In the smaller models, the Fiesta, the Fusion and the B-Max, the IB5 holds up well, but in the larger Focus and especially the Mondeo it does less well: there the engine torque and the weight of the car put a heavier load on the same gearbox.
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The synchros and the gears can wear before 100,000 km, and around 150,000 km the differential bearings need replacing. On cars with the 1.8-litre engine the differential pinion pin often breaks when the wheels spin.
between 100,000 and 150,000 km
What to check
- While rolling, change down into second and third: worn synchros grate here
- At a steady speed, listen for noise: a worn differential bearing gives a droning sound
- In a slow corner, listen for knocking from the gearbox
