Whether you drive an automatic or manual car, a bad transmission can be a death sentence. An excellent transmission repair mechanic should be your last resort.
In this article, we’re discussing how you can avoid a bad transmission and the steps you need to take to ensure you keep your transmission running smoothly.
You don’t have to let a bad transmission ruin your automobile. Checking for these tell-tale signs can drastically reduce the likelihood that your transmission goes awry. Continue reading to learn more.
What Is a Transmission?
Transmissions are devices that transfer the engine’s power to the automobile’s wheels through gear or ratio changes. You can have manual, automatic, dual-clutch, and continuously variable. These transmissions can pair with AWD and 4WD.
What Are the Main Symptoms of Transmission Failure?
Transmission failure can be broken down into three categories: slipping, excessive noise, and complete failure.
Transmission Slippage
Transmission slippage entails the transmission being unable to engage with the engine properly. Because of this, the engine will lose power and eventually stop working. This transmission issue is typically caused by computer control issues, lack of maintenance, and general wear and tear.
Transmission Noise
Transmission noise typically indicates damage to your transmission. The most common noise people hear is grinding and this signifies mechanical parts are no longer working correctly, have lost their lubricant, or have broken due to stress. These parts begin to grind against each other and cause mechanical wear.
Transmission Failure
Transmission failure is the complete loss of transmission performance. Slipping, symptomatic noises, and a lack of fluid due to leaks and overheating are all factors that cause transmission failure.
What Causes Transmission Failure?
There are a variety of signals that your transmission might be failing. If you know the signs of a failing transmission, you can take the necessary steps to avoid further transmission damage. You might be able to replace pieces of your transmission instead of needing a rebuild or replacement.
Leaking Fluids
Leaking fluid is one of the leading causes of transmission failure. Transmission fluid lubricates the moving parts within your transmission and provides the necessary hydraulic fluid properties to keep the transmission functioning properly.
Transmission fluid also navigates heat away from the transmission to avoid overheating. Any sign that transmission fluid is running low due to leaking should not be taken lightly and needs immediate attention. Low transmission fluid is the leading reason for transmission failure and it leads to major damage if it is not caught quickly.
Proper fluid maintenance prescribed by your manufacturer’s recommendation and using the correct fluid for your vehicle can help avoid the negative effects of grinding transmissions.
Worn Gears
A tell-tale sign that gears or other parts inside the transmission wear is a clunk each time your transmission shifts into gear or changes into another gear. Transmission noises indicate the need for costly repairs or danger that might result in the loss of torque or power. A part inside your transmission might be experiencing a problem.
Clogged Transmission Filter
Clogged transmission filters are another cause of transmission damage. These filters are designed to clean the transmission fluid as it passes through the transmission. Clogged or dirty transmission filters are signs of major internal problems that restrict the flow of transmission fluid and lead to the overheating of parts within the transmission. This filter can get clutch material or metal shavings stuck in the internal portion of the transmission and it needs immediate attention.
Poor Clutch Performance While Driving
Worn clutches in manual transmissions can quickly cause transmission failure. Worn clutches mean there are no longer proper connections between the engine and the transmission. When this occurs, every part within the transmission receives stress and it can lead to clutch overheating, slipping, and grinding. If the driver forces shifts, it could lead to transmission damage and failure.
