V70 G/box: 2WD: Gear selection issue and g/b oil change

[aspireofbrixham]

Hello again
V70 2.4D Euro 4 163ps manual 6 speed

I understand the g/b oil is filled for life but approaching 200k miles I’m working on that being about a lifetime.

The car has the clutch-shaft-sticky-grease issue meaning for periods in the depths of winter disengagement has been poor, so I’m also assuming the synchro on 1st and reverse has suffered a bit of excess wear. 1st certainly seems a bit more notchy but not seriously so. Clutch showing no sign of letting go so the situation will remain for the foreseeable.

Have recently done some work on the brakes and having changed the fluid, bled the clutch through and the clutch fluid was far darker that any coming from the brakes, and had a fair amount of crap in it too. I’m going to repeat after a week or so, see if any more crap has been released from the dead leg, and would recommend this as a worthwhile task to aid the life of the slave cylinder given the issues reported here. I can imagine this could be a contributor. The clutch action is a little lighter and smoother now.

I just wondered if anyone had noted severe problems with these gearboxes as a result of this clutch drag, or if it could have led to clutch cylinder failures due to the increased drag in the release mechanism?

Finally, has anyone got pictures or diagrams they can share of the gearbox drain and fill points, to avoid all doubt. I’ve had a look and think I’ve identified them but just wanted a double check. Having been there before, I know to check the level plug comes out before draining, to avoid being stuck with an empty gearbox and a jammed or sheared level plug.
Any other pointers or comments gratefully received.

Thanks
Andy