Gearbox Problems ?

[charles]

i bought my '97 2.3l some months ago now. In general i'm satisfied, only i worry about nasty sounds coming from under the bonnet.

i discovered that this graspy metal to metal sound only appears when the airco is on, and accelerating in 1rd or 2nd gear. when i put the gear in neutral the sound is gone. i'm just back from holiday, i have now driven more than 3600km to spain without problems, the sound is still there but not increasing.

 

is there some wise guy who can give my some suggestions? my own ideas are

- wear in 1rd and 2nd gear due to overloading the car by previous owner

- worn draft shafts

- aircon bearings?

 

any suggestions are welcome, also a price indication for a full gear overhaul.