Clio 172 Ph1 Gear-shift Question
Discussion
Hi,
I'm looking for a 172 Ph1 as a fun daily runabout. The one I've found is on 55k miles and appears decent, with FSH. The only issue I have is that 2nd and 3rd gears seem to 'grate' very slightly as I slide them into position on the gait. I also hear a slight 'clank' when doing this. In other cars I've found similar issues revolve around linkage bushes and gearbox oil. However, I guess the oil wouldn't explain why 4th and 5th feel really smooth. I'm guessing 2nd and 3rd see the most action, hence the bush / whatever-it-is wear, right?
I've driven a 182 and it felt smooth when sliding into every gear. This strikes me as a wear issue. The question is how much of a bad omen it is. How normal is this?
Thanks in advance.
I'm looking for a 172 Ph1 as a fun daily runabout. The one I've found is on 55k miles and appears decent, with FSH. The only issue I have is that 2nd and 3rd gears seem to 'grate' very slightly as I slide them into position on the gait. I also hear a slight 'clank' when doing this. In other cars I've found similar issues revolve around linkage bushes and gearbox oil. However, I guess the oil wouldn't explain why 4th and 5th feel really smooth. I'm guessing 2nd and 3rd see the most action, hence the bush / whatever-it-is wear, right?
I've driven a 182 and it felt smooth when sliding into every gear. This strikes me as a wear issue. The question is how much of a bad omen it is. How normal is this?
Thanks in advance.
I'm no expert here.
The gearbox mount often goes in these causing the engine/gearbox to drop and cause this type of thing. If it's that then it's to be expected and isn't expensive to fix. Of course if it's something else then I don't know.
May be worth asking on Cliosport.net where I'm also a member. There is an excellent Ph1 172 buyers guide which is in the members section. If you're serious about buying one then the membership fee will be worth it. Somebody may know about this specific car?
55k miles seems VERY low for one of these, make sure it's not clocked. Also it will be ready for it's second belt change (based on age and/or mileage) so make sure that's either been done or it's cheap enough that you can do it (£400 - £600) for this and it HAS to be done using proper tools by someone who's done the belts on a Clio before.
Hope this helps
The gearbox mount often goes in these causing the engine/gearbox to drop and cause this type of thing. If it's that then it's to be expected and isn't expensive to fix. Of course if it's something else then I don't know.
May be worth asking on Cliosport.net where I'm also a member. There is an excellent Ph1 172 buyers guide which is in the members section. If you're serious about buying one then the membership fee will be worth it. Somebody may know about this specific car?
55k miles seems VERY low for one of these, make sure it's not clocked. Also it will be ready for it's second belt change (based on age and/or mileage) so make sure that's either been done or it's cheap enough that you can do it (£400 - £600) for this and it HAS to be done using proper tools by someone who's done the belts on a Clio before.
Hope this helps
Edited by MagicalTrevor on Thursday 19th May 07:17
Thanks, Trevor. If it were the box mounts causing the issue, why would 2nd and 3rd be the only affected gears? I guess it could make the box sit at an awkward angle, causing those gears to not engage as cleanly as the others, but it seems a little coincidental that 2nd and 3rd are the most often used gears. I wonder if the previous owner was a little rough with the box?
flat16 said:
Thanks, Trevor. If it were the box mounts causing the issue, why would 2nd and 3rd be the only affected gears? I guess it could make the box sit at an awkward angle, causing those gears to not engage as cleanly as the others, but it seems a little coincidental that 2nd and 3rd are the most often used gears. I wonder if the previous owner was a little rough with the box?
There is that as well of course, having said that secondhand gearboxes don't cost too much (~£300) and maybe the cogs could be replaced or something? There are a lot more knowledgeable people on CS.net that could help if you pop across and say hello 
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