When your transmission goes out on you depends on a variety of factors: how well the vehicle has been maintained, the make and model of the vehicle, and the number of miles that have been put on your car. We at Trans Work Transmissions are experts in manual transmission repair, and have seen transmissions of every condition drive in through our service doors. If you are not sure whether or not your transmission may be due for a repair, these are a few of most common signs to be on the lookout for.
Reddish Drips and Leaks
It is not uncommon to have clear drips beneath your vehicle once you have parked it in your driveway or in the garage. But if you see reddish stains on your cement, you see transmission fluid. If your transmission loses too much fluid, then it will not be properly lubricated, and parts within the transmission will begin to grind and become worn down.
If caught fast enough, one of our experts may be able to simply repair your transmission rather than completely replace it. The key is to act fast and to tackle these problems early. Our expert mechanics at Trans Work Transmissions can save you hundreds, if not possibly thousands, of dollars.
Your Engine Is Clanging When Stopped at Stop Lights
If you find that your engine is making loud clanging or banging noises when you are idling your vehicle, it is very likely that your transmission parts are becoming loose. The noise is likely the result of loose clutch parts and gears that are now banging against one another as the engine churns over and causes vibrations.
Your Clutch Is Acting Up
The manual transmission clutch is arguably the most abused part of every manual vehicle. Your transmission is constantly under pressure. Since it’s in charge of both engaging and disengaging your engine gears as you change speeds, your transmission has to act fast and keep up with your demands.
You will be able to tell that your clutch is starting to give out on you in one of three ways:
a) Your vehicle is no longer able to stay in gear
b) Your vehicle is no longer able to engage higher gears (typically the fourth or fifth gear)
c) You are having difficulty or are completely unable to shift gears
In some instances, a full replacement may be necessary, in which case our shop will be able to provide you with a custom built manual transmission. But there may be situations in which your transmission can be “saved” and repaired. Bring your vehicle to our shop on County Road CX in Portage, Wisconsin and we will diagnose the issue free of charge.