Why is my gearbox hard?

Understanding this phenomenon is one of the keys to keeping your vehicle in good condition and ensuring your safety. EDEN BOITES explains how to detect potential causes, and offers advice and advice and solutions to rectify a recalcitrant gearbox problem.

What are the main causes of a hard gearbox?

If you find yourself wrestling with your gearshift as if you were trying to wrestle Excalibur from its rock, there are several possible reasons.

A clutch problem

Worn, badly adjusted or defective, the clutch can make gear changes difficult. If the clutch pedal remains depressed or does not return correctly, you may feel a slipping sensation when accelerating.

Transmission oil

Transmission oil is the lifeblood of your gearbox. Too low a level, or a degraded fluid, can cause excessive friction. Regularly check the oil levelCheck not only the oil level, but also its color and smell. If it smells more like black coffee than golden honey, it's time for a good oil change!

Temperature problems

Repeated acceleration, heavy loads or traffic jams can cause the gearbox oil to overheat. On the other hand low outside temperatures can lead to excessive transmission fluid viscosity. In this case, oil circulation is more difficult and gears become harder to shift when cold.

General wear and tear of internal components

Over time and with use, various parts of the gearbox can become damaged. A sign of wear in the synchronizers can lead to cracking or an abnormal or an abnormally hard feel during gear changes. The same applies to bearings, pinions and selector forks.

How to diagnose a hard gearbox?

Whatever the type of vehicle, it is sometimes difficult to distinguish between clutch failure from gearbox failure. Here are the steps to follow to diagnose the source of the problem:

• Detect when the problem occurs (gears are hard to shift when cold, hot, at certain engine speeds, etc.), check whether the symptom is constant or intermittent;
• Test the clutch pedal stroke, feel, slip point ;
• Check the control cable or linkage for play or looseness;
• Check the level and quality of thegearbox for any leaks;
• Shift through the gears at low speed to listen for and feel any vibrations or abnormal noises;
• Use a electronic diagnostic if your vehicle is fitted with a robotized or automatic gearbox.

These key points can be used to guide your analysis and prepare for a discussion with a mechanic. They are not absolute proof! Only a more thorough examination in the workshop can determine with certainty the cause of the breakdown.

How can I repair a hard gearbox?

The repairing a gearbox is no mean feat! We strongly recommend that you leave the job to a professional. Private individuals rarely have the the technical knowledge and specific tools tools. If the gears are hard to shift cold, there are several possible options:

Transmission oil change and replacement

Insufficient or poor-quality lubrication can lead to worrying symptoms. Regular regular maintenance is sometimes all it takes to put things right. Just make sure you use the right oil, as recommended by the manufacturer.

Clutch adjustment or replacement

In some cases, a simple adjustment of the mechanism or transmitter is enough to solve the problem. But if the wear on the parts (clutch disc or release bearing) is advanced, replacing them often involves dismantling the gearbox and sometimes replacing the flywheel as well.

Complete overhaul of the gearbox

In cases of severe deterioration, a general overhaul may be necessary. This may include replacement of several internal componentssuch as synchronizers, pinions, bearings or control linkage repairs.

By driving smoothly and following the manufacturer's recommendations, you can avoid gear shifting problems and costly repairs. costly repairs.

What to do if the gearbox can't be repaired?

In extreme cases, the gear selector is so hard that everything jams. The gearbox may then be so worn that a complete complete replacement. In this case, don't panic! You have two options:

• Buying a new gearbox In this case, reliability is guaranteed, but the cost can vary from €1,500 to €5,000, or even more for certain top-of-the-range models. What's more, if it's not in stock, ordering and delivery times can be very long.
• Invest in a refurbished product a a standard exchange gearbox can represent savings of 30% to 50% compared with a new model. At EDEN BOITESwe replace worn parts with 100% original componentsto avoid any compatibility problems. All our gearboxes come with a one-year warranty, and we guarantee fast delivery times.

If you're looking for a good compromise between performance, price and respect for the environment, contact us today!