If your vehicle's manual transmission is making a grinding, whining, or whirring noise each time you shift, or if you notice your clutch has begun to sink spongily to the floor rather than providing resistance when you depress the pedal, you may be concerned that your clutch (or entire transmission) is beginning to fail. Because repairing or replacing a transmission can be a pricey prospect, you likely want to investigate all possible options before sending it to the shop for repairs. How can you determine what's wrong with your vehicle's manual transmission, and what can you do to keep repair costs down? Read on to learn more about the diagnosis and repair of some common transmission issues.
How can you figure out what's wrong with your transmission?
The advent of the internet -- particularly the wide range of "how to" videos available on just about any type of vehicle repair -- has made diagnosing issues quicker and simpler. Determining what's wrong with your transmission should be the first step when deciding whether to seek repair, to attempt repair yourself, or to throw in the towel and trade in your vehicle for a newer one.
If your transmission is grinding:
While a grinding noise coming from your transmission or clutch can be unnerving, this often just indicates that your transmission fluid is low (or contaminated with debris). This problem can usually be resolved with a simple transmission flush, available at your mechanic or a quick-change oil shop. You'll want to have your other fluids checked at this time to ensure you aren't low on differential fluid, oil, or other necessary lubricants.
If this grinding noise stays constant even while shifting, it's more likely you have a cracked or chipped gear. While this is a bit more of a labor-intensive repair than a mere transmission flush, it's still much simpler and less expensive than replacing your entire transmission.
If your transmission is squeaking or squealing:
A squeaking or squealing noise coming from your transmission may not be transmission-related at all -- it's more likely a bad idler or tensioner that needs to be replaced. Another possibility is that the throw out bearing in your manual transmission has failed. Replacing any of these components, just like replacing a transmission gear, is much simpler and less expensive than purchasing a new transmission.
If your clutch feels spongy and weak:
A spongy clutch, particularly one that is more noticeable in cold weather, could be due to low brake fluid. The reservoir that holds your brake fluid is a hydraulic one, and if this fluid level drops below the hose needed to funnel this fluid from the master cylinder, the performance of your clutch could begin to suffer. You'll want to examine the hoses leading to and from your clutch to make sure there are no leaks or other problems that could be leading to low pressure.
Is there anything you can do to keep the cost of repairs down?
Transmission work is often expensive because of the inherent labor costs involved in removing the clutch, flywheel, and transmission and replacing each of these components one by one. For situations in which your transmission issue can't be solved with a flush or replacement of minor parts, you'll want to do your homework to ensure you can keep your repair or replacement costs as low as possible.
If you're somewhat experienced in repair work or have a good relationship with your mechanic, you may be able to perform some of this preliminary work yourself, reducing the amount of time a licensed mechanic must spend taking your vehicle apart and putting it back together. Lowering labor costs should go a long way toward making your transmission repair more affordable.
In other cases, you may be able to save money by purchasing a used transmission or clutch from a "pick and pull" auto yard rather than buying new parts. These used transmissions and other components are often available at a fraction of the cost of new, and should last a long time without needing further repairs or replacement. You'll also be able to choose a transmission you know is designed for your specific vehicle and even inspect this transmission prior to purchase (not always an option for new transmissions ordered online).
For more information and tips, talk with experts at a transmission repair shop, such as American Transmission Center.
