Gearbox Problems: The Warning Signs to Look Out For

Catch it early

The gearbox takes the power from the engine and sends it to the wheels at the right speed. It is full of gears, bearings and shafts that run in oil, and when something starts to wear, it nearly always gives you a warning first.

Spotting those signs early matters. A small problem, such as low oil or a worn linkage, can often be put right. Leave it, and the wear can spread to other parts inside the gearbox, making the repair much bigger.

Warning signs in a manual car

Grinding or crunching when you change gear is one of the most common signs. It often shows up first on one particular gear, and it can mean the parts that match the gear speeds as you change, called synchros, are wearing.

Other signs include a gear that pops out on its own, usually when you lift off the accelerator, a gear lever that feels stiff or vague, and a whining or humming noise that changes with road speed. A whine that is there in every gear can point to worn bearings.

It is worth knowing that some of these can be the clutch rather than the gearbox. If the engine revs rise but the car does not speed up, that is usually a slipping clutch. If gears are hard to select with the engine running but easy with it off, the clutch may not be releasing fully.

Warning signs in an automatic

In an automatic, look out for a delay when you move the lever into Drive or Reverse, harsh or jerky changes, or the revs flaring up between gears as if it is slipping. Some dual clutch automatics can judder when pulling away slowly.

Many automatics also have a safety mode. If the gearbox control unit sees a problem, it may hold the car in one gear and put a warning light on the dash. The car will still move, but slowly. That is the gearbox protecting itself, and it needs looking at soon.

Leaks, smells and the right oil

Spots of oil on your drive, a burning smell after a drive or a clunk when you pull away can all be linked to the gearbox. Low gearbox oil makes everything inside work harder and wear faster.

Some gearboxes are called sealed for life, but that does not mean the oil lasts forever. Many manufacturers do list an oil change for automatic gearboxes at certain mileages. Using the correct oil matters too, because the wrong type can change how the gearbox behaves.

How we find the fault

We start by listening to what you have noticed and taking the car for a drive to hear it for ourselves. On automatics, we plug in our diagnostic equipment to read any fault codes stored by the gearbox control unit.

Then we check the oil, look for leaks and check the mountings, linkages and driveshafts. A clunk that sounds like the gearbox can turn out to be a worn engine mount or a driveshaft joint, which are far simpler jobs. We want to be sure before we recommend anything.

Book a gearbox check in Pelsall

If your gear changes do not feel right, get it checked sooner rather than later. Mark has been in the trade for more than 30 years and will tell you honestly whether it needs a repair, a replacement or simply some fresh oil.

Call us on 01922 682200 or book online, and bring your car to 45 High Street, Pelsall. We will explain what we find and give you a clear quote before any work starts.