Rav4 1.8 2002 Gearbox Noise! Bearings?

[CRWCars]

Hello. I currently have a 2002 model Rav4 1.8 which has developed a tappety noise under load which sounds as if its coming from the gearbox! Starts at around 30 mph and seems to get progressively louder. Is this gearbox the same as the one in the Avensis 1.8? Would it pay me to have the box reconditioned or source a decent Avensis box (as Rav4 boxes are hard to come by!). Is it a problem with the bearings that tends to occur with these?

Any help gratefully received.

[anchorman]

Welcome to the club.

I take it this is a FWD and not a 4WD?

Normally the boxes don't cause many problems and to be honest changing it seems a bit rash without some further investigation. What makes you think it comes from the box - is it just certain gears it does it in? Can you describe the noise a bit more and the conditions that it makes it?

Cheers