How to diagnose a problem with a manual gearbox

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At A1 Clutches this month, we look at issues you may have with a
faulty gearbox and how to keep safe on the road.

Your car is a clever piece of workmanship and delivers power from the engine to the wheels with the assistance of the gearbox.

The gearbox is an indispensable component. Inevitably the gearbox will age, be subject to wear and tear and may, on occasion, malfunction.

Below, you will find our handy tips for detecting problems on a manual gearbox.

 

How to diagnose a problem with a manual gearbox

If the transmission is worn out on your vehicle’s gearbox you may experience the following symptoms:

  • You have trouble shifting gears

There may be many reasons for this and if it is hard to manoeuvre the gear stick as you change gear, causes of the problem may include loose linkage, worn bearings or shift cables. Other reasons may include such a clogged filter, faulty sensors or incorrect transmission fluid.

transmission gears

  • Stuck in one gear

Ouch! You can’t get the gear to change. This could indicate a low oil level or the incorrect oil or a worn-out drive gear teeth. There may be wear or tear to rods, shifter arms and bushings. Failure to get into gear may also be caused by the vehicle’s clutch, which could need adjusting.

  • Odd noises such as grinding, squealing, whirring or thudding

Generally, this can be caused by low oil but a noise could also mean that the gear’s teeth or synchroniser is broken.

Lack of acceleration

You may notice a slight delay in acceleration when changing gears. If the delay is longer than a second or so, it is worthwhile seeking a technician’s advice.

Burning smell

burning smell

This spells trouble. A burning smell certainly signifies that your gearbox needs immediate attention. Get it checked out!

If you experience any of these problems, please stay safe and don’t drive your vehicle. Get in touch with your nearest branch of A1 Clutches where our customer service staff will be delighted to assist.

Call our friendly team today on 0121 522 2094

At A1 Clutches, all our technicians are highly skilled in their field and are continually trained in the latest procedures and practices to ensure that we get you back on the road as soon as possible. Don’t forget that we operate a reliable collection and delivery service and can supply you with a free courtesy car whilst your vehicle is being repaired, subject to availability. With our free, no-obligation check on your clutch and gearbox, only minutes of your time will be taken to assess the problem while you wait.

We wish you a very happy and safe November from everyone at A1 Clutches.

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