Signs That You Need to Book Manual Gearbox Repairs

When it comes to your gearbox, it’s important that you keep an eye out for any issues. You should never ignore any signs that your gearbox needs repairing; not only can this lead to costly repair bills, but it can also put the safety of you, your passengers and other people on the road at risk. 

A bad transmission is an issue that driver’s want to avoid at all costs. Gearbox issues can escalate quickly, and can soon become a larger problem that is more expensive to repair. The key is to address an issue as soon as you recognise it. 

Below, we take a look at the signs you need to book a manual gearbox repair. Learning to spot certain issues can be extremely beneficial, so we’ve put together the signs you should be keeping an eye out for. 

When you shift into gear, the engine’s RPMs will surge, but you may notice the car doesn’t move as fast as the engine sounds like it’s going. If this is the case, your clutch may need replacing. If you switch gears and the engine revs but your car fails to accelerate like you expect it to, it’s highly likely there is a problem with your manual transmission’s clutch. 

When you shift gears, the transmission should stay in that gear until you move it. If the clutch feels like it’s slipping when you change gears, you should have it examined as soon as possible. If the clutch is slipping, the transmission or stick shift could pop back into neutral. It’s best to get your gearbox inspected by a professional as soon as possible. 

Keep an eye out for any strange sounds coming from your gearbox. It can be difficult to describe the sound that you’ll hear when there is a problem with your transmission, but you should definitely notice it. Strange sounds vary between different makes and models of vehicles, but often, you’ll hear a buzzing, humming or whining sound. 

A grinding noise when the transmission shifts is also an indication that there is an issue with your gearbox. This can happen if you shift without properly engaging the clutch - so, before you jump to any conclusions, make sure you are shifting normally. However, if it still grinds or if the clutch reaches the floorboards and grinds, you should visit a manual gearbox specialist. 

Additionally, if it sounds like parts are hitting each other rather than operating smoothly, you should get a gearbox specialist to take a look as soon as possible. Ignoring this issue could lead to something more serious and costly. 

There’s a chance that the noise you are hearing is coming from a bearing. The following test can help you to identify any issues with one or more transmission bearings:

● Fire up the engine and set the transmission to neutral. If you can hear a noise in neutral, this is an indication of a worn-out input shaft bearing. 

● While the engine is running, depress the clutch pedal enough to remove the free play, to the point where you need to apply force to the pedal to push it down further. If you hear a squealing noise, this is an indication that you have a worn out release bearing. 

● Fully depress the clutch pedal to release the clutch. If you are met with a whirring sound, this is an indication that you have a bad pilot bearing. 

If you notice any strange smells, this generally indicates that there is an issue with your vehicle. Even if you don’t notice a burning smell, strange smells and odours can be a cause for concern. Light smells that leave a sweet fragrance in your vehicle may indicate it’s time to change the transmission fluid in your car. It’s important that your system is properly lubricated to ensure the unit doesn’t burn up. 

Additionally, if you check the transmission fluid and notice a burnt smell, it’s definitely time to get your gearbox inspected. While the smell of something burning is never a good sign, if you can smell burning, this could indicate that your transmission is overheating due to lack of transmission fluid. 

You should regularly inspect your vehicle to ensure it’s in top condition and safe to drive. Keeping an eye out for leaking fluids and low levels is one of the easiest signs to look out for. You can check under your car for leaks by placing a few pieces of paper or cardboard under your car. Look out for the red colour of transmission fluid. Your transmission fluid levels should stay constant, so if you notice signs of red fluid under your car, this is a strong indication that you have a leak. 

You can carry out fluid checks by running your car for a short period in neutral, before pulling out the dipstick while the engine is still running. Get a little bit of the fluid and, using a paper towel or some toilet paper, drip the liquid onto the material to highlight the colour. 

To make sure your fluid levels are correct, insert the dipstick, wipe clean and insert again. Look for a mark between the ‘full’ and ‘add’ lines. If the level is below the ‘add’ line, you’ll need to add more fluid. Your owner’s manual will guide you on the correct fluid. Just make sure you add the right amount of fluid. 

It’s surprising how many people ignore the Check Engine Light. This is a way of your vehicle warning you that something is wrong or something is about to go wrong. It can go on for a number of different reasons - many of these reasons are not linked to your transmission, so you should always take your car to a garage to get it checked out by a professional. If your Check Engine Light comes on, this could indicate an issue with your transmission or with another area of your car, and therefore it should never be ignored. 

If you’re looking for a vehicle technician who can repair or rebuild your gearbox or clutch promptly and professionally, get in touch with the experts at The Clutch & Gearbox Specialists in Bournemouth. With over 90 years of combined experience, our professional and experienced team can fix both manual and automatic gearboxes efficiently and professionally. 

A fully functioning gearbox is integral to keep your vehicle running safely and efficiently. As specialists in transmission repair and vehicle maintenance, we offer a comprehensive range of gearbox services, including gearbox repairs, servicing and reconditioning. Our vehicle technicians have the skills, knowledge and tools to ensure everything is working exactly as it should be, and to make sure your vehicle is performing at its best. 

Whether you require repair work or a full rebuild, we can take care of your gearbox for you. From modern coupes to classic cars, both automatic and manual, our experts can meet your requirements and provide you with a stress-free service. For more information about our services, visit our website or get in touch with us today.