8 Signs Your Gearbox Is Failing

Repair costs for manual gearboxes and automatic transmissions can quickly add to a significant amount of money. Knowing what red flags to look for to detect issues in their earliest stages is important.

Read more for some further information on warning signs your gearbox is failing.

1. Fluid leakage

When you park your automatic vehicle, inspect the underside for any signs of leaking red automatic transmission oil. You should do this if your vehicle seems to be having trouble changing gears. When oil levels are extremely low, the substance may have already begun to burn, resulting in a brown or black colour.

If the oil level in your manual gearbox is low, you may also experience difficulties picking gears. You should rapidly fill up the oil and hurry to a garage.

2. Warning lights on your dashboard

The "check engine" light on the dashboard can alert you to several issues, including a malfunctioning gearbox. It is not a warning signal that can be ignored in any way. Either check your car's coolant, oil, and transmission fluid levels or take it to the garage.

3. Gears become unresponsive

If you are experiencing problems changing gears, it is likely because of a problem with your gearbox.

If you drive an automatic vehicle, you may notice that the vehicle stays in a low gear for an excessive amount of time. If you drive a vehicle with a manual transmission, you may notice a delay between the selection of new gear and an increase in the engine's rpm. It is also possible that the car accelerates at a slower pace than the higher revs would imply.

4. Keep an ear out for any peculiar noises

If you hear strange noises emanating from your gearbox, it is possible that it is not working properly. Keep an ear out for any whining, pounding, or clunking sounds.

On the other hand, these sounds might result from another issue, such as a malfunctioning engine, drive shaft, or exhaust system. Nevertheless, you will need to make a trip to the garage soon.

5. Beware a shaking, jerk or grind

If you have difficulties with the gearbox bearings, you will notice that the vehicle shakes, jerks, or grinds.

During gear changes, reluctance, slippage, or "trembling" are all warning signals that indicate a problem with an automatic gearbox. Grinding is more likely to occur with manuals.

It is more probable that the engine and gearbox mounts will fail if the vehicle is making jerking and clunking noises.

6. There may be a rumble when the vehicle is in neutral

When the neutral gear is selected, if the gearbox makes a rumbling noise, this typically indicates that the transmission fluid has broken down and will need to be replaced. It is in your best interest to seek the assistance of a trained expert if this is indicative of larger and more serious issues.

7. If you smell burning rubber, that can be a warning

If you smell something similar to burnt rubber or see smoke, you may have an issue with your transmission, particularly if the smell or smoke is accompanied by leaking fluid.

If the transmission fluid were to burn, the gearbox would not get the necessary lubrication, which would cause the gearing gears to develop heat due to the friction.

8. Shifting gears in the vehicle is difficult

It is possible that the transmission fluid is low or the wrong type, the filters are clogged, the sensors are broken, or the solenoid is malfunctioning.

For gearbox repairs in Bournemouth get in touch today

Our team at Gearbox Specialist in Bournemouth can provide gearbox repairs and maintenance for both manual and automatic vehicles. To book a service or repair get in touch today by calling 01202309830 or emailing thegearboxspecialist@hotmail.co.uk.