What are the symptoms of a broken gearbox?
3 Answers
Symptoms of a broken gearbox include delayed response, the automatic transmission failing to upshift, a burning smell, the engine stalling when shifting gears, difficulty in shifting gears, transmission oil leakage, and automatic shifting times that are either too long or too short. The gearbox, also known as the transmission, will produce noticeable clunking sounds and significant vibrations if it is damaged. There are two types of transmissions: manual and automatic. A manual transmission mainly consists of gears and shafts, achieving speed and torque changes through different gear combinations. An automatic transmission is composed of a torque converter, planetary gears, a hydraulic torque variation system, and a hydraulic control system, achieving speed and torque changes through hydraulic power transmission and gear combinations.
As a seasoned driver with years of experience, I've encountered transmission failures before, and the symptoms are quite noticeable. It's common to experience hesitation or delays when shifting gears. You press the accelerator, but the car doesn't respond much, and sometimes you can hear squeaking or grinding noises, like metal rubbing against metal. Additionally, when going uphill or accelerating, you might feel the transmission slipping—the engine revs up, but the speed doesn't increase, which is especially dangerous on highways. Another telltale sign is fluid leaks; check for red or brown oil stains on the ground, as that could be transmission fluid leaking. If not repaired promptly, it could lead to more component damage, resulting in higher repair costs and compromised driving safety. I recommend getting a professional inspection as soon as you notice these issues—don't delay and risk bigger problems.
As a young owner who just bought a used car, I recently encountered transmission issues that really frustrated me. The symptoms included severe shaking during acceleration, like riding a roller coaster, with the steering wheel vibrating along. Then, there was a clunky feeling when shifting gears, especially with the automatic transmission—it wouldn’t upshift when it should, accompanied by a dull knocking sound. Also, after parking, I noticed a burning smell, which online research revealed was due to overheated transmission fluid. The engine warning light frequently came on, which was a crucial signal. At first, I ignored it, but then my fuel consumption skyrocketed, costing me much more per kilometer. Later, I took it to a repair shop, and after changing the transmission fluid, things improved significantly. Remember these small details—catching them early can save you from major headaches.
