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Transmission Repair in Fort Smith and Van Buren, Arkansas

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Description of Transmission Repair

The transmission is the link between the engine and the wheels of your vehicle. Whether you drive a manual, automatic, or semi-automatic vehicle, the transmission plays a crucial role in the performance and reliability of your vehicle. The transmission keeps engine output matched with speed and load conditions. Because engines operate at high rotational speeds, the transmission reduces engine output speed and transmits torque through the differential, driveshaft, and wheels. As engine speed varies, the transmission switches between the gears that influence the amount of torque applied to the wheels. Transmission fluid performs a variety of duties, depending on the type of transmission. Transmission fluid acts as a cooling agent and protects the transmission by lubricating the internal gears and preventing corrosion and rust. In a manual transmission, clutches and gear shifts provide pressure and force—like engagement and disengagement—while in an automatic transmission, transmission fluid provides these same operational functions of force and pressure.

Benefits of Transmission Repair

A faulty transmission can negatively affect your vehicle’s performance. Symptoms of an impending transmission service include grinding gears, difficulty shifting, slipping out of gear, bucking, and hesitation. Even if your transmission is in neutral, excessive noise is a sign of transmission problems. In a manual transmission, a dragging clutch, or a clutch failing to disengage from the flywheel, is another sign of transmission issues. When this occurs, the clutch continues to spin with your vehicle’s engine, and a grinding noise will occur. A burning smell sifting through the air vents is a sign of burning transmission fluid and an overheating transmission. Things that can negatively impact the life of your transmission include extreme driving habits, and excessive loads or heavy towing habits. Because of the necessary pressure and force provided by transmission fluid in automatic transmissions, old, dirty, and unchanged transmission fluid can cause performance issues. Regular transmission maintenance as indicated by your vehicle’s manufacturer can help prevent transmission problems, but if you experience any of the above warning signs of transmission trouble, contact us today about transmission repair.

Automatic Transmission Repair services to Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, AR, Greenwood, AR, and surrounding areas

Approx. Time: 90 Minutes

The Basics Behind Automatic Transmission Repair Services at Jody's Auto Service Centers

A transmission is responsible for transferring power from the engine to the drive wheels and helping the engine accommodate a range of speeds. An automatic transmission routes power from the engine to the drive wheels while shifting between gears automatically so you can concentrate on regulating power and speed. Automatic transmissions contain the following major components: a planetary gear unit, a hydraulic pump, and a torque converter. The primary difference between an automatic transmission and a manual transmission is the torque converter, which operates similarly to the clutch. The torque converter automatically adjusts to engine speed and supplies power to the wheels of the vehicle. Torque converters rely on transmission fluid to help lubricate internal gears and components, though transmission fluid also helps with the force and pressure needed for switching gears. Throughout an automatic transmission’s life, various maintenance services can help prevent major repairs and unexpected breakdowns while extending the life of your transmission.

Why Should You Have Automatic Transmission Repair Services Performed at Jody's Auto Service Centers?

An automatic transmission service is designed to prevent unexpected failure and to keep your transmission functioning optimally. A few things that can lead to an automatic transmission service include towing heavy loads and insufficient levels of transmission fluid. Checking transmission fluid levels is important for keeping all internal gears and components clean and lubricated. Grinding noises and leaking will alert you to potential problems early. If you notice a burnt smell emanating from your vehicle’s transmission, there may be a problem with your transmission’s ability to retain fluid. A lack of routine maintenance can contribute to automatic transmission trouble. Replacing a transmission can be expensive, so staying on top of automatic transmission repairs and basic maintenance is important for maximizing the life of your transmission.

Clutch Adjustment and Inspection services to Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, AR, Greenwood, AR, and surrounding areas

Approx. Time: 60 Minutes

The Basics Behind Clutch Adjustment and Inspection Services at Jody's Auto Service Centers

In a manual transmission, the responsibility of the clutch is to engage and disengage the transmission from the engine. A clutch in a manual transmission allows the engine to continue turning even when the vehicle is stopped. In an automatic transmission, this process is regulated by the torque converter and transmission fluid. The clutch operates two shafts, one in the transmission and the other in the engine, and uses friction to keep the transmission connected to the engine. If the clutch is engaged, the pressure plate pushes against a flywheel and joins the transmission to the engine. If the clutch is disengaged, the pressure plate pulls away from the flywheel, separating the transmission from the engine. The clutch makes switching gears possible. Some transmissions use hydraulic clutches while others use cable clutches. In both cases, routine clutch maintenance is required to keep all moving components operating efficiently. If you are concerned about the functionality of your clutch, be sure to contact us about a service.

Why Should You Have Clutch Adjustment and Inspection Services Performed at Jody's Auto Service Centers?

A slipping or sticking clutch are both signs that you should have your clutch inspected. If your clutch slips, the friction material on the clutch disc may have worn away, which will loosen the contact between the disc and the flywheel. When a clutch sticks, the clutch fails to release all the way, and leaves the engine in limited contact with the transmission. This can create grinding noises and an inability to switch between gears. Too much free play and an overly stiff clutch are signs of an impending clutch inspection or adjustment. Most clutch adjustments concerning a hydraulic clutch involve examining, draining, and refilling the fluid reservoirs. In a clutch check and adjustment involving a cable driven clutch, our service staff will check the cable on the release arm, and make the necessary adjustments on the cables and hardware in your vehicle’s clutch mechanism. Neglecting a clutch adjustment or inspection when warning signs arise can cause serious damage to your engine and transmission.

Clutch Replacement services to Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, AR, Greenwood, AR, and surrounding areas

Approx. Time: 360 Minutes

Clutch Replacement services to Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, AR, Greenwood, AR, and surrounding areas

When a vehicle is running, the engine is always turning. The transmission connects to the engine and supplies power to the wheels, but this linkage cannot be constant, since a vehicle is not always moving. In a manual transmission, the clutch is used to engage and disengage the transmission and the engine. The clutch operates two shafts: one shaft connects to the transmission and the other connects to the engine. Clutches use friction to keep the transmission connected to the engine. When the clutch is disengaged, the pressure plate pulls away from the flywheel and separates the transmission from the engine. When the clutch is engaged, a pressure plate pushes against a flywheel and joins the transmission to the engine. In a manual transmission, a clutch allows your engine to continue spinning even when the vehicle is stopped. Switching between gears in a vehicle with a manual transmission is made possible by operating the clutch.

Why Should You Have Clutch Replacement Services Performed at Jody's Auto Service Centers?

Each time you press down on the clutch, the pressure plate pushes against a flywheel, joins the transmission to the engine, and enables gears to be changed. Over time, the friction accompanying this repetitive action will wear down the clutch, pressure plate, flywheel, and accompanying gears and bearings. Owners of vehicles with manual transmissions should always use their clutch with care and keep up with clutch maintenance. A clutch check can help extend the life of your clutch. If your vehicle’s clutch ever fails, the transmission will not be able to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. If you still experience grinding and rumbling noises after components have been replaced and a clutch adjustment has been made, a clutch replacement will be required to restore full operation to your transmission and your vehicle.

Manual Transmission Repair services to Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, AR, Greenwood, AR, and surrounding areas

Approx. Time: 60 Minutes

The Basics Behind Manual Transmission Repair Services at Jody's Auto Service Centers

Manual transmissions allow drivers to shift between gears manually while simultaneously regulating power and speed. Manual transmissions have a clutch, flywheel, gear selector fork, collars, gears, and shafts. A shaft supplies power from the engine to the transmission. The clutch is responsible for connecting and disconnecting the shaft from the transmission. The stick shift controls the gear selector fork by choosing gears. These gears and shafts are responsible for routing power from the engine to the transmission and to the drive wheels. Manual transmission fluid cleans the internal gears, shafts, bearings, and other components. Transmission fluid also helps to regulate the internal temperatures of the transmission. A manual transmission service will ensure that your transmission fluid is clean and the rest of the components are fit for operation.

Why Should You Have Manual Transmission Repair Services Performed at Jody's Auto Service Centers?

A manual transmission service is essential for keeping your manual transmission in optimal condition. Because the transmission fluid naturally degrades over time, replacing the fluid is important for keeping gears and shafts moving smoothly. Sometimes leaks occur in the transmission and a reseal may be required. Other times, the clutch will slip or refuse to engage or disengage. Noises are also a sign that something is not working correctly in your vehicle’s transmission. All manual transmission components require maintenance from time to time. At some point in the life of your transmission, a fluid change will be necessary to keep your manual transmission operating efficiently. Consulting your owner’s manual for service intervals will help in planning for a specific manual transmission service before a breakdown or malfunction occurs. Manual transmission repairs will help extend the life of the transmission and optimize the performance of your vehicle.

Transmission Replacement services to Fort Smith, AR, Van Buren, AR, Greenwood, AR, and surrounding areas

Approx. Time: Call for estimate

The Basics Behind Transmission Replacement Services at Jody's Auto Service Centers

Whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual transmission, the responsibility of the transmission remains the same: route power from the engine to the drive wheels. Essentially, the transmission converts the RPMs of the engine into torque, which is transferred to the drive wheels of the vehicle. The transmission switches between a range of speeds by shifting gears as a vehicle speeds up and slows down. Transmission fluid acts as a cooling agent. This fluid lubricates the internal gears and prevents corrosion and rust while the transmission filter helps to remove contaminants from the fluid. The components inside manual and automatic transmissions may differ, but routine maintenance is all about keeping internal components moving and operating as they should. When the life of your transmission comes to an end, our service staff will replace your manual or automatic transmission with a quality aftermarket transmission that matches or exceeds the performance standards of the originally equipped transmission.

Why Should You Have Transmission Replacement Services Performed at Jody's Auto Service Centers?

Transmission trouble is a serious concern in overall car maintenance. Taking action after hearing irregular sounds from your transmission can help prevent major transmission repairs, although there are occasions when a transmission replacement is the only option. Grinding and crunching sounds will alert you to issues with internal gears. Even if your transmission is in neutral, abnormal noise is a sign that you should replace internal transmission components like bearings, gears, shafts, and dirty or stale transmission fluid. Regardless of whether your vehicle has an automatic or manual transmission, slipping out of gear is another sign of transmission trouble. The smell of burning fluid coming from your air vents will alert you to an overheating transmission. If a breakdown occurs, be sure to contact us by phone for a transmission replacement.