Clutch and Transmission Repair in Memphis

Manual vs. Automatic Transmissions

There are two types of transmissions:

Manual Transmission

With a manual, you’re in control. You press the clutch pedal, shift the gears yourself, and adjust as your speed changes. It’s all about timing and coordination – a bit more work, but for many, it’s part of the fun of driving.

Automatic Transmission

An automatic does the heavy lifting for you. It shifts gears on its own, so you don’t have to worry about pressing any extra pedals. The transmission fluid in these systems is key – it helps smooth out those shifts and keeps everything running right.

Why Regular Transmission Service Matters

Your car’s transmission is a big deal, and if you’ve ever had one go out on you, you know just how costly it can be to fix. That’s why regular maintenance is important to help you avoid those expensive repairs.

Here are some recommendations from our mechanics:

• Keep an Eye on Your Transmission Fluid: If you’re hauling heavy loads or dealing with extreme Memphis temps, you’ll want to check your fluid more often. Low or dirty fluid can wear out your transmission fast.
• Check the Related Parts: Your CV joints, driveshaft, and flywheels all work alongside your transmission. Maintenance helps the whole system run better.
• Stick to the Service Schedule: Your vehicle manufacturer gives you a recommended maintenance schedule for a reason. Following it can save you a lot of headaches (and cash) down the road.
• After an Accident, Check Everything: Even a small fender bender can mess with your transmission, so it’s always a good idea to have it checked after any collision.

Signs of Transmission Trouble

Don’t wait until you’re stranded on the side of I-40 to figure out you’ve got a transmission problem. Here are some signs to watch out for:

• Shifting Delay: If you’re shifting out of the park, but the car hesitates to move, something’s up.
• Slipping or Grinding Gears: If the transmission slips or grinds when you accelerate or press the gear shift, it’s time for a check-up.
• Clutch Slipping: If you’re driving a manual and the clutch isn’t gripping like it should, especially when pulling a load, that’s a red flag.
• Shaking at Any Speed: If your car is shaking while you’re driving, that could point to transmission or clutch issues.
• Burning Smell: If you smell something burning from under the hood, especially when shifting gears, your clutch might be slipping.
• Strange Sounds: Knocking, screeching, or whistling noises from under the vehicle are never a good sign.
• Cloudy or Thick Transmission Fluid: When you check the fluid and it looks cloudy, feels thick, or smells strange, it’s probably time for a change.
• Hard-to-Shift Gears: In a manual, something’s off if the shifter doesn’t want to move, even when the clutch is pressed.

Common Transmission Issues

• Worn Clutch (Manual Only): Your clutch can wear out over time, especially if you’re driving hard or have mechanical issues. Sometimes, leaks in the master cylinder can drop your fluid levels, causing issues.
• Needle Roller Bearings (Automatic Only): These tiny bearings help keep your gears from grinding, but if they wear down, you’ll hear that unmistakable grinding sound when the car’s in motion.
• Gear Synchronizers (Manual Only): These make sure your gears spin at the right speed for smooth shifts. If they’re worn, you could be looking at a bigger transmission problem if left unchecked.