Signs That a Transmission Replacement May Be Needed
By Anders Abadie
There aren't many stick shifts out on the road anymore (comparatively speaking), but those who still prefer to have a little more control over their vehicle have unique concerns and symptoms of a system gone bad. It happens. Newer cars are designed in such a way that they should be able to make it through a normal lifespan without needing a transmission replacement, but that's only if they are well taken care of and the owner is fortunate. If you have a warranty, you can only hope that your luck runs out before your policy does. Read on for some of the signs that you may require this expensive service.
Drips
This is usually one of the first signs of trouble. Red fluid underneath your car means you have a leak. This is usually caused by bad gaskets or casings. If you're lucky, this will require nothing more than some minor repair. In a worst case scenario, which is usually what happens if you fail to get a leak checked out in a timely fashion, you could be looking at an expensive transmission replacement. Even if the leak itself isn't bad enough to require an entirely new system, the loss of fluid itself could cause major problems. The first time you notice dripping fluid, make sure you have it checked out by a trusted mechanic.
The Clutch
Leaks can hit both those driving an automatic and those driving a manual. You won't see any automatic drivers having issues with the clutch, though. This is an exclusive problem with manual cars and it is the price you pay for the cheaper stick shift. It doesn't help that many drivers give the clutch more than its fair share of abuse. This component, which is the primary force behind the control of your gears, is used almost constantly in the operation of the vehicle. Getting the clutch fixed or replaced is much cheaper than transmission replacement, so don't wait to get the repairs you need.
Difficult Shifting
If you've ruled out clutch failure as a cause for difficulty shifting, you're probably looking at transmission replacement as your next possibility. Something in the transaxle assembly has gone awry, and this usually can't be fixed with a simpler repair. A good mechanic will do everything he can to protect you from a full transmission replacement, but there's only so much that can be done in some circumstances. A full rebuild may be necessary from there.
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