Gearbox Repairs in Ermington

Ermington is a South Hams village in the River Erme valley, reached by narrow country roads, and many residents commute towards Ivybridge and Plymouth. That means lane driving at low speed at both ends of the day with faster running in between, which asks different things of the gearbox.

Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We repair manual gearboxes and look after CV joints, driveshafts and differentials. Here is what to look and listen for, and how to give us what we need to quote.

What does a failing gearbox sound like?

Whining that changes with speed, growling in a specific gear, or a graunch as you change are the usual warnings. A rumble that vanishes when you press the clutch can point to the gearbox bearings, while a noise that stays points elsewhere.

Valley lanes are quiet, so you may hear things sooner than on a busy road. Note when the noise starts and bring that detail with you.

Also listen for a clunk when you pull away or lift off, which can point to a worn differential or driveshaft joint rather than the gearbox itself. Telling the difference needs the car on a ramp, so describe the noise as clearly as you can and we will do the rest.

Why is my gear lever stiff or jumping out of gear?

Stiffness may be down to a stretched cable, worn bushes or a clutch that is not fully releasing. Jumping out of gear is more serious and can come from worn selectors, worn gears or loose mounts.

If it will not stay in gear, do not use the car. On narrow lanes with little room to stop, losing drive suddenly is risky.

How do I tell if CV joints need replacing?

Tight bends and lane junctions make a worn outer joint click when the wheel is turned. A split gaiter with grease thrown inside the wheel arch confirms the likely source.

Shaking while accelerating suggests an inner joint or a damaged driveshaft. We inspect all of them together, then explain what to replace.

• Clicking while turning
• Grease on the inside of the wheel
• Vibration under power

Is it my gearbox or my clutch?

Commuters often assume the worst. A slipping clutch can feel like gearbox failure, and a dragging clutch can make gears crunch. Oil leaking onto the clutch can cause both.

Diagnosis comes first at Automaster. We check the clutch and linkage, look for leaks and test the gearbox before talking about repair or replacement.

Be wary of any quick verdict given without a proper test.

Do you cover Ermington, and how do I get a quote?

Yes. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from Ermington, Ivybridge, Modbury, South Brent and Kingston come to us.

Ask for a quote by describing the make, model, engine, registration and symptoms. Cost depends on the fault, the parts required and the labour involved, and we cannot promise a repair until the car has been inspected.