Intermittent 3rd gear issue on my Bug.
 

Hi guys

I have a bug eye (new age) 51 plate (UK) WRX, it goes smoothly into all gears without crunching or any issues at normal revs, but every now and then when I'm driving fast (racing a Lexus at the lights for instance) it just won't go into 3rd gear unless I double clutch.

It's done 70K and is on its original clutch as far as I'm aware.
Does anyone have any idea what's going wrong please?

Cheers

Jay

when it doesn't go into gear, does it crunch is it like your not fitting the selector properly? Could be as simple as the gear selector bushes need replacing?

No, no crunching, it just won't go in.
A bit like it would feel if you tried to go into a gear you we're already in, if that makes sense.

3rd gear syncro is worn, when your driving harder the gear that won't select is not getting up to speed therefore won't mesh

Thanks for the replies guys.
Do you happen to know roughly how much that would cost to replace please?
I'm thinking of getting the clutch done as it's probably going to need a new one sooner or later, so while they are in that area, if it's not a crazy price, I could ask them to change the 3rd gear synchro.

Cheers

Jay

Realistically your looking at at least £1000 -£1200 for box strip ,parts, labour and a decent clutch ... Exedy pink box .

I think I may have answered my own question with depressing results.

I found this Australian site :
http://www.rallispec.com/gea_rep_syn5mt.html

Which looks like it's going to cost £400 (I know it's in dollars but knowing the UK it will be the same or more) for a full synchro set and I'm guessing at least £300 for the labor even with the clutch already off.
Then around £500 for a pink exeedy and labor, so that's £1200 for a car that's worth £2500-£3000 if I'm lucky.

If these figures are close, It looks like it's just not financially viable to do it :(

Bugger, looks like my estimation was right, thanks for the help guys.

Decent secondhand box is the way to go prob. Budget around £250- 300 for 5 speed... Exedy pink box can be had for £280ish. 4 hours = £200 labour for a box swap over... £700 or thereabouts.. more reasonable now..

Thanks for the reply.
I've emailed MrClutch for a quote, I'd worry buying a second hand box, as I wouldn't want to find myself in the same situation again.
I'll see what they come back with.

Cheers

if you can find a second hand box for easy money you can send it off somewhere to get built up and checked over before having someone swap it into your car with the clutch.

Beware Mr clutch.. mostly a bunch of non skilled non qualified.. workers
Got a few stories about them over the years... Most people never escape with the price quoted...always add ons...
use a reputable garage is my recommendation..5 speed impreza clutches are not difficult you should be charged 4- 5 hours labour max.

Second hand box from reputable breaker £250
Clutch £300
Labour + oil £250

That's the way I'd go.

If you're running standard power, you'll not need a pink box, a blue box will be fine. Saving £100 to. :thumb: