Gearbox Repairs in Thurlestone

Thurlestone fills up in summer. With the beach, the golf and the hotel drawing visitors, the lanes turn into slow convoys, and every gap means another change down and back up. If your gearbox is wearing, that is when it announces itself.

Automaster is the independent garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes where we repair manual gearboxes, fit replacement units, service gearboxes and diagnose transmission problems. We also fix differentials, CV joints and driveshafts for drivers across Thurlestone, Bantham, Bigbury, Kingsbridge and Salcombe.

Is my gearbox failing or is it just old oil?

Gearbox oil does not last for ever, and in some cars it is rarely changed. Old oil can make shifts notchy and noisy, while a low level from a slow leak can cause real damage if ignored. Gearbox servicing, meaning an oil check and change where the vehicle calls for it, is sometimes all that is needed to improve a rough shift.

If the improvement does not come, or there is a whine or crunch as well, the problem lies deeper, and that is where inspection helps.

What are the warning signs of gearbox trouble?

The common ones are whining that follows road speed, crunching when you change gear, the car jumping out of gear, a stiff lever and oil on the ground where you park. Any loss of drive is more serious still.

• Whining or humming
• Crunching on changes
• Jumping out of gear
• Oil leaking underneath
• Vibration under acceleration

Why do you diagnose before replacing a gearbox?

Because the symptoms overlap. A worn clutch, a faulty release bearing, a failing engine mount and a tired gearbox can all feel alike from the driver's seat. We check each one so you only pay for work that is needed.

Replacing a gearbox is a big job. We want to be sure it is the right one, and we will explain the evidence.

Do you cover Thurlestone and what do CV joints cost to fix?

We do cover Thurlestone, as well as the coast and villages nearby; Automaster is at Longcombe Cross, Longcombe, Totnes TQ9 6PL.

We do not quote figures on a web page because the cost of a CV joint or driveshaft job depends on the vehicle, which side is affected, the parts needed and the time to fit them. Ask for a quote with your vehicle details and the symptom, such as clicking on full lock, and we will give you a clear answer.

When should I stop driving and call a garage?

If the car will not stay in gear, loses drive, makes a loud grinding noise or the clutch pedal feels wrong, it is wiser to stop. A gearbox fault that makes the car unsafe in traffic or on a hill is not worth risking.

A clicking joint or mild whine can usually wait for an appointment, but not for long. Either way, ask for a quote so the problem does not grow into something bigger.