What Causes Transmission-Induced Vibration?
2 Answers
Transmission-induced vibration can be attributed to the following reasons: 1. Clutch malfunction: As the sole power transmission component between the engine and the transmission, any abnormality or damage to the clutch may lead to transmission vibration, although the root cause in this case does not lie with the transmission itself. 2. Damaged transmission gears: The transmission's operating principle relies on combinations of gears of varying sizes to achieve speed and torque changes. Since gear sets operate in constant mesh mode, they rotate at high speeds regardless of whether a gear is engaged or not. Damage to transmission gears, such as deformation, breakage, or excessive wear leading to burning, can all result in transmission vibration. 3. Automatic transmission hydraulic circuit or electronic control system failure: Most operations of an automatic transmission, including gear shifting and power transmission, are achieved through hydraulic pressure. Blockages in the automatic transmission fluid passages or abnormalities in the electronic control system can interfere with normal fluid pumping and pressure buildup, potentially causing transmission vibration.
I find transmission shuddering is quite common. From my experience, the main cause is transmission fluid issues: when the fluid ages or gets contaminated, it becomes viscous, leading to poor lubrication and unstable pressure, resulting in unsteady gear engagement during shifting. Another cause is clutch wear – in manual transmissions, shuddering is particularly noticeable during uphill acceleration when clutch discs are burnt or fail to disengage completely. Loose internal gears or bearings could also be the culprit, as prolonged vehicle use enlarges component gaps, causing imbalanced operation and vibration. Additionally, electronic control system failures, such as erratic sensor signals, can misalign the engine and transmission. Ignoring these issues long-term may damage more components due to persistent shuddering. It's recommended to check transmission fluid every two years; maintaining cleanliness and proper levels can prevent these problems. Also, practicing smooth gear shifts while driving helps significantly.