Replacing the BE3 gearbox

[rhysaccess]

Howdy all,

With the planet gears breaking through the gearbox bell housing - the original BE3 CJ47 gearbox is to be replaced.

I have a 20TE47 unit (I think out of a Xsara?), The clutch actuation mechanism is quite different.

Does anyone have experience with swapping these? Is it a sensible replacement?

Thanks & regards,
Rhys

[David]

I don't see why it shouldn't go in, but you'll have to check that the clutch and drive shafts will physically fit into the new gearbox first. The clutch mechanism on the new gearbox looks the same as the ones fitted to the TD and GTi BX's anyway, so all you'll need to do there is replace the clutch cable. The they're a better design anyway as the clutch pedals are lighter and the mechanism is less likely to break. Also, make sure that you check the speedo drive cog is compatible with the BX speedo cable, otherwise you'll need to swap that from the old gearbox too, although it's not a hard job.

The only problem that you might have is the gear ratios in the new box. Just let us know how you get on and what the gears are like as some of the gearboxes in the BX are too low geared in the first place.

Hope that helps.

[rhysaccess]

Thanks for your feedback David.

Some of the differences are pretty obvious (clutch, speedo drive) and some are not. I'll double check all aspects of the driveshafts & clutch compactivity.

I’m curious as to what subtle difference might present itself later, after putting the combined drivetrain back in. Will the new clutch mechanism foul some unforeseen body or mechanical extrusion?

If it’s really just a new clutch cable, that’s....great. Is it a Xsara clutch cable that fits the BX pedal assembly and 20TE47 gearbox?

The ratios are a bit different, some reckon its an improvement. I presume I can swap some cogs over from the original box – but happy to take advantage of improved higher gearing or better spacing, if that has been the experience of others.

Any further advice would be appreciated before I re-fill my finger nails with grease.

Cheers,
Rhys

[Kitch]

The 20TE47 refers to the spec and ratios, so really you need to find out what gear set that comes with to see if it's suitable.

There's a Suzuki site which lists MA box specs, but not sure about BE.

[David]

Thanks for your feedback David.

Some of the differences are pretty obvious (clutch, speedo drive) and some are not. I'll double check all aspects of the driveshafts & clutch compactivity.

I’m curious as to what subtle difference might present itself later, after putting the combined drivetrain back in. Will the new clutch mechanism foul some unforeseen body or mechanical extrusion?

If it’s really just a new clutch cable, that’s....great. Is it a Xsara clutch cable that fits the BX pedal assembly and 20TE47 gearbox?

The ratios are a bit different, some reckon its an improvement. I presume I can swap some cogs over from the original box – but happy to take advantage of improved higher gearing or better spacing, if that has been the experience of others.

Any further advice would be appreciated before I re-fill my finger nails with grease.

Cheers,
Rhys

You'll just need a clutch cable from a TD or GTi BX, I believe that the Xsara cable is different. I might be wrong, but I'm sure that the peddle assembly is completely different, so they won't fit.

Beyond the different gear ratios, there shouldn't be any problems. The clutch mechanism is the same as the TD and GTi cars, so there should be no problem there either, just remember that you'll probably need the later type of clutch release bearing too to fit the arm. I changed to the later type clutch mechanism on my car, and there were only improvements to it, no problems arose from changing it.

Hope that helps.

[rhysaccess]

Thanks David - it helps enormously.

I had suspicions about the different pedal assembly...but hadn't had the opportunity to investigate.

Hadn't considered the different thrust bearing, but it too makes sense.

All the advance planning helps a quick outcome, as the supply of (potentially wrong) parts from overseas, will unnecessarily delay the project.

Thanks & regards,
Rhys

[Jaba]

You will also need a U shaped clip to secure the clutch cable to the box with the new cable type.

[rhysaccess]

Based on the (excellent) feedback here - I’ve ordered the appropriate bits, and I await the (hopefully correct) parts to arrive at my door.

International deliveries have slowed down in recent years…..so I just have to find other tasks to undertake while I play the waiting game.

I have been offered a gratis BX Diesel wagon wreck for gratis, so I’ll probably collect and wreck it in the mean time for a supply of some future parts.

Regards,
Rhys