M32 Output shaft bearing failure

[sdgdf]

On my 6-speed manual the transmission started the notorious whining around 100k miles. Its now @ 150k miles, and in the past 1000 miles it started having a noise I thought was a wheel bearing. I got the wheel bearing replaced, its not a wheel bearing but a similar growling noise. Appears to come from the transmission? I did some research and found this:

M32 Gearbox | Guide To Faults & Fixes

A guide to the common faults and repairs including up-rating the Vauxhall, Alfa Romeo, Fiat M32 gearbox . If you are unfamiliar with its factory name the M32 gearbox is the common 6 speed gearbox found in most Vauxhalls as well as Alfa Romeo and Fiat. M32 Gearbox Symptoms So chances are if...

www.eco-torque.co.uk

"This one is less common but often comes to us after being misdiagnosed as a wheel bearing issue. The constant whine starts at 20-25 MPH and is present even if the clutch is depressed. This is due to the fact that the bearing at fault spins with the output shaft and differential, so will ultimately make a sound if the vehicle is in motion. This issue requires a full bearing rebuild to resolve."

And

Unidentified whine at speed - M32 Dread..?

www.alfaowner.com

On that Alfa forum they mention getting the output shaft bearing replaced, and on their cars it can be done without dropping the trans?

Its insane that this could be a problem destroying my trans before my clutch is anywhere near slipping/worn out, and I'm not having any issues with worn synchros or anything. I have to admit I've never changed the gear oil in the trans, swore when I bought the car the owners manual said it didn't need it changed.

 

[fiddlerboy]

I just had my M32 rebuilt (2012 1.4T Hatchback, 132k miles) by a local shop, using a bearing kit I pre-ordered from the UK, and it completely took care of the noise. I would get the noise in 3/4/5th gears, and often when putting it in neutral for any of those, but mostly not in 1st/2nd/6th. I also had very obvious "bouncing" of the shifter when letting the clutch out or putting on power in 5th. That's all gone now.

Two of the bearings were very pitted, the large output bearing was non-smooth, the rest were mostly ok, but it was the same labor cost to just do all of them. I plan to do a writeup about it here in a larger post once I've driven it a bit more.

Total cost for me was a bit over $3000, including replacing the clutch and flywheel (I figured while they had it all apart, might as well, even though those were in decent shape). I'd called around to get price estimates, and this shop had done one of these before and was willing to do it if I ordered the parts kit (since apparently the M32 bearings are almost impossible to find in the US).

I believe the replacement interval on the manual transmission fluid is 60-100k, depending on conditions.

 

[macdiesel]

On my 6-speed manual the transmission started the notorious whining around 100k miles. Its now @ 150k miles, and in the past 1000 miles it started having a noise I thought was a wheel bearing. I got the wheel bearing replaced, its not a wheel bearing but a similar growling noise. Appears to come from the transmission? I did some research and found this:

http://[URL]https://www.eco-torque.co.uk/post/m32-gearbox-guide-to-faults-fixes

[/URL]

"This one is less common but often comes to us after being misdiagnosed as a wheel bearing issue. The constant whine starts at 20-25 MPH and is present even if the clutch is depressed. This is due to the fact that the bearing at fault spins with the output shaft and differential, so will ultimately make a sound if the vehicle is in motion. This issue requires a full bearing rebuild to resolve."

And

http://[URL]https://www.alfaowner.com/threads/unidentified-whine-at-speed-m32-dread.1177175/

[/URL]

On that Alfa forum they mention getting the output shaft bearing replaced, and on their cars it can be done without dropping the trans?

Its insane that this could be a problem destroying my trans before my clutch is anywhere near slipping/worn out, and I'm not having any issues with worn synchros or anything. I have to admit I've never changed the gear oil in the trans, swore when I bought the car the owners manual said it didn't need it changed.

I’d check your fluid level and possible change fluid first. I changed my fluid at 130k and it was low from the factory

 

[Dingleberry69]

I just had my M32 rebuilt (2012 1.4T Hatchback, 132k miles) by a local shop, using a bearing kit I pre-ordered from the UK, and it completely took care of the noise. I would get the noise in 3/4/5th gears, and often when putting it in neutral for any of those, but mostly not in 1st/2nd/6th. I also had very obvious "bouncing" of the shifter when letting the clutch out or putting on power in 5th. That's all gone now.

Two of the bearings were very pitted, the large output bearing was non-smooth, the rest were mostly ok, but it was the same labor cost to just do all of them. I plan to do a writeup about it here in a larger post once I've driven it a bit more.

Total cost for me was a bit over $3000, including replacing the clutch and flywheel (I figured while they had it all apart, might as well, even though those were in decent shape). I'd called around to get price estimates, and this shop had done one of these before and was willing to do it if I ordered the parts kit (since apparently the M32 bearings are almost impossible to find in the US).

I believe the replacement interval on the manual transmission fluid is 60-100k, depending on conditions.

Well I do have to say North American parts availability is generally non existent. Just completed an M26 diffy job. Ended up having to replace the diff with a new one, and of course bearings and seals to boot. Ended up finding all the parts on rock auto, as they were the only ones that seemed to even have listings. Even the diff pan gasket was no longer available in Canada, but the dealership “reluctantly” had it brought over from USA.
Still working out some minor naggles, but managed to get it all re & re with the transmission still in the vehicle.
Yeah not a fun job without a lift, sitting in the middle of an uncovered driveway over Christmas