though so it doesn't have to be a gearbox specialist fitting them.

Toyota don't make bearings

JohnBoy26

jt65 wrote: »

Toyota don't make bearings

I am aware that the bearings in the gearbox are not made by Toyota. What does that matter though as long as they are approved by Toyota and made to their design and specifications?

swarlb

jt65 wrote: »

Toyota don't make bearings

How do you know this ?? Now, I don't know if they do or if they don't, but how do you know, for certain, that a company as humongous as Toyota, "don't make bearings".
One thing is for certain, if there is an issue with gearbox bearings failing in Toyota gearboxes, then the last type of bearing to be fitted, is one supplied by Toyota.
Maybe that's what the problem is all along. That maybe Toyota DO make bearings, and they are a bad design.
So, the obvious thing to do is fit a quality bearing, by a quality bearing company.

swht

Been meaning to post an update for ages in case anyone wants to know. Got the bearing and clutch done for €500 parts and labour by a local mechanic down the country, left the car with him for a week and he done it in his own time so probably saved a bit there. :cool:

JohnBoy26

gonzo.phd wrote: »

Been meaning to post an update for ages in case anyone wants to know. Got the bearing and clutch done for €500 parts and labour by a local mechanic down the country, left the car with him for a week and he done it in his own time so probably saved a bit there. :cool:

Good stuff, great result and not a bad price either when you consider the new clutch was fitted too.

bryaner

swarlb wrote: »

How do you know this ?? Now, I don't know if they do or if they don't, but how do you know, for certain, that a company as humongous as Toyota, "don't make bearings".
One thing is for certain, if there is an issue with gearbox bearings failing in Toyota gearboxes, then the last type of bearing to be fitted, is one supplied by Toyota.
Maybe that's what the problem is all along. That maybe Toyota DO make bearings, and they are a bad design.
So, the obvious thing to do is fit a quality bearing, by a quality bearing company.

Toyota don't make bearings full stop.

JohnBoy26

bryaner wrote: »

Toyota don't make bearings full stop.

They don't but why would it matter who makes them if it's a quality genuine part made to the manufacturers spec?, something which a sporious Bearing will not.

corkgsxr

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

They don't but why would it matter who makes them if it's a quality genuine part made to the manufacturers spec?, something which a sporious Bearing will not.

My motor factors if you get bearings for a Toyota its the same brand that you get from Toyota just cheaper

swarlb

bryaner wrote: »

Toyota don't make bearings full stop.

I betcha they do ! would you like to wager ??

JohnBoy26

corkgsxr wrote: »

My motor factors if you get bearings for a Toyota its the same brand that you get from Toyota just cheaper

It might be the same brand but that doesn't mean that it's of the same quality as the genuine part.

bryaner

swarlb wrote: »

I betcha they do ! would you like to wager ??

They probably own nsk, but I'll wager there's no Toyota made bearing out there.

jt65

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

They don't but why would it matter who makes them if it's a quality genuine part made to the manufacturers spec?, something which a sporious Bearing will not.

what spec are in the original boxes that are failing ? if you want to pay a 50 to 100 % mark up for a toyota cardbox fine , most likely made in prc

we always use Timken or NSK when available, never had any issues

corkgsxr

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

It might be the same brand but that doesn't mean that it's of the same quality as the genuine part.

That I don't believe. Same factory isn't going to make 2 runs of the same bearings

Most manufacturers if you can find out the maker of parts you can get them cheaper.

CJhaughey

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

It might be the same brand but that doesn't mean that it's of the same quality as the genuine part.

This is true, Not all branded stuff is the same quality.
Koyo which would be a very common Toyota bearing have several different operations, some in Japan, some in India.
The Japanese bearings are much better than the Indian ones.
Same as NTK who make sensors, you can buy Ford branded NTK sensors that work and NTK versions despite fitting will not work as reliably.

swht

So since the gearbox bearing change I've been paying more attention to noises from the car and there is definately gearbox whine particularly in lower gears from 2000 to 3000 rpm (particularly 2nd gear). I guess the best way to descirbe it is kinda like deceleration noise but while accelerating. Its like the noise you'd hear from a bus gearbox but obviously not as loud can't really be heard with the windows open or radio etc.

I've read on other forums that this is a 'feature' of a lot of toyota gearboxes without leading to further problems. It has pobably been present since I have had the car but never paid any attention to it before. Would people consider this normal (has about 120k miles now) or should it have gone away with the bearing replacement?

toyotaavensis

A few comments as I recently had the bearings done in the avensis.

corkgsxr wrote: »

Id replace the oil and see how it gets along. Dropping the oil will also tell ya if you have metal bits in the oil

Waste of time as the cause of the bearing failure in the avensis/corolla is the plastic part of the bearing (piece that holds the balls in place) wears. Oil won't help here.

JohnBoy26 wrote: »

Yes the bearings can be replaced. It's not the easiest job in the world but any good mechanic should be able to do it for you. You will most probably be better off changing the clutch as well while the gearbox is off.

This does not require the gearbox to come out of the car so clutch replacement doesn't make sense.

gonzo.phd wrote: »

Thanks for the replys, what sort of costs would you be looking at for just the bearings and clutch? Read elsewhere that noisy bearings are a problem on the corolla.

Mechanic didn't seem to think it was extremely urgent, said to drive it on for now but to be aware that it might need something done soon. I hate to think it could fail completely though if I could have done something to prevent it.

mine was 350 all in parts and labour and the new bearing was made by toyota but was modified so as to make it last longer. Plastic piece is now metal

gonzo.phd wrote: »

So since the gearbox bearing change I've been paying more attention to noises from the car and there is definately gearbox whine particularly in lower gears from 2000 to 3000 rpm (particularly 2nd gear). I guess the best way to descirbe it is kinda like deceleration noise but while accelerating. Its like the noise you'd hear from a bus gearbox but obviously not as loud can't really be heard with the windows open or radio etc.

I've read on other forums that this is a 'feature' of a lot of toyota gearboxes without leading to further problems. It has pobably been present since I have had the car but never paid any attention to it before. Would people consider this normal (has about 120k miles now) or should it have gone away with the bearing replacement?

Hard to say without hearing it. I would ask your mechanic to drive it and see.

corkgsxr

The Renault traffic/ primastar vivaro has plastic housed bearings too

They don't fail if they have oil.

Reason they gave issues was gearbox oil level was never checked and at round 80k the level dropped too much and it overheats.

PurvesGrundy

gonzo.phd wrote: »

So since the gearbox bearing change I've been paying more attention to noises from the car and there is definately gearbox whine particularly in lower gears from 2000 to 3000 rpm (particularly 2nd gear). I guess the best way to descirbe it is kinda like deceleration noise but while accelerating. Its like the noise you'd hear from a bus gearbox but obviously not as loud can't really be heard with the windows open or radio etc.

I've read on other forums that this is a 'feature' of a lot of toyota gearboxes without leading to further problems. It has pobably been present since I have had the car but never paid any attention to it before. Would people consider this normal (has about 120k miles now) or should it have gone away with the bearing replacement?

I had this too with a Mk1 Yaris I owned. It was lowish mileage and my personal belief was that it was a characteristic of some Toyota gearboxes rather than an actual fault.

Leonard Hofstadter

PurvesGrundy wrote: »

I had this too with a Mk1 Yaris I owned. It was lowish mileage and my personal belief was that it was a characteristic of some Toyota gearboxes rather than an actual fault.

I agree with this. Unless it's noticeably loud I wouldn't worry about it. From what you've said, it sounds like a typical Toyota gearbox whine - where you'd only hear it if you were concentrating and had the windows up and the radio off etc, and that's absolutely fine.

If you are worried about it, you should get it checked, though - an internet diagnosis is no substitute for an expert opinion from someone who has had the benefit of hearing it in real life.

swht

Thanks for the replys. I'm sure I'm being overly sensitive to the noise after having the bearing done. I'll mention it at the next service anyway and forget about it till then, its smooth to drive at least.