Whether you drive a manual or an automatic, one system critical for the overall functioning of your vehicle is the transmission. Although the transmission comprises of a range of auto parts, the gearbox is one of the more vital components. However, the gearbox is routinely exposed to external pressures in the form of heat, friction and more. Thus, it is not uncommon for it to require repairs from time to time.
As a motorist, it is in your purview to detect the potential signs of transmission and gearbox problems brewing and these usually manifest in a multitude of ways including suspicious vibrations, leaks, weird odours and so on. But what causes these issues in the first place? To help you understand these problems, this piece lists the typical culprits of gearbox repairs in manual and automatic transmission systems.
1. Deteriorating gear synchronizers
Synchronizers are gearbox parts that are found in manual transmission systems. These components are tasked with discharging the speed of the current spinning gear to the subsequent gear that you are changing into. When in optimum working condition, you should not even notice this transition from one gear to the next as the synchronizers ensure that the shift is seamless. If the synchros are in jeopardy, changing gears will result in disconcerting grinding noises. You may also feel weird vibrations each time you shift gears. Fortunately, the gear synchronisers can be replaced relatively quickly if you seek gearbox repairs as soon as possible. Ignoring this issue, conversely, will endanger the entire transmission system.
2. Progressive clutch damage
Another issue that affects manual transmission systems is a damaged clutch. When the clutch is compromised, it begins to lose its ability to transmit the rotational speed created by the engine to the wheels of the car. Hence, you may begin to notice challenges with operating your car. For instance, a common sign of progressive clutch damage is trouble reversing. Additional symptoms you could notice includes strange noises when the vehicle is in neutral. If gearbox repairs are not sought in good time, you will have to resort to clutch replacement.
3. Malfunctioning roller bearings
Similar to worn down synchronizers being a manual transmission issue, malfunctioning roller bearings tend to affect automatic transmissions. Roller bearings are components that have the main purpose of preventing friction occurring between the gears. If these auto parts are not maintained by lubricating them regularly, they begin to succumb to the friction that they are protecting your gears from. Over time, you begin to hear crunching noises when shifting the automatic gears. To prevent damage to the gears themselves, it is imperative to seek gearbox repairs soon.
Share16 July 2020
Hi! As someone who has been interested in cars since I was a teenager, I have spent many happy hours in my garage tinkering with vehicles. Although I never trained as a mechanic, I have learned many skills over the years and want to pass these on to other car enthusiasts. So, if you are interested in tweaking performance, lowering suspension or updating bodywork, then I hope you will find that this is the blog for you. There is plenty of advice on car stereos, seats and interiors, too. Read on to find out about everything you need to know about car customisation.