Gearbox Repairs in Totnes

Totnes asks a lot of a gearbox. Drivers climb the steep Fore Street, queue near the station and the shops, then head out on the A385 or A381 with a full car in summer. Every one of those moments puts load through the transmission, so small faults tend to announce themselves early.

Automaster is a garage at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and manual gearbox work is part of what we do alongside clutches, MOT testing and general repairs. This page explains the symptoms we are asked about, how we work out what is wrong and what to tell us when you ask for a quote.

What is that gearbox noise when I drive around Totnes?

A whine that rises and falls with road speed, or changes when you swap gears, often points to worn bearings or tired gearbox oil. A rumble that disappears when you press the clutch pedal can point elsewhere, which is why guessing is a poor plan.

Crunching or graunching as you change gear usually means worn synchromesh, though a clutch that is not fully releasing can feel almost identical.

• Whining that varies with speed
• Crunching on one or more gears
• Rumble or growl under load

Why does my car jump out of gear or feel notchy?

Jumping out of gear, usually on the overrun, can come from worn selector parts inside the gearbox, a worn gear itself, or loose mounts letting the whole unit move. A stiff or notchy shift might be as simple as a stretched cable or worn linkage bushes.

If the car will not stay in gear, treat it as unsafe to keep driving. Losing drive on a hill or at a junction is not worth the risk, so book it in instead.

Do you replace CV joints and driveshafts in Totnes?

Yes, we handle CV joints and driveshafts. A rhythmic click when turning on full lock, such as squeezing out of a tight space in town, is the classic sign of a worn outer CV joint. A split rubber gaiter flinging grease around the wheel arch is the usual cause.

A shudder or vibration when you accelerate can come from a worn inner joint or a damaged driveshaft. We inspect the joints, gaiters and shafts together so you only pay attention to what actually needs doing.

Is it a gearbox fault or a worn clutch?

Drivers often blame the gearbox when the clutch is the real problem. Difficulty selecting first or reverse, a clutch that bites very high, or revs rising without the car pulling can all be clutch wear.

That is why diagnosis comes first at Automaster. Replacing a gearbox that was never faulty is an expensive mistake, and we would rather find the true cause. Oil leaks matter here too, since gearbox oil reaching the clutch can cause slipping.

Repair, replace or service: what happens next?

Once we have inspected the gearbox we explain the options in plain language. Some faults suit a repair, such as a leaking seal or worn linkage. Heavy internal damage may make fitting a replacement unit the sensible choice, and gearbox servicing, meaning fresh oil of the right grade where your vehicle allows it, can head off wear.

Cost depends on the fault, how much of the car has to come apart, the parts needed and whether the clutch should be dealt with at the same time. We cannot promise a repair is possible until we have looked at it.