What are the symptoms of a bad transmission input shaft?
3 Answers
The symptoms of a bad transmission are as follows: 1. The engine stalls when shifting into gear, or there is a jerking sensation during gear engagement, shifting, or driving. 2. Abnormal noises while driving, such as a grinding or rustling sound inside the transmission. 3. Vehicle slippage, lack of power when starting, or inability to accelerate, which is the most frustrating situation. Precursors of a failing transmission 1. Burning smell: If you notice a burnt odor from the transmission fluid, remember this is definitely not a sign of success. It may indicate that the transmission is overheating. Transmission fluid not only keeps the moving parts of the transmission properly lubricated but also provides cooling to prevent overheating. Some car transmissions even have their own miniature radiators. They circulate transmission fluid to remove heat from the transmission, thereby cooling it. Common causes include low or insufficient transmission fluid, or it may indicate that the fluid is leaking or contaminated and needs to be replaced. 2. Difficulty shifting gears: This mainly applies to manual transmission models. Drivers usually prefer to press the brake, clutch, and then shift gears. If the driver finds that after engaging first gear, pressing the clutch makes it impossible to shift, whether upshifting or downshifting becomes difficult, this already indicates a problem with the transmission. Issues may include insufficient or low-viscosity transmission fluid, or problems with the clutch linkage. 3. Gear slippage: In a normally functioning transmission, when the car is stationary, the transmission should remain in the gear you selected or the gear the computer designated to maintain a certain RPM range until you or the computer initiates a shift. However, if the transmission gears slip automatically, the car may spontaneously jump out of drive into neutral. In this case, the driver should be cautious and promptly visit a repair shop or 4S store for maintenance.
I encountered this issue last time - the transmission would start whining as soon as the car moved, especially during acceleration or gear shifts, sounding like metal grinding. Sometimes shifting gears felt particularly strenuous, as if something was stuck - either the gear wouldn't engage or it would suddenly release, causing the whole car to shudder. This was especially noticeable on highways, affecting comfort and potentially damaging other components. I immediately took it to the repair shop, where the mechanic diagnosed it as being caused by a worn or broken input shaft. Replacing the part solved the problem. Normally, driving gently without stomping on the accelerator and keeping transmission fluid clean can help prevent such issues. In short, timely repairs are crucial.
When driving a manual transmission car, if the input shaft has issues, you'll noticeably feel sluggish gear shifts, difficulty engaging gears, or gears not going in, accompanied by weak acceleration and abnormal vibrations. I remember one time in the city with frequent gear changes, the car shook violently during acceleration, emitted harsh noises, and fuel consumption increased significantly. This happens because the input shaft is responsible for transmitting power, and when damaged, it affects the entire drivetrain efficiency. If you encounter similar symptoms, it's recommended to check the transmission fluid level and quality as soon as possible to prevent minor issues from turning into major repairs. For safety, don't force the car to keep running - it's much more reliable to have it professionally diagnosed at a specialized shop.
