Does Your Vehicle Need a Transmission Repair?

Your transmission suffers more wear and tear than any other part of your vehicle. The transmission operates under conditions of great heat and friction due to the hundreds of moving parts inside it. Any of these parts can wear out or break and will need to be replaced. We can help you when you need a transmission repair, and these are some of the signs to watch for.

Shaking and Grinding

Your transmission should shift gears smoothly and easily, regardless of whether you or your transmission control shift them. Grinding and shaking are signs of a transmission problem. The first sign of a problem with an automatic transmission is a slight difficulty when the computer shifts gears. This shaking feeling will become more jarring over time.

A manual transmission produces a grinding feeling when you shift gears. If the grinding continues when you press the clutch and shift the gear, it can also be a sign that there’s damage to the clutch or gear synchronizers. Our technicians will examine your transmission, and find and fix the cause of the problem.

Transmission Leak

The transmission is filled with fluid, which lubricates the hundreds of working parts in the transmission. The fluid also reduces the temperature and provides hydraulic power to make gear shifting easier. Without this fluid, your transmission would very quickly overheat and suffer serious damage. Transmission fluid is bright red and turns a darker red as it ages and it has a sweet smell. A pool of this liquid on the ground means there’s a transmission leak.

The most common sources of leaks are from the seals, lines, or the transmission pump. There are seals in different parts of the transmission, and age and heat can crack one or more of the seals, and fluid will leak out. Fluid is carried throughout the transmission by steel and aluminum lines. These lines can suffer damage over time, and a small crack can cause a fluid leak. Finally, the transmission pump can get damaged and also leak.

Difficulty Shifting Gears

Another obvious sign of a transmission problem is a slow response in shifting gears. In an automatic transmission, you’ll notice a delay between when the transmission computer shifts gears and when the gear engages. In time, this delay will become more noticeable. A manual transmission will show your RPMs as running higher than necessary for the speed you’re traveling.

Two of the most common reasons for difficulty in shifting are a lack of transmission fluid or a blocked transmission filter. Low transmission fluid will make gear shifting more difficult due to the reduced hydraulic force available. A blocked transmission filter will reduce the flow of the fluid and delay gear shifting.

Many drivers worry as soon as they suspect a transmission problem. Transmission problems have a reputation for being very expensive. Early action to fix a problem can save you money. Call us at Duncan Suzuki, and our skilled technicians will repair the problem.

Tags: Duncan Suzuki, Vehicle Transmission Service
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