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Broken R7ME gearbox?
19 Jun 2024 13:32 #256346
by Torne
Broken R7ME gearbox? was created by Torne
Hello, I am new to this forum and looking for some help!
My 2002 Suzuki Jimny with about 190 000 km, M13A engine and manual 4wd transfer case lever is making some weird sounds from the gearbox (I think). I am assuming that I have the R7ME gearbox, since it´s a pre 2005 model with the “4wd stick”? When in 3rd and 5th gear you can hear a metal grinding noise, almost the same noise as when a brake shield is slightly touching the rotors, and there is also a whining/whistling noise. If you take a stethoscope and put it on the gear lever you can clearly hear the whistling noise when in 3rd or 5th gear. Also when at a standstill in neutral you can hear a whining noise that disappears when pressing down the clutch pedal. I haven’t been able to find anyone who’s had problems with the R7ME gearbox so I really don’t have anything to read about this. I have not been able to confirm though that my gearbox is an R7ME, I haven’t found any numbers or anything on the gearbox that confirms the model.
So my first thought was to drain the oil and inspect to make sure it wasn’t empty and to look for any metal shavings etc. The problem though is that the filler plug is stuck and rounded. Yes I have tried to get it loose with the correct 10mm square socket but to no success. I’m guessing my only option is to try and weld a nut onto the plug, but I am not sure if I’ll be able to fit the welder in between the gearbox and the floor of the car. Any suggestions?
If I manage to get the plug off and change the oil in the gearbox, but it doesn’t solve anything - has anyone done and documented a rebuild of the R7ME gearbox?
Appreciate any help I can get!
My 2002 Suzuki Jimny with about 190 000 km, M13A engine and manual 4wd transfer case lever is making some weird sounds from the gearbox (I think). I am assuming that I have the R7ME gearbox, since it´s a pre 2005 model with the “4wd stick”? When in 3rd and 5th gear you can hear a metal grinding noise, almost the same noise as when a brake shield is slightly touching the rotors, and there is also a whining/whistling noise. If you take a stethoscope and put it on the gear lever you can clearly hear the whistling noise when in 3rd or 5th gear. Also when at a standstill in neutral you can hear a whining noise that disappears when pressing down the clutch pedal. I haven’t been able to find anyone who’s had problems with the R7ME gearbox so I really don’t have anything to read about this. I have not been able to confirm though that my gearbox is an R7ME, I haven’t found any numbers or anything on the gearbox that confirms the model.
So my first thought was to drain the oil and inspect to make sure it wasn’t empty and to look for any metal shavings etc. The problem though is that the filler plug is stuck and rounded. Yes I have tried to get it loose with the correct 10mm square socket but to no success. I’m guessing my only option is to try and weld a nut onto the plug, but I am not sure if I’ll be able to fit the welder in between the gearbox and the floor of the car. Any suggestions?
If I manage to get the plug off and change the oil in the gearbox, but it doesn’t solve anything - has anyone done and documented a rebuild of the R7ME gearbox?
Appreciate any help I can get!

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20 Jun 2024 05:35 #256352
by me101
2007 Little Jim with cheap mods!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBDekO99Qk2aOmBmSmrI9w
Replied by me101 on topic Broken R7ME gearbox?
Hi, yes you have the R7ME box. They are not too expensive to replace if you can get a known good one. Bit of a pain, but an be changed on the driveway if needed.
2007 Little Jim with cheap mods!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBDekO99Qk2aOmBmSmrI9w
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20 Jun 2024 08:41 #256355
by Torne
Replied by Torne on topic Broken R7ME gearbox?
Hi, and thanks for your answer.
Yeah, I guess that might happen, I’ll investigate further and see. You don’t know of anyone who has rebuilt an R7ME gearbox? They are a bit hard to get a hold of here in Sweden, and shipping from somewhere like the uk is sometimes almost as much as the gearbox itself….
Yeah, I guess that might happen, I’ll investigate further and see. You don’t know of anyone who has rebuilt an R7ME gearbox? They are a bit hard to get a hold of here in Sweden, and shipping from somewhere like the uk is sometimes almost as much as the gearbox itself….
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20 Jun 2024 10:25 #256357
by me101
2007 Little Jim with cheap mods!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBDekO99Qk2aOmBmSmrI9w
Replied by me101 on topic Broken R7ME gearbox?
Didn't realise your location. I am sure someone will be on here soon regarding a rebuild, hope you sort it.
2007 Little Jim with cheap mods!
www.youtube.com/channel/UCeBDekO99Qk2aOmBmSmrI9w
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20 Jun 2024 12:30 #256360
by Lambert
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
ADOS Attention Deficit Ooooh Shiny!
Replied by Lambert on topic Broken R7ME gearbox?
If you are careful you can make an access panel for your filler with an angry grinder in the transmission tunnel.
Temeraire (2018 quasar grey automatic)
One of the last 200ish of the gen3s, probably.
ADOS Attention Deficit Ooooh Shiny!
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- jackonlyjack
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20 Jun 2024 14:39 #256363
by jackonlyjack
Replied by jackonlyjack on topic Broken R7ME gearbox?
Has Lambert says but use a holesaw and fit a blanking grommet have you also checked the rear engine mount found on the gearbox and the 2 little rubber mounts these are found on gearstick linkage... These can be replaced with Austin mini exhaust bobbins.
While you're underneath checking out the above look at the transfer box mounting arms. Made from Cast aluminium and break and one more thing look too see if the propshaft coming from gearbox is not catching on it's balance weight.
While you're underneath checking out the above look at the transfer box mounting arms. Made from Cast aluminium and break and one more thing look too see if the propshaft coming from gearbox is not catching on it's balance weight.
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