The purpose of a gearbox, or transmission, is to convert engine torque to wheel traction and overcome the motion resistance. The gearbox is a complex system with different components working together. Like all car parts, it is likely to undergo wear and tear, which eventually lead to issues such as gears shifting with difficulty.
To help you deal better with transmission issues, here is a guide on common gearbox problems, their possible causes and solutions:
Car Gearbox Problems and their Solutions
Here are some of the most common car gearbox problems, along with their causes and solutions:
1. Transmission Fluid Leak
If your clutch makes a grinding noise or your car gears slip continuously, chances are your vehicle is facing a car transmission fluid leak. Now, this can eventually cause gearbox failure if not repaired in time.
Fortunately, transmission fluid leak is simple to repair and doesn’t cost a fortune. Since transmission fluid has a characteristic petroleum smell and is red in colour, it is easier to detect. A leak is likely to create a pool under your car.
Leaks can be due to various reasons. Take your car to the garage for proper diagnosis. In some cases, the leak is due to only loose bolts in your gearbox system. If you are sure that is the reason, you can tighten them yourself.
2. Whining Noise
Another sign of a faulty gearbox is a whining noise when you change gears. This is usually due to a clutch problem. The repairing may include slight clutch adjustments or even worn clutch plate replacement.
Taking your car to a professional mechanic is recommended.
3. Slipping Gears
Slipping gears require urgent attention and repair. Driving a car when the gears are slipping could be dangerous and is not recommended.
Sometimes, it may be due to a faulty gearbox. In that case, some worn out car parts are in need of replacement. However, more often than not, this is a result of an imbalance in the transmission fluid.
4. Slow Responses
If you observe delayed car acceleration after a gear shift, it could be due to a gearbox problem. A little delay of this kind for a manual transmission is acceptable. However, a more frequent and longer delay in an automatic transmission is a cause for concern. Sometimes, the RPM increases when you shift gears but the car’s speed remains the same or increases only a little. This is a signal the car is facing a serious problem.
Slow responses or delayed acceleration usually occurs because of a faulty clutch. When some component of the clutch doesn’t let it engage or disengage completely, the clutch remains active after the shift as well. This reduces power transmission to the wheels. A faulty clutch can be due to worn out clutch springs, plates, master cylinder or due to air stuck in the fluid channel. Bleeding the channel with air in it should solve the problem. Otherwise, you might need to replace the part.
5. Burning Smell
Another sign that your car gearbox needs adjustment is the presence of a burning smell accompanied by improper gear shifts. In such cases, chances are the smell is emanating from your gearbox. The most probable cause is overheated transmission fluid among other reasons.
The transmission fluid cools down the heat generated by the gearbox rotation. If the fluid level is low, the gearbox will experience more friction and heat too quickly. The heat will render the transmission fluid useless. This problem also results when low quality or inappropriate transmission fluid is used. Either way, heat builds up in the system severely damaging the car gearbox. You can avoid this gearbox issue by using the right car fluid in the appropriate amount.
If the gearbox of your car is beyond repair, you can check these affordable used cars for sale in Dubai. Also, check these car accessories for sale to update your vehicle.
FAQs
How can I protect my car’s gearbox?
You can protect your car gearbox with precautions such as checking your transmission fluid regularly, taking care of your car gears, keeping the cooling system in good shape, getting the gears checked and investing in annual car inspection.
How to make the gearbox last longer?
You can increase your gearbox’s lifespan by regularly checking the transmission fluids, driving carefully, fixing car problems immediately, and getting your car serviced at least once annually.
What are the signs of a bad gearbox?
This is all about the most common car gearbox problems and how to fix them. Some of the major signs of a bad gearbox are burning smells, noises, failure to engage the gears and overheating of the transmission. Be alert about these signs and take immediate action to save repair cost.
For more information on car parts and repairs, stay tuned to the UAE’s top auto blog.
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