A gearbox is one of the most essential components in a car. It must be kept in a perfect condition for the car to operate smoothly. A malfunctioning gearbox can make it difficult to drive the car and even ruin the drivetrain and the engine. Proper identification of gearbox repairs is a must.
6 common issues that can affect the gearbox and a guide on the ways to repair them:
#1. No Response: Response issues prevent the car from moving into gear when required. These issues not only occur in automatic but also manual gearboxes. These issues may cause delays when starting the car. While driving, it manifests as a delay when shifting between gears. The most common source of this issue is a faulty clutch. Replacement of the clutch may help. However, it may also be a symptom of some other serious problem
#2. Noisy Neutral: If you notice that your gearbox is making noises when it is in neutral position, the source of problem is typically the gearbox fluid. The addition of more fluid or replacing it entirely may solve the problem completely. If this fix does not solve the issue, then there might be some different reason for the popping up of the problem. It may be malfunctioning parts of the car. Gear teeth or the bearings, once worn out, may result in this issue. They must be replaced by a professional.
#3. Fluid Leaks: This is an issue that can be easily identified. Gearbox fluid plays a pivotal role in maintaining its health, allowing it to perform optimally. The fluid cleans and lubricates the gearbox. However, leaks can occur anytime and anywhere. Immediate attention is a must as a lack of fluid can cause the gearbox to wear and break down faster.
#4. Inability to Move into Gear: In some cases, you may notice that the car does not move even after the clutch has been engaged and the gearbox operated. There are various issues that can lead to this problem. You should start by checking the gearbox fluid. It should be at the correct level. Using the wrong thickness of fluid may also cause the problem. Other potential issues that can result in this shift are as follows.
- The shift cables may require adjustment.
- The clutch linkage may need adjustment.
- The computer system of the car may need to be examined.
#5. Slippage of Gears: Once you select a gear, it is meant to stay that way unless the driver or the computer changes it again, depending on the type of transmission you have. In some cases, you may notice that the gear changes without any input. The gear may even slip into neutral. This is a major malfunction that requires immediate gearbox repairs. This may prove to be dangerous during driving, as your car may end up speeding or slowing down rapidly without your knowledge.
The issue typically arises due to wear and tear, damage in the link or the gearbox. The issue requires immediate attention by a trained mechanic.
#6. Dragging Clutch: This is an issue seen in the manual type of gearboxes. It occurs when the flywheel fails to get engaged with the clutch disk when the clutch pedal has been pressed. In this scenario, the clutch will still be spinning. As a result, it becomes almost impossible to shift gears. Additionally, you will experience a grinding noise whenever the gear is changed.
The reason for the occurrence of this problem is due to the excessive slack of the clutch pedal. This prevents the linkage from pulling away the clutch disk. You need to rectify it quickly to prevent future problems.
There are several more issues that can pop up with gearbox repairs. Knowing how to tackle them quickly helps you remain safe on the road and ensure the longevity of your car.
