Gearboxes

How Does A Gearbox Work?

The internal combustion engines inside commercial cars and vans run at significantly high speeds. However, because the wheels turn significantly slowly compared to the engine, a reduction in gearing is required in order to transmit power to the wheels. The gearbox provides a selection of gears for the vehicle to drive in different conditions such as a standard start, cruising on level surfaces, or climbing a hill. Generally speaking, the lower the gear, the slower the wheels will turn in relation to the speed of the vehicle’s engine.

Gearboxes have different gear ratios, including neutral, first gear, second gear, third gear, fourth gear, and reverse. When a vehicle is in neutral, all gears (expect the ones which are required for reverse) are in the mesh, which results in the output shaft revolving freely and no drive being transmitted. Then as gears are added, the amount of torque is reduced, started with high torque and low speed in first gear, then moving to no increase in torque at fourth gear. However, when reversing, an idler gear is placed between the two shafts causing it to move in the reverse direction.

Symptoms Of A Damaged Gearbox?

One of the most obvious signs that there is an issue with your vehicle’s gearbox is if a warning light appears on your dashboard alerting you of an issue, however there are other symptoms of gearbox damage that you need to be aware of.

• Leaking Fluid
  It is very important that you regularly check your vehicle to see if there are any leaks. With regards to the gearbox, transmission fluid is red in colour and has a slightly sweet smell. Additionally, unlike some of the other fluids in your vehicle such as motor oil, transmission fluid should remain at a constant level, so if the fluid levels seem to be decreasing, there might be a leak.
  
• A Strange Smell?
  Transmission fluid smells sweet, however the sweet smell isn’t the only thing you should keep an eye (or in this case, a nose) out for. If the oil in your gearbox is burning, you might start to smell a foul burning odour, this is a clear indication that a professional needs to examine your vehicle as soon as possible.
  
• Use Your Ears
  If there are knocking , banging, or clanking noises when you change gear, this could be a sign that there are loose gears, or loose parts in the vehicles clutch and the more significant the sound is, the looser the parts are, which means the great chance of serious damage to your vehicle.
  
  Some other noises you need to keep an ear out for are whistling and clicking noises. This is a tell-tale sign that your gearbox’s bearing are starting to wear out and may need replacing soon.
  
• It Doesn’t Work
  Simply put, if the vehicle fails to engage a gear, this is a clear sign that either the clutch or the gearbox is in need of repair. Don’t risk further damage to your vehicle; failure to change gear requires immediate attention.
  

A Selection Of Brands To Choose From

Here at Goldstar Commercials, we are proud to provide a diverse selection of high quality commercial vehicle spare parts. Our range of gearbox components includes but is not limited to the following brands:

• Fiat,
• Ford,
• Iveco,
• LDV,
• Mercedes-Benz,
• Nissan,
• Renault,
• Vauxhall,
• Volkswagen.

Find Replacement Components For Gearboxes, Clutches, And Engines On The Goldstar Commercials Online Store

When sourcing replacement parts for your commercial vehicle, it is extremely important that you only purchase spares from a reliable and trustworthy business. Goldstar Commercials was started by the Castell family in 1983 and we use our over 35 years of experience to provide our customers with high standards with regards to both product quality and customer services.

In order to demonstrate our commitment to providing high standards, we are happy to provide a 60 day warranty on all parts purchased from the Goldstar Commercials online store.

Would You Like To Make An Enquiry?

If you would like to speak to our team of commercial vehicle specialists, please give us a call on 0208 890 2000 between 9am and 5pm. You can also get in touch with our team using the internet by sending any questions you have to us by email at info@goldstarcommercials.co.uk.