Gearbox and Transmission Repairs in Devon

If your gearbox is whining, crunching or jumping out of gear, we can look at it. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and our gearbox work covers manual gearboxes on petrol and diesel cars, for drivers across South Devon.

A gearbox fault is not always a gearbox fault, so diagnosis comes first. Below we explain the symptoms, the options and what to tell us when you ask for a quote. Cost depends on the fault and the parts, so we do not give prices here.

What causes a manual gearbox to whine, crunch or jump out of gear?

A whine that changes with speed or gear can point to worn bearings. Crunching or graunching when you change gear can mean worn synchromesh, a clutch that is not fully releasing, or low or tired oil. A box that jumps out of gear is often worn selector parts or internal wear. A notchy or stiff shift may come from the linkage or cable, the oil, or the clutch.

Tell us which gear, whether it happens hot or cold, and whether it is under load, for example on a hill or when pulling away with passengers on board. If you see oil under the car, mention that too, as leaks from seals can lead to damage.

Do you repair gearboxes or replace them?

Both can be right, and it depends on the damage. A repair replaces the worn or broken internal parts. Replacement means fitting another gearbox, which can make sense when the damage is extensive or parts are hard to source. Only an inspection will show which route is realistic for your car.

Gearbox servicing is a smaller job, such as changing the oil where the manufacturer allows, and checking for leaks and wear. Give us the make, model, year, engine size and mileage when you ask for a quote. It also helps to say whether the problem began suddenly or crept in over weeks, and whether the clutch has been replaced before, because a recent clutch job changes where we look first.

How do you diagnose a transmission problem?

One reason to diagnose first is that a worn clutch can feel like a gearbox fault, with difficulty selecting gears or a grinding change. If the clutch is the cause, replacing a gearbox would be an expensive mistake.

If a vehicle will not select gears at all or the noise is severe, do not keep driving it, as it may leave you stranded or become unsafe.

What are the signs of a differential fault?

The differential lets the wheels turn at different speeds in corners. Signs of a problem include a howl or whine that changes with speed, clunking when you take off or let off the throttle, and oil leaking near the drive axles.

Differential repairs depend on the layout of the car, because front-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive models arrange the parts differently, and some differentials are built into the gearbox casing itself. Tell us what the car is, when the noise happens and whether it changes on a turn.

How can I tell if it is a CV joint or driveshaft problem?

A clicking or clacking noise on full lock, especially when turning out of a junction or car park, is the classic sign of a worn outer CV joint. A split rubber gaiter, with grease thrown around the wheel arch, is a warning that the joint is on its way. A vibration under acceleration may point to a worn inner joint or a damaged driveshaft.

A CV joint failure can leave you without drive, so get it checked promptly. The MOT also checks the condition of the gaiters, so a split one can mean a fail.