Have I jinxed myself?

[Rightthen]

After the consideration that I might keep my spare gearbox (which won't fit), I had a slightly worrying drive into town this morning....

Whilst at lights (the first time I'd had need to stop since getting it back on the road), I thought it was mis-firing as I was getting an occasional very small judder. I pulled over soon as I could and let it tick over and... nothing. Ran perfect. I realised the issue was only when I engaged drive with the brake on. So, some kind of transmission issue, I guess? I drove for another hour in every type of condition I could think of using drive and Tiptronic. Behaved perfectly throughout (apart from the tiny stationary judder). Purposefully tried to catch to out and didn't miss a beat. I left it cool til just now to see if there was any difference. Upon starting it cold, I didn't get the judder in drive or tip, with the break applied. Drove for 10 minutes, stopped and tried again and the judder was back.

I've been looking at TC/box videos all morning on the 'Tube. Gave up as to anything conclusive. Was thinking sticky TC clutch, because of the fact there's no problem when cold (as it hasn't engaged yet) but intermittent doesn't seem to make a lot of sense for that. I'm now throwing myself to the mercy of the forum and hoping I don't get alarmingly expensive replies

[Rightthen]

Probs worth mentioning that it's been off the road quite some time, and defo didn't have the issue before hand.

I did get the gearbox service done last time it was active, but only the syringe, standard one. Not a full flush. I think I did a good 2000 miles after the service, before it came off the road.

[MikkiJayne]

Does sound like the converter, but I wouldn't worry about it. Mine always had a bit of a lumpy idle in drive, never got any worse. Could also be the MAF beginning to age, although very early stages.

I don't think its anything catastrophic at this stage, just be mindful of it changing.

The TC clutch causes judder at 1500-1800 rpm as its trying to lock up. That is a pretty common problem after they've been laid up, but its not doing anything at idle.

[Rightthen]

Ok, I'll try not to panic too much then. I had one that did the TC clutch judder at low revs. Was worried it might be early stages of that, but it takes off perfectly under load. Tried it up a sharp hill to see if I could get it to react. Nothing. Also had a box on a very high milage PF 4.2 completely give up on the M1 once, so I'm still traumatised from my early D2 ownership

Do you think it would be worth getting the box flushed? I had little to no paperwork with this one so no idea if it's been done. Or would I be chucking money better saved for the eventual gearbox out and big decision eventuality?

Speaking of which... is it a certainty that the some part of the drive train will have a catastrophic failure around 200k? Or have I just owned cars that were poorly maintained by previous owners?

[MikkiJayne]

I know of one with well over 200k on the original gearbox which has been religiously serviced regularly for many years, and Paul's FE is approaching 200k and better for a flush apparently. Over 200K is a rarity though.

There are people who tell horror stories of flushing causing gearbox failure but I don't subscribe to that. If it died after a flush it was going to die soon anyway IMO.

There are several mechanical failures which can be attributed to poor lubrication, primarily the A-clucth thrust bearing disintegrating and the pressure regulating valve bore wearing out. Both can be averted, or at the very least postponed by fresh oil.

[Strummagnet]

I know of one with well over 200k on the original gearbox which has been religiously serviced regularly for many years, and Paul's FE is approaching 200k and better for a flush apparently. Over 200K is a rarity though.

The gearbox flush I had was money well spent. Has transformed the gearbox from comfortable middle aged slumber to crisp adolescence.... Loves bmw hunting on the A34. I had mine flushed with the genuine ZF oil.

[Rightthen]

comfortable middle aged slumber to crisp adolescence....
[/quote]

I think I need a gearbox flush

[Rightthen]

I know of one with well over 200k on the original gearbox which has been religiously serviced regularly for many years, and Paul's FE is approaching 200k and better for a flush apparently. Over 200K is a rarity though.

There are people who tell horror stories of flushing causing gearbox failure but I don't subscribe to that. If it died after a flush it was going to die soon anyway IMO.

There are several mechanical failures which can be attributed to poor lubrication, primarily the A-clucth thrust bearing disintegrating and the pressure regulating valve bore wearing out. Both can be averted, or at the very least postponed by fresh oil.

If your fluids are holding your box together, surely that's a precarious place to be

I think I'll get it booked in. I've been thinking to put money aside for the eventual rebuild (or possible manual swap, but having done a lot of forum scouring, the pedal box slightly intimidates me. I may try and get my head in enough of a techy place to ask you about that at some point MJ) as with that plus maybe a top end rebuild and subframes powder coated it should be good for another 150k at least. Surely that's the whole point of a D2?!

My 4motion Sharan VR6 is about to get torn down for the second time. I put a new lump in and replaced all perishables @180k. It's now on 240k and needs extensive welding, so I'm going to do that, head, poly bushes, full custom interior (with D2 swivel seats), haldex switch, snorkel, stainless exhaust, subframes, truck bed paint, lift etc, etc. 400+k here we come!

[Rightthen]

I love keeping older cars as proper functioning vehicles. Thank goodness for forums and those willing to share knowledge.

[Strummagnet]

comfortable middle aged slumber to crisp adolescence....

I think I need a gearbox flush

Bear in mind the gearbox was in good order when MJ worked her magic on the car when reincarnating it.

If it wasn't for MJ there is no way I would consider still having a D2.