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.
Hi, I have a 2008 zafira 1.9 CDTI 150, i have movement in the gearstick In 1st and 5th plus gearbox noise, could you give me a guide as to cost etc? Thanks
Similar to dan Fiat bravo 2010 1.4t Jet noticed noise in 1st gear when Accelerating and there is movement in 1st/5th gearstick.. 49k on clock not something i expected to happen ! ideas on repair bill ?
My astra 1.9cdti 150 is jumping out of third gear do you have a price on repair
Hi could you please give me a quote for a m32 gear box for a fiat punto thanks
HI,
I have movement in first and fifth with my astra VXR, however no whining noise. how much would it likely cost to have this repaired?
Thanks
George
Hi ,
I have got 58 plate zafira 1.9cdti (150)6 speed manual ,
I have movement in 1st gear and also slight play in 5th and 6th .
Can yoh quote me for overhaul on repair/replace ?
Thanks
Dan jackson
Hi, I have a 2005 zafira 1.9 CDTI 150, i have movement in the gearstick In 1st and 5th plus gearbox noise, could you give me a guide as to cost etc? Thanks
Alfa 159 1.9jtd, gerabox whining 5th & 6th, diagnosed as the classic bearings at fault, still drives perfectly but can hear the noise, could you send me a quote pls
Well after a long read of multiple threads, my M32 gearbox has the common problem of gearstick moving 🙁
how much for the bearings changed on a 2007 fiat punto 1.9 diesel
cheeers
Hi I have a vectra Sri Cdti 58 plate with movement in 1st gear and also 5th and 6th.Also there is a whining noise when I go over 30mph just wondered how much it would cost thanks
Astavan 08plate 56000 miles 1.9cdti 150 the van jumps out of 1st gear and there is a whine in 5th and 6th I had a reconditioned box fitted 15000 miles ago can i please have a quote on a repair and What would you do to stop this happening again many Thanks Scott Trigg