Common Failures In A Gearbox: Problems, Solutions And More!
Don’t ignore those little signs of trouble your car is having if you want to avoid those nasty repair bills. On this occasion we bring you the common faults in a gearbox so that it is not difficult for you to identify a problem.
The gearbox is one of the parts that you do not want to break down, since it is one of the most expensive parts in a car. It is good that you can identify some problems early before things get complicated.
Common faults in a gearbox
Gearbox problems can be fatal, so vigilance is vital. Fortunately, we’ve put together a simple guide to common gearbox failures so you can be sure you’re picking up on all those essential indicators that something is wrong with your gearbox’s operation.
1- Warning lights on the instrument panel
The engine lights come on in the instrument panel for a reason. Keep an eye out for the transmission temperature light which indicates that your transmission fluid is running at a higher temperature.
Check the transmission and coolant levels to make sure the systems are properly refilled. Although this light may not indicate a transmission fault and could even be unrelated to the gearbox itself, it is important to have any potential issues checked by a professional mechanic.
2- Liquid leaks and low levels
This is possibly the easiest symptom on our list to spot. All you have to do is check for leaks under the car by placing some pieces of old paper or cardboard under the car.
What you are looking for is the characteristic red color of the transmission fluid, which also has a slightly sweet odor. Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid levels must remain constant, so any sign of this fluid under the car is indicative of a leak .
To perform the fluid check, run your car for a short time in neutral before removing the dipstick without turning off the engine. Take some of the liquid and rub it between your finger and thumb, or use a white paper towel or toilet paper and drip the liquid onto the material to bring out the color.
To check the levels, insert the dipstick, clean it, and reinsert it. Now take it out and look for a mark between the fill and add lines. If the level is below the add line it is a simple instruction to add more fluid. If you’re not sure, add a little each time and recheck the levels.
If you check the fluid levels and they are lower than expected, you most likely have a leak in the system.
3- Sign of a clogged filter or a loose plug
There are signs of a bad gearbox when the plug is loose or the filter is clogged:
- Worn gaskets or seals.
- Worn axles on a front wheel drive vehicle.
- Problems with engine and transmission mounts.
- Damaged bell casing.
- Transmission sump loose or leaking in sump.
- Unbalanced driveshaft.
4- Odors and aromas
Light odors and burning odors that leave a sweet and sour fragrance in your vehicle may indicate that it’s time to change your transmission fluid. If the fluid isn’t keeping the system properly lubricated, then it’s time to change it to prevent the unit from burning out .
When you check the transmission fluid if it has a burning smell then it may be a sign that your gearbox is almost done. Have it checked by a professional quickly to avoid serious damage and costs.
5- Audible noises
Everyone has been through it and it is a common gearbox failure. Sitting quietly in a car while the driver tells everyone to listen for a knocking noise as he changes gear.
However, if there are knocking or clicking noises while the car is idling, it is a good indicator that there may be loose gears and parts in the clutch. The worse the sound, the looser the parts will be and the greater the chance of damage.
Watch out for hissing and clicking noises, which can be an indication that your gearbox bearings are wearing out and that you might be looking for a replacement gearbox soon. Harsh screeching noises when changing gears can mean a worn clutch or damaged synchronizers.
In the case of automatic transmissions, you’ll feel those gear changes rather than the smoothness of the shift, but you’ll also most likely hear a hissing, buzzing, or beeping sound. This could be a problem with the torque converter.
behavior out of the ordinary
You know your car and its behavior. If the gear starts to shift for no reason, such as if you’re on the highway and your manual gearbox shifts or slips into neutral in an automatic, you have a shift problem . Another telltale sign to look out for is a hissing or pitch change from the engine.
Also the delay in the gearbox engagement is another symptom that should not be ignored. Does your car take a while to get into gear and move forward? If you have already stepped on the clutch and bought it to the point of bite, but it is still slow to access, then it is a sign that the part is on its way out.
To complete
Identifying problems with your car is not always easy, even for well-trained mechanics. Remember that if you think something is wrong, you should go see a mechanic immediately rather than leave it out until it becomes an expensive problem.
Any indication that the gears in your car are not working properly is reason enough to go to the garage. Make sure you get your car checked out before more damage is done or you find out what it’s like to live with a breakdown on the road.
