We often get asked ‘does your garage repair gearboxes’
Our answer is yes, as part of our car repair list of services our garage repair’s gearboxes.
Firstly though you need to make sure definitely that your gearbox does have a problem and so need a repair.
The good news is there are some checks and tell tale signs that your gearbox may need a repair that you can do yourself.
Here are the signs of how to check a gearbox is damaged.
Is the Check Engine Light on.
While the Check Engine Light can suggest a variety of issues, it can also mean you have a gearbox fault.
Don’t think you can ignore this because cars are fitted with sensors designed to accurately detect problems with the aim of detecting them before it is a serious issue and need a full repair.
So if this is the case immediately check your coolant and transmission levels, or if not sure bring your car to our garage to check it.
Automatic Transmission Fluid leakage
Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is present in automatic gearboxes to help reduce friction and therefore overheating. If this fluid begins to leak, you could have a serious problem
Unfortunately loss of ATF is a very common cause for automatic transmission failure.
The fluid may be red in colour and will drip under the car.If the fluid has been burnt in the gearbox due to friction, it may look brown or black.
If the ATF is this colour you amy need aa major repair to the gearbox.
Poor Response
A common problem and sign the gearbox may need a repair is if you have trouble shifting gears.
If there is a hesitation or cannot change the gears this may indicate your gearbox may have a fault. These symptoms may be be a sign of electric, hydraulic or mechanical issues.
Often an automatic gears can stick in one gear so you are unable to shift it at all.
In a manual car, you may notice a disconnect between changing gears and the actual increase in revs from the engine.
Unusual sounds
You may have a problem with your gearbox if it starts making a sound you’ve never heard before like clunking, whining, humming or buzzing.
Your gearbox comprises hundreds of moving parts. If just one ball bearing for example is faulty, this can create the unexpected noises.
Manual transmissions tend to “clunk” while automatics often hum or buzz.
Bear in mind though such noises may also be caused by problems with the exhaust, drive shaft or engine. So may not mean that your gearbox needs a repair.
Shaking, jerking or grinding
Gearbox bearing failure symptoms are typically shaking, jerking or grinding and will affect the steering wheel.
Automatic gearbox problems often cause hesitation, slipping, or trembling during gear changes. Manual cars usually make a grinding sound if it has a gearbox fault.
Engine and transmission mounts are often the source of jerking and clunking.
A Burning Smell
Although a burning smell may be due to mant factors if you notice a rubber burning smell and notice fluid leakage, youmay well have a transmission issue. You may also see smoke.
Burnt fluid means that your transmission is not getting the lubrication it needs and if so may mean your gearbox will need a major repair.
Gearbox and clutch cross section
Refusal to shift gear
There are many reasons why your car will not change gear but because it could be a major problem its important to bring your car in to our garage to check it out.
Shaking gearbox when in neutral
If your gearbox shakes or bumps when in neutral, this may mean your transmission fluid needs replacing. However such a problem may be more serious so please bring your car to us to be checked.
Gears slipping
If your gears are slipping it is best to stop driving your car because you may not be able to carry out normal functions like accelerating when needed.
Many newer vehicles may go into “limp mode” or a “safe mode” which stops it being driven with a damaged gearbox by allowing it into 1 gear only.
This goes without saying that you need to bring your vehicle to us to check immediately.
In manual cars it keeps popping out of gear
If your car will not stay in gear and there is a also a grinding noise your car will need a gearbox repair.
It is dangerous to drive so bring it into us for a check and repair.