Hey guys! Ever felt that annoying vibration or heard a clunking sound when shifting gears in your Peugeot 208? Well, it might be a sign that your gearbox upper mount, also known as the coxim superior cambio, is giving up on you. Don't worry, it happens! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about this crucial component, why it fails, and what to do about it.

Understanding the Gearbox Upper Mount

Let's dive into what this little-yet-important piece of your car actually does. The gearbox upper mount, or coxim superior cambio in Portuguese, is essentially a cushion made of rubber and metal. Its primary job is to secure the gearbox (transmission) to the car's chassis. Think of it as a shock absorber for your transmission! By doing so, it minimizes vibrations and reduces noise that would otherwise make your driving experience super unpleasant. It also plays a vital role in keeping the gearbox aligned properly, ensuring smooth and accurate gear changes.

Why is it so important, you ask? Imagine driving without proper support for your gearbox. Every bump, every gear change, would send shocks through the entire vehicle. Not only would that be noisy and uncomfortable, but it could also cause premature wear and tear on other components, like the driveshafts, engine mounts, and even the gearbox itself! A worn or broken gearbox mount can lead to misalignment, making shifting difficult and potentially causing damage to the gears inside the transmission. So, yeah, it's kind of a big deal.

What are the common signs of a failing gearbox upper mount? Keep an ear (and an eye) out for these symptoms:

• Excessive vibrations: This is often the first and most noticeable sign. You might feel vibrations through the steering wheel, seats, or floor, especially when accelerating or decelerating.
• Clunking or banging noises: These sounds usually occur when shifting gears, particularly from first to second or when going into reverse. The noise is the gearbox moving excessively due to the weakened mount.
• Difficulty shifting gears: If you're finding it harder than usual to shift gears, or if the gear lever feels loose or sloppy, a worn mount could be to blame. Misalignment caused by the faulty mount can make it difficult for the gears to engage properly.
• Visual damage: Sometimes, you can visually inspect the mount and see cracks, tears, or complete separation of the rubber from the metal. If you see any of these, it's definitely time for a replacement.

If you notice any of these signs, don't ignore them! Addressing the issue early can save you from more extensive and expensive repairs down the road. Get it checked out by a mechanic as soon as possible.

Step-by-Step Replacement Guide

Okay, so you've confirmed that your Peugeot 208 needs a new gearbox upper mount. Now what? You have two main options: take it to a professional mechanic or tackle the job yourself. If you're comfortable working on cars and have some basic mechanical skills, you can definitely do this at home. Just make sure you have the right tools and follow these steps carefully. Safety first! Always disconnect the negative terminal of your battery before starting any work on your car.

Tools you'll need:

• New gearbox upper mount: Make sure you get the correct part for your specific Peugeot 208 model and year.
• Socket set: You'll need a variety of sockets and wrenches to remove the old mount and install the new one. Metric sizes are essential for European cars like Peugeot.
• Torque wrench: This is crucial for tightening the bolts to the correct specification. Over-tightening can damage the mount or the surrounding components.
• Jack and jack stands: You'll need to safely lift and support the car to access the mount.
• Wheel chocks: Place these behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling.
• Penetrating oil: This can help loosen any stubborn bolts that are rusted or corroded.
• Gloves and safety glasses: Protect your hands and eyes from dirt, grease, and potential injuries.

Step-by-step instructions:

1. Prepare the car: Park your Peugeot 208 on a level surface. Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel on the side where the gearbox mount is located. (Do not remove completely yet).
2. Raise and secure the car: Use a jack to lift the car on the appropriate side. Place jack stands securely under the frame rails to support the vehicle. Never work under a car supported only by a jack! Remove the front wheel.
3. Locate the gearbox upper mount: The mount is typically located on top of the gearbox, near the engine. It may be partially hidden by other components, so you might need to remove some covers or hoses for better access.
4. Support the gearbox: Before removing the old mount, you'll need to support the gearbox to prevent it from dropping. Use a transmission jack or a sturdy piece of wood and a jack to gently support the bottom of the gearbox.
5. Remove the old mount: Use the appropriate sockets and wrenches to remove the bolts securing the old mount to the gearbox and the car's chassis. Penetrating oil can be helpful if the bolts are stuck. Carefully remove the old mount.
6. Install the new mount: Align the new mount with the bolt holes and install the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specified torque using a torque wrench. This is very important to ensure proper installation and prevent damage.
7. Remove the gearbox support: Carefully lower the transmission jack or remove the wood and jack that you used to support the gearbox.
8. Reinstall the wheel: Put the front wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts by hand. Lower the car and remove the jack stands. Fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench to the correct specification.
9. Double-check everything: Before taking the car for a test drive, double-check that all bolts are tightened properly and that everything is secure.

Important Torque Specifications: Always consult your Peugeot 208's repair manual or a reliable online resource to find the correct torque specifications for the gearbox mount bolts. Using the wrong torque can lead to loose bolts, damaged threads, or even failure of the mount.

Choosing the Right Replacement Mount

When it comes to replacing your Peugeot 208's gearbox upper mount, you'll generally encounter two main options: OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) parts and aftermarket parts. Let's break down the pros and cons of each to help you make an informed decision:

OEM Parts:

• Pros:
  • Guaranteed fit and quality: OEM parts are made by the same manufacturer that supplied the original part, so you can be confident that they will fit perfectly and meet the original specifications.
  • Reliability and durability: OEM parts are typically made from high-quality materials and are designed to last. They've been tested and approved by the vehicle manufacturer.
  • Warranty: OEM parts often come with a warranty, providing peace of mind in case of defects.
• Cons:
  • Higher cost: OEM parts are generally more expensive than aftermarket parts.
  • Availability: Depending on your location and the specific part, OEM parts might not be readily available and may need to be ordered.

Aftermarket Parts:

• Pros:
  • Lower cost: Aftermarket parts are usually significantly cheaper than OEM parts.
  • Wider availability: Aftermarket parts are typically easier to find and are available from a variety of sources.
  • Performance upgrades: Some aftermarket manufacturers offer performance-enhanced mounts that can provide improved handling and reduced vibrations (although this is usually more relevant for performance cars).
• Cons:
  • Variable quality: The quality of aftermarket parts can vary greatly depending on the manufacturer. Some may be as good as OEM, while others may be of inferior quality and may not last as long.
  • Fitment issues: Aftermarket parts might not always fit perfectly, requiring modifications or adjustments.
  • No warranty: Some aftermarket parts may not come with a warranty, leaving you vulnerable if the part fails prematurely.

So, which one should you choose?

• If you prioritize quality, reliability, and a guaranteed fit, and you're willing to pay a bit more, then OEM parts are the way to go.
• If you're on a tight budget and you're willing to take a chance on a potentially lower-quality part, then aftermarket parts might be a suitable option. However, be sure to do your research and choose a reputable brand.

My recommendation: For critical components like engine and gearbox mounts, I generally recommend sticking with OEM parts or well-known and reputable aftermarket brands. Saving a few bucks on a cheap mount might end up costing you more in the long run if it fails prematurely or causes damage to other components.

Pro Tips and Tricks

• Use penetrating oil: Before attempting to remove any bolts, spray them with penetrating oil and let it soak for at least 15-20 minutes. This can significantly reduce the risk of stripping or breaking the bolts.
• Use the right tools: Make sure you have the correct size sockets and wrenches to avoid damaging the bolts. Use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts to the specified torque. Don't guess!
• Take pictures: Before removing the old mount, take pictures of its orientation and how it's connected. This can be helpful when installing the new mount.
• Don't over-tighten: Over-tightening the bolts can damage the mount or the surrounding components. Always use a torque wrench and follow the manufacturer's specifications.
• Inspect other mounts: While you're replacing the gearbox mount, take the opportunity to inspect the other engine and transmission mounts. If one mount has failed, the others may be on their way out as well.
• Consider a professional: If you're not comfortable working on your car or if you're unsure about any of the steps, it's always best to take it to a professional mechanic.

Conclusion

Replacing the gearbox upper mount (coxim superior cambio) on your Peugeot 208 might seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools, knowledge, and a bit of patience, you can definitely tackle it yourself. Remember to prioritize safety, use the correct parts and tools, and follow the instructions carefully. By doing so, you'll not only save money on labor costs but also gain a better understanding of your car and its inner workings. Happy wrenching, guys!