How to check if your gearbox or clutch is at fault
Friday 29th November 2024
Many modern cars have the clutch located between the engine and gearbox.
As the clutch and gearbox both control the gears and are located close together it can be difficult to know which is at fault if there is a problem with your vehicle's gears. Understanding and knowing the signs of clutch or gearbox issues can ensure your car continues to run safely and smoothly.
Formula One Autocentres’ guide covers the signs and symptoms to look for with a faulty gearbox or clutch so you can drive safely on the road.
Five things to check for:
Squeaking noises
Do you notice a squeaking noise when engaging and disengaging the clutch pedal? This may indicate your clutch has failed. If this noise occurs, even when the engine is off, your clutch release mechanism may be at fault due to poor lubrication. A rattle or clicking sound can be due to a loose clutch release fork or a faulty throwout bearing.
Difficulty accelerating
Is your clutch vibrating when you press the accelerator? It can be another sign of clutch failure. This can be a result of:
- The clutch disc struggles to grip the flywheel.
- A damaged pressure plate.
- A worn-out flywheel.
- The clutch disc lining is worn.
The clutch pedal remains on the floor
The clutch should feel firm when pushed down, although there should be some resistance to this pressure.
If you cannot change gears and the clutch pedal touches the floor, you may be experiencing clutch issues. If your car uses a hydraulic clutch system, the problem may be related to master cylinder failure. If your vehicle is operated using a cable system, the cable connected to the clutch may have snapped.
Slipping gears
When your gears are slipping they will revert to a lower gear whilst you are driving. This can result in losing control of your car, posing safety issues for you, your passengers and your vehicle. You will also hear a whining noise if your gears slip, which is attributed to the following causes:
- Faulty gearbox.
- Lack of transmission fluid.
- A damaged shift fork.
- The engine is misaligned.
It is hard to shift gears
A common sign of gearbox failure is you find it difficult to shift gears via the gear stick, which can be caused by:
- Damaged clutch linkage.
- An excessively tough shifter lock spring.
- The main shaft splines are damaged.
Should I replace my clutch or gearbox?
Have you suspected your vehicle’s clutch has failed? Whether that’s unusual noises, vibrations, difficulty accelerating, or your clutch pedal touching the floor, you must book a clutch replacement at your local branch as soon as possible.
If your car has gearbox problems, you will likely require a new gearbox. However, as fitting a new gearbox is expensive you may not think the outlay is worthwhile if your car is old or has a low market value.
Is your clutch or gearbox at fault? We recommend servicing your vehicle regularly by our experienced technicians. Book your next service at one of our 132 branches nationwide today. For more information about how we can repair or replace your clutch or gearbox, contact our helpful team today.
