One common trigger for major auto repairs is transmission problems. Your transmission is necessary in order for your car to operate correctly, and if you start to hear it make a clunking noise, you have good reason to become concerned. There are a few reasons why your transmission may make clunking noises. Determining what the reason may be in your case can save you time and money, especially if it stops you from having to have costly repairs done for major damage that could have been prevented. It is important that you get the necessary repairs done as soon as possible so that the problem doesn’t have a chance to get worse. Especially if you have paid a lot of money for your car in the first place, like a BMW for example. But why do some cars make that clunking noise? Here are some common issues when a car’s transmission makes clunking noises.
The transmission fluid is too low or too old…
Transmission fluid is needed to provide sufficient lubrication, in order to allow the process of shifting gears to occur smoothly. When the fluid level is too low or the fluid is too old, proper cooling and lubrication becomes difficult.
Check the level of the fluid and its appearance to figure out whether this could be the problem. The fluid should be translucent and red or dark pink in colour. If it is instead cloudy, black, or brown, the fluid may have been contaminated or it is old or burned. You could benefit from our transmission flush service.
The sensors in the transmission are incorrectly regulating shifting information or your speed…
Many transmissions in cars nowadays are controlled by computerized sensors. Often clunking noises can occur because the sensors send incorrect shifting or speed information, creating a problem due to incorrect regulation. This is a problem that you should get checked out.
Problems with internal components cause the car to shift too hard or otherwise improperly…
Inside of your transmission are several types of components including springs, gears, and bearings. Each of these components contributes to allowing the transmission to shift properly, and problems with any of them can cause a clunking noise to occur. If this is the case for your vehicle, in order to accurately detect the problem the transmission will have to be removed.
Broken or loose transmission or engine mounts cause the transmission to move…
If your transmission mount or engine mount becomes loose or breaks, you may hear clunking noises whenever you make a sudden change in speed or whenever you shift gears, due to the movement of the unsecure mount. Our Victoria BC mechanics can determine whether this is the problem by getting the car hoisted up. They’ll look at the parts under your car that act to mount your transmission or engine in place.
It is also possible that the noise that you think is coming from your transmission is actually caused by universal joints that are not functioning properly.
