Gearbox Repairs in Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge sits at the head of its estuary on the A379, and anyone who has started on the steep main street with a queue behind knows what that does to a manual gearbox and clutch. Hill starts, tight junctions and market-day crawling all add up.

Automaster is an independent garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We repair and replace manual gearboxes, service them, diagnose transmission faults and repair differentials, CV joints and driveshafts. Kingsbridge drivers come to us, alongside people from Salcombe, Loddiswell, Modbury and Thurlestone.

Why does my gearbox struggle on Kingsbridge hills?

Hill starts load the clutch, gearbox and driveline together. If the car jumps out of gear on a climb, whines in a particular gear or will not pull cleanly, wear inside the gearbox could be responsible. A slipping clutch can feel similar, which is why we look at both.

Worn gearbox mountings and engine mounts can add to the sensation of clunking or shunting when you pull away, so they are part of our inspection.

• Jumping out of gear on climbs
• Whine in one gear
• Clunk when pulling away
• Revs rising without the speed

How do I tell a gearbox fault from a clutch fault?

A clutch that does not release makes gear selection stiff and crunchy. A clutch that slips lets the revs climb without the car accelerating. A gearbox fault is more likely to cause whining, humming, a lever that feels rough, or a gear that will not stay put.

Because the symptoms overlap, we diagnose first. Taking out a gearbox that was fine would be a waste of your money and our time.

What happens when a gearbox is repaired or replaced?

For a repair, the gearbox is removed, opened and inspected, and worn bearings, synchro rings or selector parts are renewed. For a replacement, a different unit is fitted. Which makes sense depends on the vehicle, what we find, and what parts can be sourced.

Either way the clutch is accessible once the gearbox is out, so we will discuss whether it should be renewed at the same time. That affects cost, along with labour time and the parts used. Ask for a quote and we will take you through it.

What about clicking, vibration and differential noises?

Clicking on full lock points to an outer CV joint, usually after the boot splits. Vibration when you accelerate can come from an inner joint or a driveshaft. A hum or whine from the axle, particularly on a trailing throttle, may be the differential.

Turning in the tight spaces of the quayside and car parks tests these parts regularly, so wear tends to show there first.

Is Automaster the right garage for Kingsbridge drivers?

We think so, but judge for yourself. We are at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL, and we carry out gearbox work, clutches, MOT testing, servicing and more, as an RAC Approved Garage.

If you are unsure whether we cover your car or your fault, just ask. Give us your vehicle details and a description of what is happening and we will tell you what we can inspect.