Gearbox Repairs in Dartington

Dartington sits just outside Totnes on the A384, and the village is rarely quiet. Commuters pass through, and visitors arrive for the Dartington Hall estate, the gardens and the arts events. That mix of daily commuting and occasional leisure trips means a gearbox can pick up wear without anyone noticing until a gear starts to fight back.

Here at Automaster, at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, we repair manual gearboxes and look after the driveline around them. Below we run through common faults, how we separate a gearbox problem from a clutch problem and what helps us give you an accurate quote.

Gearbox problems in Dartington: what should I look out for?

Most gearbox trouble starts small. You might hear a faint whine in a particular gear, feel a gear that is harder to find when the engine is cold, or notice a spot of oil on the drive where you park.

Commuters tend to spot a change in feel first because they use the same gears every day. If a gear starts to crunch, or the lever feels notchy, mention it early because wear rarely repairs itself.

• New whining or humming
• Gears that crunch or resist
• Oil marks under the car

What causes crunching when changing gear?

The synchromesh rings help the gears match speed as you change. When they wear, the gear grinds, often first on the second or third gear change. A clutch that does not fully disengage can cause the same sound, so we check both.

Gearbox oil that is old or the wrong grade can also make changes harder. Where your vehicle allows, a gearbox service with fresh oil is worth considering before wear gets worse.

Why does my car click when I turn the wheel?

Clicking on full lock, perhaps swinging out of a car park or turning into a lane, points to a worn outer CV joint. The joint wears quickly once its rubber gaiter splits and the grease escapes.

Vibration under acceleration can mean an inner joint or a bent driveshaft. We check the gaiters, the joints and the shafts, then explain which parts are worth replacing and why.

Do you service gearboxes and repair differentials?

We do both. Gearbox servicing keeps the oil in good order, though what your vehicle needs depends on the manufacturer and its use. Differential faults show up as whining or clunking, particularly when taking up drive or lifting off.

On many front-wheel-drive cars the differential sits inside the gearbox casing, while rear-drive and four-wheel-drive vehicles often have a separate unit. We check what you have before advising.

Can Dartington drivers bring their car to Automaster?

Yes. We are at Longcombe Cross near Totnes and welcome drivers from Dartington, Totnes, Buckfastleigh, South Brent and Ivybridge. Tell us about the symptoms when you get in touch so we can plan the inspection.

Pricing depends on the diagnosis, the parts and the labour involved, so ask for a quote once you have described the fault. We never recommend a repair until we have actually looked at the car.