How does the gearbox work?
Before we start the topic of possible repair of the gearbox, it is worth first considering how it works. The mechanism has 5 or 6 forward and one reverse gears, as well as the so-called. idling, that is, slack. The gearbox on the engine side is equipped with a clutch that allows you to disconnect the engine from the gearbox for the time of changing gears. In addition, the box is connected to the wheels by means of drive shafts that drive the vehicle.
What causes gearbox malfunctions?
The gearbox wears out for three main reasons. One of the most common is too rare gear changes. We have become accustomed to thinking that if we do not change gears often enough, then the engine will last longer at high revs and wear out faster. However, too frequent and fast gear changes also cause all sorts of malfunctions. Then the gears, instead of fitting into each other, begin to hit each other. Therefore, there is a wear of synchronizers, and in extreme cases even to break the gears. Another mistake made by many drivers is driving in the wrong gear in relation to the driving speed and thus overloading the engine. This is an issue closely related to the previously discussed topic. Driving in the wrong gear – too high or too low, will result in faster wear of the box bearings. Another and one of the most common mistakes is driving with overworked oil or too little oil in the box, but we will talk more about it in a moment. All three causes have one effect – it is necessary to repair the gearbox. As for costs, they depend on many factors. The age, model, type of wear, as well as the type of transmission – automatic or manual – are at stake. Repair of the gearbox, and more precisely the price of this undertaking is a considerable expense. In the case of an automatic transmission, the costs oscillate around several thousand zlotys. In addition, the repair of the gearbox must be carried out by a specialist, which means that we incur additional costs of performing the service. Fortunately, the simpler design of manual transmissions is a slightly smaller expense, but it is still worth avoiding.
What oil for the gearbox? Should it be replaced?
The answer to the first question is quite simple. It is best to use such oil as recommended by the manufacturer himself. Another issue raises much more controversy. More and more often we hear about the fact that in the case of manual transmissions, the oil that was placed by the manufacturer is enough for the entire life of the vehicle. Transmission oil can be changed much less often than engine oil, because it does not come into contact with exhaust gases. However, metal filings often appear in it, which are formed as a result of collision and friction of the gears or in connection with intensive exploitation. Therefore, it is worth changing the oil every 80-100 thousand km. For an automatic transmission, it should be replaced even more often, on average every 60-120 thousand km, since it is an operating fluid. The used oil largely loses its properties such as lubricity, density or viscosity, which significantly protects the transmission mechanism. It should be remembered that it is not only the regularity of the change that counts, but also the selection of the right oil. Often, buying the wrong product can cause more harm than not listing it.
When it comes to the question of whether it is worth changing the oil, the answer is definitely yes. Transmission oil protects it from excessive wear and, consequently, extends its service life. The only drawback of this venture is its cost. However, compared to the expenses of replacing or repairing a gearbox, it is still a much more cost-effective option. Also worth considering is the variant related to the regeneration of the gearbox.
