Seems like a used car we bought might have gearbox issues. Reading up on this, trying to arm ourselves for th fight with the stealer, we read that if you intentionally stall a car in first and it shakes, Knocks and vibrates violently before stalling, that it’s a sign of impending dmf trouble.

I’m not car expert (far from it), just wondering if those with more knowledge would consider it a valid test (car failed this test by the way).

If it’s an issue, you don’t need to stall it to tell. Bring the clutch out to the edge of the bite point and you’ll feel it knocking and throbbing through the pedal. If the clutch doesn’t feel smooth as you’re smoothly depressing the pedal just over the bite point (DMF is compressing and releasing too much) then sign of issue.

My day job is global clutch system engineer for the worlds 3rd (I think) largest oem. Dmf is there to stop gear rattle in the gearbox. What car is it? Don’t keep stalling the car as you will damage the dmf. The driveline can go into resonance and put impacts into the end stops.
What gearbox issues exactly.

It’s a zafira B, 6 speed 1.7cdti which I believe is the M32 gearbox. Our mechanic noticed a noise and the most obvious physical manifestation is the gearstick moving when you roll on and off the power in 5 and 6.

Engine mounts?

Without knowing the exact layout of the gearbox/shifter mechanism, my first guess would be a bearing that is failing. I have also heard that Vauxhall have issues with bearing failures on the Astra, would be worth doing some more research. What kind of noise is it that you can hear?

Well, went back to the place we bought it from and their technician came out for a short test drive. Within a few minutes said, “yeah, that needs sorting”.

They’ve now booked the car in with a local gearbox specialist. I’ve called the gearbox specialist and he’s going to upgrade the bearings and casing and I’ll pay the difference.

I assume is there’s anything else wrong with the clutch/dmf, he’ll find it.

I’ll try and remember to keep this thread up to date. Seems bearing issues in the M32 gearbox are quite common and not just in Vauxhalls.

Seen a couple of these with bearing failures, worst one split the casting when the bearing failed. Sounds like you are getting it sorted which is good. You can measure the movement in a dmf, to check it is within specification, but they should already being doing this.

Vauxhall 6 speed gearboxes are rubbish , the kit from Vauxhall costs less than £200 everything even the tools needed to replace the bearings .

At least that’s how it was a couple of years ago .

How long have you had the car? Days (if the DMF is also the issue dealer pays), months who knows. How much extra are you paying for the ‘..upgrade’?

The upgrade uses a new larger casing and a bearing twice the size of the original. Should see the gearbox good for life then. Spotted the issue within a couple of days of collection. Dealer is paying. If all this goes to plan, I’ll be very happy to name and not shame!