What can break a gearbox?

How does a gearbox work?

To understand what can compromise the life of your transmission, it's essential to look at how it works.

Gears: essential transmission cogs 

Mounted on the primary and secondary shafts, these are interlocking gearwheels. By varying their size, you can modify the speed of rotation and the force transmitted to the motor.. It's like pedaling a bike with different chainrings: the smaller the chainring, the faster you pedal, but with less power, which is very useful on hills.

The different mechanisms : 

There are several types of gearbox, each using different gearing systems: 

• Parallel: for manual or robotized gearboxes ;
• Epicyclic: suitable for automatic torque converter gearboxes and DSG dual-clutch gearboxes;
• Belt-driven: for CVT gearboxes with variable speed drive.

These structures are designed to adapt to the specific requirements of each vehicle. A Fiat 500 gearbox gearbox can be fitted with parallel gears for mainly urban driving. In contrast, the Audi gearboxgearbox, on the other hand, is often a DSG, for performance and comfort on the road.

What causes gearbox deterioration?

A gearbox can be seriously damaged by a combination of factors that are sometimes difficult to anticipate.

Common causes of failure

Only a complete diagnosis of the transmission can determine the seriousness of a breakdown. However, here are some of the main causes: 

• Natural wear Parts deteriorate with mileage;
• Insufficient lubrication Gearbox oil level too low or poor quality oil;
• Overheating Intensive use damages internal components;
• Incorrect use Overloading or abrupt driving style;
• Mechanical failure Mechanical failure: caused by impact or manufacturing defects.

Warning signs

Whatever your type of box, the common symptoms of failure are simple to detect:

• The gearshift catches on;
• A creak or dull snore can be heard;
• The clutch pedal lacks responsiveness;
• Vibrations or excessive noise are felt while driving;
• Oil leaks under the vehicle.

Lack of lubrication is the bane of any gearbox. 

To avoid this, change the oil regularly and have the transmission checked by a professional.

What the roadworthiness test reveals about your gearbox

A roadworthiness test is a good starting point for identifying any faults in your gearbox, but it's no substitute for regular maintenance. Only a thorough diagnosis can ensure safe driving.

Is the gearbox part of the checklist?

Box inspection is a visual and functional visual and functional inspection, with no disassembly of components or checking electronic fault codes. The technician performs the following actions:

• Checking for leaks
• Test drive
• Visual inspection of clutch and transmission

The inspection does not go deep into the diagnosis, but focuses on the general condition and safety of the vehicle.

How do I prepare my gearbox for roadworthiness testing?

Before the big day, a few simple checks can save you a lot of surprises:

• Change the gearbox oil in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations;
• Inspect the underside of your vehicle for oil leaks;
• Make sure the clutch is working properly;
• In case of suspicious noises, have the gearbox diagnosed by a professional ;
• Check the condition of the universal joint bellows and seals.

Even if you don't need them for this inspection, keep your regular maintenance invoices in case you have a warranty problem.

What to do if the gearbox fails?

A damaged gearbox can have consequences for other essential parts. It could trigger a clutch failure, a problem with the gear selector mechanism, the gearbox ECU, and so on. In such a situation, a standard exchange gearbox is sometimes less costly than a repair.

At EDEN BOITES, our high volume of business and our expertise enable us to offer you attractive savings. We dismantle and replace used parts, only if necessary, with 100% original components. You select the delivery location of your choice, and all your mechanic has to do is reassemble your new box, which comes with a one-year warranty.