Metal filings on gearbox plug
 

Hi, my 2002 wrx has been crunching slighty when going 3rd to 4th. Only a little and if you can get the change just right it never does it.

Anyway I changed it this afternoon with castrol syntrax after doing a search on here. It seems to have more or less cured the problem for now, took car for a run and changed gear every way I could think of and no crunching.

What worried me is that the drain plug had quite a covering of filings on it when removed, a few flakes were visable in the used oil. Is this a cause for concern??:wonder:

Quite possibly bit's of the synchro's or bits of gear teeth.

I had a crunchy 4th to 5th about 5 years ago, had another 2 boxes in since then, dropped the oil and there was 3 or 4 gear teeth stuck the drain plug.

the word you are looking for is OHHHHH SH1T! start looking for a new box as it will most certainly be going bang very soon as have several of mine,.

a small acumulation of metal filings on the plug is quite normal and isnt necessarily anything to worry about - id be more concerned if there were large solid chunks...

No big chunks, all were very small flakes. TBH the car has done it since I bought it 5 months ago. In typical fashion there was not a hint of a problem on the test drive!!(ruddy typical) Also the previous owner had the box re-built a couple of years ago. The change in oil seems to have helped a lot, will have to see what happens!

No chance of a new box this side of xmas!

he said hes got a good covering of flakes and they are present in the oil also cruching, you know aswell as me matey its not good news,.

Will have to see if it develops for now. Certainly hasnt got any worse in the last 2k miles. Hopefully change of oil will help delay any major bills at least.

Im not sure if crunch is tghe right word, more of a buzz?? The gear always goes in even if it does buzz/crunch.

Ah the joys of performance car ownership, we love it dont we??

Used the car a bit today and no problems with crunching at all. Will have to update if and when it goes bang!

its prob the retaining sleeve at the back of 3rd gear look at these pics -
http://www.gears.tv/products.html#subaru

Interesting as it was 3rd the prev guy had problems with, got an invoice from scoobyclinic for a rebuild. However, it is when going 3rd to 4th I have/had the problem, 3rd gear is as good as gold. The website only mentions 3rd gear problems, but then I havent a clue where the workings of gearboxes are concerned. I'll certainly be keeping a watchful eye on the situation.

At the very least hopefully I've delayed a major problem. Very impressed with the difference putting fresh oil in has made at the moment.