Repair and service your Ford Thunderbird gearbox

Despite its reputation as a reliable, robust carthe T-Bird is not immune to internal component failure, and the gearbox is no exception. Find out how to maintain and repair it at EDEN BOITES.

Ford Thunderbird features

Despite its eleven generations, the Thunderbird retains a number of constants across the entire production range. The engine is still always gasoline-poweredalthough power output varies considerably according to engine displacement.

Similarly, the transmission mode is systematically is always rear-wheel drive. This means that the power supplied by the engine is distributed to the rear wheels only. rear wheelswhich then propel the vehicle as a whole. This is a logical choice for this car segment, as rear-wheel drive delivers more powerful acceleration and provides better weight distribution. On the other hand, roadholding is poorer than with a front-wheel drive car.

The Ford Thunderbird gearbox is predominantly automatic, in keeping with the habits of North American drivers. While this is the exclusive choice on the latest generations of the car, older models offered a three-speed manual gearbox. The latest Thunderbird features a Ford-developed 5R44E five-speed automatic gearbox.

Daily gearbox maintenance

Good habits for longer life

Gearbox maintenance differs according to whether it is manual or automatic.

In the case of an automatic gearbox, you must only take care never to engage another gear when the vehicle is not at a complete standstill, as this could damaging the transmission system.

On the other hand, if your Ford Thunderbird is equipped with a mechanical gearbox, a series of simple steps can be taken to extend its life :

• Handle the clutch pedal and gearshift lever with care. sudden movements can damage the transmission system;
• Anticipate the route and its obstacles avoid unnecessary handling ;
• Do not rest your hand on the gearshift lever while driving;
• Choose a systematic shift to neutral during frequent stops, such as at red lights or in traffic jams, to relieve the clutch system.

Vigilance for signs of failure

Paying attention to unusual signals is essential to anticipate a forthcoming breakdown: the sooner you intervene, the less chance a malfunction will have of to spread to the entire transmission system. Your observations and feelings while driving will also help a professional mechanic to better pinpoint the origin of a problem and to make an accurate diagnosis. So don't hesitate to pick up on all the warning signs of a breakdown: various noises (clattering, grinding, squeaking), a gear that jumps or refuses to engage, the sensation of slipping, excessive vibrations in the cabin, burning smells and resistance from the clutch pedal or gearshift are all points to watch out for. not to be overlooked..

The importance of gearbox oil

Often confused with motor oil, which has different characteristics, gearbox oil (or transmission oil) is essential to the proper operation of the transmission system. Without it, your Ford Thunderbird simply simply not run !

Gearbox oil plays three important roles:

• It helps to dissipate heat accumulated while driving;
• It cleans the transmission system thanks to its detergent properties ;
• It lubricates every part parts.

Over time, this oil becomes loaded with impurities and other metal residues. As a result, it is no longer efficient, and malfunctions can occur. That's why it's a good idea to change the gearbox oil regularly. For the latest models, you should visit your garage every two years, or after 60,000 kilometers, whichever comes first.

If your Thunderbird belongs to an older generation, don't leave anything to chance! While manual gearboxes generally don't need an oil change until they've covered 250,000 kilometers, early models are more fragile. Inspect the oil level and quality regularly, and change it as soon as it turns black.

Gearbox repair: the right reflexes

If in doubt, or at the first sign of fatigue, don't hesitate to take your Ford Thunderbird to the garage for advice from a advice from a professional mechanic. Most gearbox-related faults are minor and can usually be resolved by changing a wearing part or the transmission oil.

In cases of advanced deteriorationunfortunately, your gearbox may be declared unserviceable by your garage mechanic, in which case it will have to be replaced.

Discover our standard exchange gearboxes Each gearbox has been dismantled, part by part, for in-depth cleaning and analysis. Once reassembled by our experts, your new gearbox is twelve-month warranty. You benefit from a product at second-hand prices, but with the quality of new! As an added bonus, we'll collect your old box at the time of delivery, free of charge. Contact us at it's fast and without obligation !