Transmission Replacement, Differential or Transaxle Repair and Drive Shaft component Repair and or Replacement
The powertrain system consists of your vehicles engine (See Engine Repair), transmission, drive shaft and differential/axle assembly. The powertrain like many parts of modern vehicles controlled via an On-Board computer. In a front-wheel drive vehicle, the transmission and differential/axle assembly are combined into a single transaxle unit. Manufactures will typically suggest that you replace your transmission fluid every 30,000 miles or every two years. The same interval holds true for differential fluid but you need to check with your specific vehicles maintenance schedule as the interval can very considerable. You also have to take into consideration your driving habits, as extreme driving conditions can result in these fluids needing to be changed in shorter interval. A good rule of thumb would be to at least have these fluids inspected every 30,000 miles.
Benefits of a Properly Maintained Powertrain System
- Performance
- Power
- Quiet Operation
- Better Fuel Economy
- Smooth Gear Shifting
- Extended Component Life
Transmission/Transaxle
- Connects the crankshaft flywheel to the drive shaft/axles
- Provides gearing for optimum performance and fuel economy
- Transmission Fluid, lubricates, prevents corrosion and removes heat. Performing a Transmission Fluid Exchange will remove and replace virtually 100% of your transmission fluid providing longer transmission life and smoother operation.
- Transmission Filter like your vehicles oil filter traps particles and oxidized fluid and protects transmission from solid contaminates. Performing a Transmission Filter Service will prolong transmission life and provide smoother operation.
- Components include transmission casing, valve body (automatic transmission), torque converter (automatic transmission), transmission pan (automatic transmission), clutch disc, pressure plate, throw-out bearing (manual transmission), shift linkages, lubricant, and sealing gaskets will wear out requiring service or replacement over the life of a vehicle
Symptoms of a malfunctioning Transmission/Transaxle may:
- Transmission Slipping
- Grinding noise when shifting
- Whining noise
- Vehicle may failure to shift
- Vehicle will not move
- External leaks
Differential/Axles/Drive Shaft
- Provides power from the transmission to the wheels
- Components include differential casing, hypoid gears, clutches (limited slip/locking differentials), lubricant, sealing gaskets
Symptoms of a malfunctioning differential/axles include:
- Whining Noise
- Grinding Noise
- External leaks
