Gearbox Repairs in Loddiswell

Loddiswell lies in the River Avon valley, and the lanes that climb out of it towards Kingsbridge are narrow and steep. Valley driving means long descents in gear and sharp climbs in low gear, a combination that will find any weakness in a manual gearbox.

Automaster is an independent garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. Our gearbox work covers repair, replacement, servicing and transmission diagnostics, plus differentials, CV joints and driveshafts. Drivers from Loddiswell, Kingsbridge, Hazelwood, Modbury and Bantham come to us.

Why does my gearbox whine going down a hill?

A whine on the overrun, with your foot off the accelerator, often points to worn gear teeth or bearings. A whine under power can suggest something different. Describing when it happens helps us narrow things down before we even look at the car.

Long descents on valley lanes keep the gearbox turning under engine braking, so noises show up clearly.

• Whine on the overrun
• Whine under load
• Hum in one gear
• Rattle at idle in neutral

What does a leaking gearbox mean?

Oil on your drive or a damp, dirty gearbox casing suggests a seal or gasket is failing. Low oil leads to wear, so it deserves early attention. Sometimes a new seal is all that is needed, sometimes the leak is a symptom of wider trouble.

We trace the leak to its source rather than guessing, because oil from the engine can look like gearbox oil.

Can you tell if it is the gearbox or the clutch?

We can, and we do it before anything is taken apart. A clutch that drags makes gears hard to find and crunchy. A slipping clutch lets revs rise without the speed following. Gearbox faults tend to bring noise and a gear that will not stay engaged.

Getting this right saves you from paying for a gearbox repair that does not cure the problem.

Repair, service or replacement for a manual gearbox?

Servicing may help where old oil causes a rough shift. A repair deals with specific worn parts. A replacement suits cases where damage is wide or repair would be impractical for that model. Inspection decides which, and we never promise a repair is possible before we have looked.

What you pay depends on removal time, parts and whether the clutch is renewed during the same job. Ask for a quote and we will explain in plain words.

Is Loddiswell covered, and what about CV joints?

Yes, we welcome Loddiswell drivers. Our garage is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL, and customers come from the Avon valley and surrounding countryside.

CV joints on lane-heavy cars take a beating from tight turns. Clicking when you steer hard is the sign; a split boot is the cause. A shudder under acceleration may mean a driveshaft or inner joint. We also repair differentials.