Slow wear and tear from excessive miles or a lack of adequate maintenance can cause your vehicle’s gearbox to malfunction, break, or fail. Gearbox issues are uncommon and are generally caused by linked components such as the assembly, linkage, or driveline rather than something within the transmission itself.

The earlier you notice transmission problems, the easier and less expensive it will be to repair them. Here are some signs you need to look out for:

• Strange Sounds

A constant whirring, screaming, banging, grinding, or pounding sound might indicate transmission difficulties. Low oil is the most prevalent cause of a noisy transmission. Inadequate or dirty oil might cause the gears or internal component of the gearbox to hum or whir. If the noises come from a specific gear, they may indicate a worn or damaged synchronizer or teeth in that gear.

• Failure on Clutch

Another sign of manual transmission trouble is a clutch failure. A loose linkage, worn shift cables, or worn bearings might be the cause of difficulty shifting gears. 

• Transmission Misalignment

The gearbox frequently leaps out of gear and into neutral, which is a common problem with worn-out transmissions. A stretched, worn-out, or misaligned shift linkage can also cause the transmission to bounce out of gear. You can try to modify the linkage, but most of the time the part will need to be rebuilt or replaced. 

• Oil Spill

If you find a peculiar, reddish fluid gathering on the asphalt or cement of your driveway, your transmission may be weeping or leaking. Check for leaks in your vehicle’s gearbox case and oil level. If you recently added oil to the transmission case and it leaks, you may have applied too much. Dripping and leaking can also be caused by faulty or worn-out seals or gaskets, a damaged case or component, or loose fasteners. Excessive leakage might cause your components to lose crucial lubrication and grind.

HEART Certified Auto Care is the place to go if you need fast, dependable, and convenient auto repair. We offer same-day service on most repairs, as well as other unique features that will make your day easier.