Had my 2CV two years now and after changing the engine and fitting a new clutch shortly after purchase, it has always been shuddery when pulling away if the revs aren't right. I can live with this, (Well, I have!)

During the MOT and the car in the air, the tester spun the n/side front wheel and said it sounded like the wheel bearing was shot. Now I know there is no noise when driving from that area so I stood underneath while he spun the wheel again. The awful grinding noise was in fact coming from the gearbox.

As I thought, the gearbox would seem to be suspect for the shuddering and when driving, a feeling of the engine slightly misfiring, which it doesn't.

Now, I have two boxes which I have bought in preparation for a change, but....is there a fairly simple way to do a basic test to check if either box is in reasonable condition. I don't really want to change the box to find the replacement is also US.

Any ideas most welcome.

Thanks.