Top 5 Most Expensive Truck Transmission Repair Mistakes: How To Avoid Them

Your truck's gearbox is a critical component. The gearbox ensures that the right amount of power from your engine reaches the wheels and assists in gear changes. Any issues with your transmission should be rectified as soon as possible. The longer you wait to fix a transmission issue, the more damage it will do and the more costly a repair will be. Transmission issues may also harm the driver; for example, if the clutch continues sliding, this can quickly become a problem on a high-speed route.

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Transmissions are complex and may survive for years without issue, so it's easy to grow complacent and forget about them. The most common transmission issues are neglect and a lack of awareness. So, with that in mind, what is the most probable cause of transmission failure, and what can you do to avoid it?

1. Failing to maintain the transmission

To perform at its optimum, the gearbox, like most other elements of your truck, must be lubricated and clear of dirt and impurities. One of the most proactive things you can do to extend its longevity is to have it checked up and serviced regularly. This will assist in preventing dirt and debris from building up in the gearbox, which wears it down, makes it slow, and may lead to overheating and other risk factors for transmissions.

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Transmissions should be serviced every 30,000-60,000 miles, according to general recommendations (roughly every 2-5 years depending on how much you drive and your driving style). This may include cleansing and changing the transmission fluid, replacing the filter, inspecting the condition of components, and making necessary repairs or replacements.

2. Failure to maintain the transmission fluid level

Low transmission fluid levels might quickly cause significant difficulties. It's also critical to maintain the transmission fluid and filter as clean and dirt-free as possible. Heat causes transmission fluid to thin and become less effective over time. You may check the amount of your transmission fluid, preferably every six months, or take your truck to a transmission shop as part of a routine service.

3. Ignoring the dangers of overheating

Excess heat is hazardous to transmissions, and overheating is thought to cause 90% of transmission failures. Transmission fluid is most effective around 175 degrees Fahrenheit; after 200 degrees Fahrenheit, it becomes less effective, lowering the lifetime of your transmission by half for every 20 degrees Fahrenheit rise.

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At 220°F, varnish forms on metal surfaces. It seals/hardens at 240 degrees. When the temperature reaches 295 degrees, seals and clutches burn. Moreover, at 260 degrees, transmission bands and clutches begin to slide. The issue may rapidly increase because there is nothing to cool the gearbox down if the fluid levels are low. 

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What causes transmissions to overheat badly? Driving with frequent stops: When possible, adapt your driving style to limit the number of stops and starts.

4. Ignoring warnings signs

When indicators of transmission difficulties appear, it’s critical to have repairs done as soon as possible to avoid further costly damage. You can't always tell whether the problem is with the transmission. However, specific indicators are more obvious than others. If you're hesitant, take your truck to a local mechanic, and if you discover any of these indicators, you should get it inspected.

• Slipping gear
• A burning odor
• When changing gears, the truck becomes unresponsive
• Having trouble shifting gears
• When in neutral gear, strange sounds occur, and the clutch does not disengage (in manuals)
• When moving gears, there may be some grinding or shaking (common in automatic transmissions)
• Leakage of fluid - You can't overlook leaking transmission fluid since it's crimson and smells sweet, and it's unlike any other truck fluid.

5. Using the wrong transmission fluid 

Not all transmission fluids are created equal, and each truck has its unique viscosity and additive needs for optimal operation. Inadequate cooling, poor hydraulic pressure, and insufficient lubrication for your transmission components may all result from using the wrong kind of transmission fluid. Make sure you're using the correct transmission fluid, whether you're doing it yourself or having someone else do it for you. If you're unsure, refer to your manufacturer's manual.

Final words 

For the most part, your transmission should look after you for a long time; it isn't delicate unless it’s not taken care of properly. You may lower the chances of this occurring by adequately maintaining your gearbox regularly, keeping the fluids clean and filled up, and paying attention to warning indications and your driving style.

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