Four Common Gearbox Problems and Their Diagnoses

The gearbox is characteristically one of the most reliable parts of a vehicle, but like any other piece of machinery, it suffers wear and tear and tends to be less efficient over time. The transmission system within the gearbox has hundreds of interconnected parts that are moving and constantly rubbing against other components, making it more susceptible to breakdown. The transmission system is responsible for transferring power from your car's engine to the wheels. Knowing the problems that could arise will help you diagnose and catch the problems early avoiding a more costly repair later. Here are four possible signs that your gearbox could be harbouring a transmission problem.

Delayed Shifting or Missing Gears

This on most occasions is the first warning sign of a transmission problem. If your vehicle keeps on missing or delaying gear changes, it's a strong signal that you might have problems with your transmission. The sooner the problem is diagnosed and fixed, the better as it will affect fewer parts in the long run. Delayed or missing gears are mostly caused by contamination or low fluid levels triggering sudden car jerks when shifting gears.

Leaking Transmission Fluid

In addition to car jerking, low transmission fluid levels also result in gear slippage when shifting. The number one culprit for low fluid levels are leaks in the transmission system or a faulty driveshaft. To mitigate this, the gasket seal should occasionally be replaced to cover any seepages in the system.

Torque Converter Problems

In a manual transmission vehicle, the torque converter plays an important role in enabling the engine to move independently of the transmission. One of the commonest problems associated with the torque converter, however, is damaged needle bearings. Damaged bearings normally result in friction and clanking sounds. Once you have determined the torque converter as the cause of your problems, you should hire an experienced mechanic as it is an extremely delicate part.

Solenoid Problems

The solenoid can be damaged by bad wiring, excessive moisture, and or excessive heating. It is an important part of the automotive starter system that serves to switch an electric current from the battery to the starter motor. While some minor faults can be fixed by simple repairs, major ones will require a multimeter and an experienced mechanic to diagnose.

The gearbox is undoubtedly an important part of your vehicle, and while its repairs are fairly commonplace, you must seek a transmission technician to perform gearbox repairs if you encounter any of the problems above.

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