Hi, pretty new here, but how long should a 2003 WRX gearbox last for. Currently running at 56000 miles and second wont engage anymore, cant upshift into 4th at all, but can downshift from 5th, and upshifting from 3rd to 5th over 60mph causes a crunching sound. Its pretty much shagged but am very disappointed that this is happening. Any thoughts anbody?

 

it sounds like your box has had a hard life

 

If the car aint raced/thrashed and treated nicely, add about 100k to your mileage, should last that long

Tony

 

it hasnt had a hard life, gets a good poke prob once a week for about 30mins...had a new clutch about 3 months ago just after 50k, which is about the life of the original clutch, and hoped that would solve the upshifting to 4th from 5th, but didnt. any ideas as to why it wont engage 2nd whatsoever

 

The standard boxes are very notchy but strong. How much power are you running through it.

 

its running around 280...i bought it 2nd hand, and im only the 2nd owner...it had the prodrive engine kit and exhaust system from new...i dont believe that it should be giving up now..does anybody have either a cheap replacement, or have any advice

 

someone has been abusing that gearbox big time,it is out of warranty so off to independent specialist for rebuild/replacement-£1,000 possibly
martin

 

They are notchy, mine sometimes needs a stroke to get it into reverse. But not that notchy Im afraid.

 

Mine has 360-370 going through it and is still going strong with several track-days under its belt at 60k miles. Someone has really mucked yours about....

 

Likewise 66k 275bhp gearbox notchy with a longer throw than i'd like (looking at quick shifter) but feels fine.

Still on Original clutch too and i can give her a spirited run when needs be too.

You've either been unlucky or owner one thought they were McRae.

5t.

 

I disbelieve that it should be giving up now. probably will have to pursue it further judging by the responses. thanks for the replies

 

You don't know how the first owner treated it I guess? As the car is running upgraded power and torque you wouldn't have a leg to stand on in any attempt to get funds towards a replacement.

Ns04

 

phone up API and get your self an STI 6 speed which would be much stronger

some boxes have failed early that seem to have little abuse - some like mine have been running 400 bhp with little sign's of wear

Rich

 

I broke 2 WRX gearboxes on my bugeye and now have an STi six speed from API. It's not going to break but the ratio's are an acquired taste.

If you like the ratio's you have on the 5 speed then I'd get it rebuilt with a stronger (PPG) gearset

All IMHO LOL

Shaun

 

How so mate? (for future reference for moi)

Ns04

 

NS04 what did you want to know about.....how I broke the boxes or what I think about my 6 speed

Shaun

 

6 speed, please

I can guess how you broke the gearboxes

 

As the prodrive kit is covered under the terms of the implied and explicit warranty, it is still covered under the following;
Under the terms of Sale of Goods Act 1979, as amended by the Sale and Supply of Goods Act 1994 and the Sale and Supply of Goods to Consumers Regulations 2002, it must still be:
• fit to be used on the road;
• in a condition which reflects its age and price, and
• reasonably reliable.

Any upgrades and extras not covered under the warranty would render this information useless. As the Prodrive falls under the former category, then failures like this will be covered.

 

Ah, you have the Prodrive upgrade! You're chances just improved However, with transmission claims, depending on the nature of the fault, they might argue that the damage was incurred as a result of using the car outside of the conditions stipulated by the warranty, or abuse. You can account for your own use of the car, but not for the previous owners I guess.

Can be hard to prove these things one way or the other. Some dealers are very good, others wouldn't give a door a bang!

Good luck!

ns04

 

Thanks mate...i have logged the problems with the gearbox, dates, what the fault etc, so have my backup, and it was bought from an Approved Used dealer so lets see what happens

 

good luck with it. sounds like a rebuild for sure.

I have an 03 wrx running similar power, 62 thousand miles. the gearbox was pretty notchy and I was having problems getting 1st gear. changed the diff oil and what a difference. cant remember what its called but its used for racing so it must be good stuff.