5 Frequently Asked Questions About Gearboxes

Gearboxes are very complex mechanisms inside of a very complex vehicle so it can be daunting to understand the basics of how they work and what can go wrong. However, having some understanding of the various problems that can arise will help you to diagnose them before they become detrimental to the rest of your car. This guide answers the most frequently asked questions about gearboxes, from leakages to ratios to repairs.

Are Gearboxes and Transmissions the Same Thing?

Although the two terms are often used synonymously, one is a part of the other. A transmission is what allows the power to be transferred from the engine to the drive shaft which then sends that power to the driving wheels. As a part of the transmission, a gearbox houses the gears that determine how much power is transferred to the drive shaft via revolutions or ‘revs’.

Why is my Gearbox Oil Leaking?

Often, gearbox leakages are due to faulty seals. Seeing as your vehicle’s transmission, which houses the gearbox, can reach 90 degrees Celsius, it’s normal that the seals loosen and crack due to wear and tear. Similarly, the aluminium or steel pipelines can crack which can also cause a leak, as can the transmission pump. However, these are usually quick fixes.

Where is the Gearbox Located in My Car?

Usually the gearbox is located underneath the engine, which is under the front bonnet of your car. It’s normally level with the oil pan and mounted to either side of the engine. However, if your vehicle is rear-wheel drive then the transmission will usually be under the dashboard area rather than directly below the engine.

How do Gearbox Ratios Work?

If circle A is half the size of circle B then it needs to be rotated twice to cover the same ground as circle B. These circles would have a gear ratio of 2:1. These differences allow the gears to spin at different speeds and thus produce different amounts of power. This is why lower gears ‘rev’ more at a higher speed whereas higher gears don’t ‘rev’ as much at lower speeds.



Can Gearboxes be Repaired?

Because manual gearboxes afford more control to the driver over shifting and power, they will need to be serviced and repaired more often than automatic gearboxes. For example, manual gearboxes allow for stalling whereas automatic gearboxes are largely stall-free. Because automatic gearboxes choose the most appropriate gear for the situation, they’re much more efficient.

Even though they’re very complicated systems, you should now have a better understanding of what can go wrong with gearboxes and you should be able to diagnose a broader range of issues before they become problematic.

At The Gearbox Specialists, our expert engineers can repair and replace both manual and automatic gearboxes, as well as clutches. Based in Bournemouth, we strive to explain clearly what has gone wrong and to offer high-quality repair and replacement solutions. If you have any further questions about gearbox repairs then don't hesitate to get in touch with us by calling 01202 309 830!