What Are the Signs of a Failing Gearbox?
When faced with car repair issues, there's no such thing as a self-repair option. Every issue must be identified and addressed properly to prevent a complete breakdown of the vehicle. The gearbox is one of the many mechanical components of a car that can develop problems that may undermine the overall performance of the vehicle and even cause it to stall.
As a car owner, you should take even the slightest sign of gearbox trouble seriously. Read along to discover a few gearbox trouble signs you shouldn't ignore.
Transmission fluid leakage
The transmission fluid in your car is the working fluid that lubricates the running parts of the transmission and also helps prevent transmission damage from overheating. It also helps keep the transmission clean and healthy by picking up dirt that may enter the transmission system. Without an adequate amount of it, gearbox and engine failure is inevitable.
If you spot transmission fluid pooling under your car, it means your transmission is running out of the essential fluid it needs to keep working well. You'll need to have the leaks sealed and the transmission fluid replenished to prevent imminent gearbox damage and breakdown.
Noisy gearbox operation
When your car's gearbox is running smoothly, there are certain "normal" sounds that it'll make. When it's faulty, you may start to hear abnormal sounds that will vary depending on the make and model of the car your drive.
While it's difficult to accurately diagnose gearbox issues based on the noises they make during operation alone, a noisy gearbox is an obvious sign of gearbox malfunction. Some common gearbox noises include whistling, buzzing, clicking, humming, and more.
Poor car handling
When your gearbox is running properly, it switches to the selected gear quickly and smoothly. If you're experiencing delays in gear engagement or feel like your car is shaking when you shift into gears, it's likely that you have gearbox problems.
Driving a car with a faulty gearbox not only affects the quality of your ride but also poses a risk to road safety. It's not just you and your passengers that will get hurt if you get involved in a car accident but other motorists as well.
Get your gearbox checked by a professional car mechanic if you encounter any of the above issues that require gearbox repairs. You can't afford to move around with a gearbox that's not working at its peak. There's so much at stake!
