Transmission repair: have you ever wondered how your car can vary speed and torque? This role is fulfilled by the transmission, also known as the gearbox. A gearbox is a mechanical component containing several shafts and bearings. It helps transfer power from the engine to the wheels by using different gear ratios. This ensures a smooth ride at different terrains and speeds.
However, this crucial component of your car can run into several unwanted problems. Your gearbox can face an array of issues, and those can sometimes go unnoticed. This can be devastating for the car since transmission is a fundamental component of its function. So, in this blog, we will discuss some common complications found in the gearbox, the reasons behind them, and the best solutions to them.
Transmission Problems
Here are some common signs that indicate transmission problems. Look out for these and reach out to an expert transmission repair shop to keep your vehicle’s transmission system in perfect health.
1. Hard Shifting
This is by far one of the most common gearbox issues and the one that is usually ignored. When the gear lever requires more force to move, it is a symptom of a problem in the transmission. This is generally caused either by a worn-out clutch, damage in shift linkage, or a dirty transmission fluid.
2. Slipping Gears
This is another common transmission problem. When this happens, there might be a loss of power or acceleration to the car, causing much concern. The car might even slip out of gear while driving, and this can be dangerous. The usual causes, once again, are low levels of transmission fluid, worn-out clutch, or damaged shift linkages. These things sometimes prevent gears from staying in position, making them slip.
3. Slow Responses
In some cases, the gears might not change despite your shifting the lever. It might occur when the clutch spring is worn out, or in some cases, even the entire gearbox is faulty or misaligned. Dirty or insufficient transmission oil leads to a lack of lubrication in the transmission, further exacerbating the fault. In other cases, the clutch itself may be worn out, causing delay while shifting the gears.
4. Clunking Noises
If your gearbox is making a grinding or crunching sound while shifting, this might be a symptom of a fault. The noises can be caused by one or more of the following reasons:
- Worn-out synchromesh
- Damaged bearings
- Damaged gears
These issues may cause minor inconvenience in some cases but might become big problems sometimes, so it’s best to be vigilant.
5. Leaking Transmission Oil
In some cases, the transmission oil might spill out of the gearbox. Worn-out seals, damaged gaskets, or cracked casing cause this. Symptoms include stains of oil and noise while changing gears. It is usually not a big issue but may cause inconvenience while changing gears.
Transmission Repair Solutions
The problems mentioned above are caused by a variety of sources in the transmission, so there is not a single solution. So, we would discuss a few key measures that would help to avoid most of these issues.
1. Get the clutch checked:
The clutch is among the most crucial components of the transmission. It connects the shafts in the transmission so that they can be engaged or disengaged while shifting gear. So, the clutch plays a significant role in changing the gear. If broken or worn out, it could cause an array of problems with the gearbox. So, having regular clutch service and transmission repair can help you avoid some unwanted situations.
2. Changing the transmission fluid
Transmission fluid plays a crucial role in making the mechanics of the gearbox work properly. It lubricates the moving parts of the transmission, making them work smoothly. It also hydraulic pressure to internal parts, therefore aiding the change in gears. The transmission fluid in the car should always be clean and ample in order for transmission to work properly. So, it is advisable to get the fluid replaced after a maximum of 30 thousand miles. You should also keep an eye on the leaks, which can cause the fluid to deplete earlier than 30 thousand miles.
3. Looking out for worn-out bearings
Bearings are a small component of the transmission. These are present in the internal parts of the gearbox. Bearings support important parts like shafts and gears and hold them together. A worn-out bearing will severely affect the function of these parts. So, be wary of noises in internal parts of the transmission because they might be caused by faulty bearings, and it is best to get them changed.
4. Cleaning the gearbox
Gearboxes very often have to operate in dirty, dusty environments. So it is best to keep a regular check on their condition and keep them as clean as possible. Dust and dirt covering a gearbox can also contribute to overheating and affect the performance of the car, so brush the gearbox regularly in order to keep it going and avoid any major issues.
5. Regular visits to the mechanic
In order to avoid any major issues in your gearbox, you should visit your mechanic and get the transmission regularly checked. There are several problems, like faulty bearings and worn-out synchromesh, that might go unnoticed. These are little components but are crucial in working on the transmission, so their problem may prove costly in the future. Hence, it is better to have regular checks and gearbox servicing in order to avoid any major issues in transmission.
What’s Next?
If you are having any of these issues with your car and don’t seem to find a solution, no need to worry. We at Telegraph Auto Care provide the best solutions to your gearbox woes with precision. Our well-trained and experienced technicians give you the best auto repair service in all of Alexandria, VA. And that’s not all, and we provide 24-hour pick-up/drop-off service for our customers. So next time you are in need of an auto repair, you need to know where to go.