What Causes Abnormal Noise in the Engine Transmission?
4 Answers
The causes of abnormal noise in the engine transmission are: 1. Wear and damage of bearings; 2. Abnormal gear meshing clearance; 3. Gear tooth surface metal peeling, tooth breakage, or misalignment during assembly; 4. Insufficient lubrication due to inadequate lubricant; 5. Water ingress into the transmission; 6. Loose bolts in the transmission housing; 7. Excessive play between the gearshift lever and the shift fork groove in a manual transmission; 8. Long-term lack of automatic transmission fluid replacement; 9. Use of inferior automatic transmission fluid. Transmissions are divided into manual transmissions and automatic transmissions. Manual transmissions mainly consist of gears and shafts, while automatic transmissions are composed of a torque converter, planetary gears, a hydraulic torque variation system, and a hydraulic control system.
I've been driving for over a decade and have encountered transmission noises, which seem quite common. The most frequent causes are gear wear or bearing damage, especially if you frequently stop and start in city traffic. Hard shifting over time loosens components, resulting in that metallic clanking sound. Another major issue is insufficient or degraded lubricating oil. The oil is responsible for reducing friction, and once it's inadequate, the transmission will produce abnormal noises during operation. If the car makes noises while driving at a constant speed on flat roads, it might indicate internal wear. If the noise occurs during acceleration from a standstill, the clutch or synchronizer is likely the culprit. I remember one time my car made a deafening noise during startup—turns out the chain had loosened. Luckily, we caught it early before it became a major issue. My advice is not to delay when you hear any unusual sounds; take it straight to a repair shop for a scan and diagnosis. Otherwise, small issues can escalate, doubling the repair costs. Don’t skimp on regular maintenance—changing transmission oil periodically can prevent problems. A simple annual check-up goes a long way in saving you a lot of trouble.
As an automotive enthusiast, I believe transmission noise can stem from various causes, including poor gear meshing or bearing damage. Normal operation relies on the lubrication system, but low oil levels or excessive contaminants can cause issues, resulting in unusual noises during operation. Synchronizer malfunctions may produce a clicking sound during gear shifts, requiring auditory identification: consistent noise during steady driving may indicate internal component wear, while noise during shifting points to the clutch. It's advisable to use an OBD scanner to read error codes for precise fault localization. Neglecting these issues long-term could lead to complete transmission failure, with replacement costs often exceeding tens of thousands. From a maintenance perspective, fluid changes every 30,000 kilometers are essential, and adding professional anti-wear additives can extend service life. DIY enthusiasts should avoid disassembling components themselves, as improper handling may damage additional parts—seeking professional repair shops is more reliable.
I'm really afraid of transmission noise. The sudden sound always makes me worry about a car accident. There are many reasons, such as low oil or broken parts. Continuing to drive may cause the transmission to get stuck and lead to danger on the road. It is recommended to stop immediately, avoid risky driving, and call for a tow truck or a professional mechanic to check. Safety first. Replacing a small part can fix the problem, don't let it turn into a big trouble. When washing the car, take a look at the oil level as well.
