Driving a car with an automatic gearbox is always a pleasure. Instead of having to focus on switching gears, you can enjoy the pleasures of driving but, just because you’re driving a car with an automatic gearbox, doesn’t mean that your transmission problems are over. Automatic gearboxes need maintenance and repairs, just like a manual gearbox would.
In fact, there are 4 common problems that all automatic gearboxes experience and, here at Enduro Gearbox, we would like to share them with you, in order to keep you prepared:
Low fluid levels and leaks.
Unlike manual gearboxes, automatic gearboxes require a special kind of lubricant to function correctly. And, just like any manual gearbox, low fluid levels or slow leaks can spell disaster for your automatic gearbox so be sure to check the fluid levels before each trip.
Torque Converter.
Almost all automatic gearboxes rely on torque converters. Torque converters consists of several parts, namely the impeller, turbine, stator and needle bearings. Often, it’s the needle bearings that fail before any other components of the torque converter. This allows for metal to metal contact in the gearbox, thereby creating metal chips and fragments which can severely damage your automatic gearbox.
Solenoid Problems.
Not all automatic gearboxes have solenoids but, if your car was manufactured after 1990, your automatic gearbox almost certainly does. Solenoids are used to move valves in the valve body and are controlled by the vehicles on-board computer. During performance an automatic gearboxes can get very hot, thereby melting solenoid wires and that can cause serious problems.
Clutch Packs.
An automatic gearbox is filled with clutch packs. Clutch packs are stacked with a clutch and a plate, then another clutch and a plate and so on. Most clutch packs can contain up to 4 or more clutch/plates. Clutch disks are lined with a special type of material that aids with friction. If your transmission fluid is low or running hot, this material can easily wear out.
So, as you can see, automatic gearboxes come with their own set of problems. Also, most automatic gearboxes are engineered very intricately so, naturally, they require extensive maintenance. Well, here at Enduro Gearbox, we are exceptionally skilled in working with transmissions of all types, automatic or manual. So, if you ever experience any of these problems, be sure to come and see us and we’ll fix the problem immediately.
