M20 / M32 Manual Gearbox Problems
The M20 and M32 Manual 6-speed gearboxes are extremely common failures and are fitted to a variety of vehicles including Vauxhalls, Alfa Romeo’s and Fiats. The most common problem is worn and noisy bearings which cause the gearbox to whine in certain gears. The noisy bearing may be more audible in some gears then others.
A noisy gearbox when treated quickly is not that bad a problem, we can generally re-bearing the box and have you back on the road in no time – but if you ignore a noisy bearing it can very quickly become a big problem.
Common M20 / M32 Manual Gearbox Faults
- Gears Crunching
- Stuck In Gear
- Not Going Into Gear
- Jumping Out of Gear
- Noisy Gearbox (Whining / Grinding)
- Gear Problems When Hot
- Gear Problems When Cold
Although we’ve repaired hundreds of these gearboxes now, there’s many people that are not aware of Gearbox Repairs and will either pay out a lot for a brand new gearbox (which will come with a limited 12 months warranty) or pick up a cheap second-hand used gearbox (which will come with a limited 30-90 days warranty).
Our M20 / M32 Gearbox Repair Service
We offer a fast, efficient and affordable gearbox repair service. If your gearbox is noisy due to bearing wear and the bearing hasn’t yet completely failed i.e. collapsed and caused further damage then the repairs can be even cheaper than a second-hand part. We use new genuine OEM components when rebuilding gearboxes to ensure that each and every rebuilt gearbox meets & exceeds OE specifications.
All of our reconditioned gearboxes come with a 2 year unlimited mileage warranty and free fittings at our Gearbox Service Centre. For more information, call us on 0203 815 9441.

Ajaz is a seasoned automotive electronics engineer with deep expertise in remanufacturing vehicle electronics. He has developed skills in all areas of the automotive field, from rebuilding hydraulic steering components, and mechanical gearboxes and reworking intricate vehicle electronics. Ajaz also acquired Bodyteq, a London-based vehicle bodyshop where he has developed extensive knowledge in automotive refinishing.
Alongside his automotive career, Ajaz has built a career in the IT industry, gaining accredited certification as an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, Cloud Architect, and Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) specialist.
Have a Corsa 1.3cdti with a 6 speed box which has started to whine most of the time. There are no other problems with the box such as movement in the gear stick or any other of the usual problems associated with this so called “gearbox”. Could you please quote me for the bearing replacement on the 6th gear and would you require the car or just the gearbox. Cheers Dave
Hi I have a vauxhall zafira 1.7 tdi 6 speed manual m32 gearbox with the classic whining noise. Can you send me repair cost details please
Hi
I’m having a whining coming from my Alfa Romeo Brera at low revs. Only really audible in revers, 1st and 2nd and a little in 3rd but also the same noise in neutral.
Advice would be appreciated.
Thanks
Dan
Hi,I’m having the same problem like Dan Bartram on my alfa 159.1st and 2nd whining sound and 5th and 6th some sound.
Any advice,thanks.
Ivan
could you give me a price to replace gearbox bearins in my fiat punto grand 07 reg thanks
Hi i have a 62 plate corsa vxr and i get a grinding noise when changing up to 3rd gear but this only happens above 30mph
Hello, I have a vauxhall astra h 1.9 cdti and I have experienced almost all the symptoms you’ve stated. My car is not drivable and I believe it’s a gearbox issue
I’ve a Fiat Grande Punto 1.9D on an 07 that needs the gearbox sorting out, could you mail me prices please? Either to come in or just fit the box.
Thanks
Jeff
Hello,
I have a 07 zafira 1.9cdto and have dreaded worn bearing symptoms on the m32 How much would it cost to have you replace the bearings?
Many thanks
greg
I have a 2008 astra vxr… whines in 1st , and has movement in 1st and 5th.
Needs doing ASAP as I need to sell up.
Could you get back to me please.
Thanks lewis