Frequently Asked Questions
Mountain Transmission welcomes you to our online collection of frequently asked questions and answers for a variety of transmission repair-related topics. As a leading automotive repair shop proudly serving the Western Colorado area, we are happy to share our knowledge about various auto repair topics, in the effort to help our customers better understand how a car works, how to identify problems with their car or truck, and other useful information about the automotive repair services Mountain Transmission provides our customers.
May I Drive With A Transmission Leaking?
Mountain Transmission tells all of our customers that it is best to not drive with a transmission leak. The transmission in a car or truck is a sealed hydraulic component and any loss of transmission fluid due to a leak will affect the performance of the vehicle. We encourage any of our customers to schedule a FREE road test and multi-check with Mountain Transmission.
What Does A Transmission Slipping Problem Indicate?
The transmission specialists at Mountain Transmission are often asked this question. Put simply, a slipping transmission means that when a vehicle attempts to move from a stop, the engine revs and the vehicle can barely move or does not move at all.
What Does A Transmission Cooler Do?
A transmission cooler maintains a good operating temperature for the transmission, usually installed inside the radiator, the cooler also helps the transmission get up to operating temperature during cold weather. It accomplishes this because of the placement of the cooler, being submerged in the engine coolant with bring the temperature up because the engine heats up faster than the transmission.
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Should I Repair Or Replace My Transmission?
A problem with your vehicle's transmission does not necessarily mean a lot of money needs to be spent to repair it. In fact there are several transmission problems that can be solved without having to remove the transmission from a vehicle. That is why it is so important the customers take advantage of our FREE estimates, diagnosis, and towing.
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What Is A Clutch?
The clutch plays an important role in the operation of a vehicle, in that it serves to connect the engine (flywheel) to the transmission input shaft. The clutch pedal is used to activate the clutch.
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How Do Clutches Work?
When the clutch pedal is depressed, a bearing is pushed onto the teeth of the pressure plate. When that happens, it relieves the pressure holding the clutch disc to the flywheel to temporarily disconnect the engine from the transmission. That enables shifting, and once a shift is completed and the pedal is released, the clutch disc is re-engaged.
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How Long Does A Clutch Last?
Clutches are no different than most other parts in your vehicle in that they wear out. Quite often, it is not unusual for Mountain Transmission to have to replace a clutch prior to the end of its lifespan. This is simply because clutches encounter a certain amount of wear and tear during normal driving circumstances. It is important to understand that determining how long a clutch will last is similar to solving a complicated equation with numerous variables. Some clutches can last well beyond 100,000 miles, while other clutches will wear out in under 30,000 miles. The longevity of a clutch can be dependent on how carefully the clutch is used during driving. Other factors affecting how long a clutch will last can include how hot of a climate the car is driven in as well as the type of vehicle the clutch is in. In hot climates the transmission fluid will typically run hotter and as a result can burn out parts more quickly. To get the most life out of your clutch and avoid a clutch replacement, Mountain Transmission suggests not using the clutch when not needed. When stopped at a traffic light, for example, it is best not to use the clutch to make the vehicle stand still. Rather, take the car out of gear and use the brake pedal to let the transmission rest in neutral. This provides the clutch with the chance to rest instead of keeping pressure on it. Even more important than the previous suggestion, Mountain Transmission suggests not using the clutch pedal as a means to control the vehicle's speed.
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How Do I Know I Need A Clutch?
Determining when a clutch replacement is necessary is not always easy. Mountain Transmission suggests watching out for certain signs your clutch may be wearing out and may need to be replaced. If you experience the revs in your vehicle to be increasing with little to no increase in speed your vehicle may need a new clutch installation. If a loss of acceleration is experienced when the clutch slips or there is a complete loss of drive, a clutch replacement is usually necessary. A difficulty of changing gears can be another sign of needing a new clutch. If when changing gears a grinding or rattling is heard, or felt, a clutch repair is likely necessary. Finally, if the vehicle's engine revs on its own accord, the vehicle mostly likely will need a clutch replacement.
The differential in a vehicle is no different than any other component in that it is subject to wear. Some vehicle's differentials fail before others. The leading cause of a differential failing is due to using the wrong lubricant type and specialty lubricants. Water can also be a culprit to a differential failing as it can enter through the vent or seals. This often happens when driving in high water. When water enters it will emulsify the differential lubricants and result in rusting on gear and bearing surfaces. Seized U-joints that result in vibration can cause differential failure as well.
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Can You Tell Me What A Limited Slip Differential Is?
Occasionally, one of our customers will ask a technician at Mountain Transmission what a limited slip differential is. We tell them that when their vehicle is turning around a curve, the outside wheel turns a larger radius than that of the wheel inside. This results in the outside wheel turning faster which is allowed by the differential. In a limited slip differential system, clutches or a locking mechanism is used to facilitate power and drive both wheels. This system was designed to enable both wheels to turn at varying speeds in turns, but have them both pulling when driving straight. The advantage of this is that both wheels are pulling even when one wheel may lose traction.
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Will A Driveshaft Vibrate My Vehicle?
The driveshaft on front-wheel vehicles rotates at the speed of the wheels. A bent or damaged driveshaft can result in vehicle vibration. Driveshaft’s on rear-wheel vehicles the driveshaft will rotate two and a half to four times the speed of the wheels. Due to the relatively large size of the rear-wheel drive shafts and high speed, vibration is significantly increased. Mountain Transmission tells our customers that other considerations that may result in vibration can include tiny dents, worn universal-joints, and missing balance weights. When a technician at mountain Transmission has a customer indicate that vibration is experienced when accelerating or decelerating, the driveshaft is inspected as the most probable cause.
Equipped with the latest and greatest technology available in the industry, you can be rest assured Mountain transmission is the best place to bring your vehicle for transmission repairs. Please read on to learn more about us and learn the answers to our frequently asked questions. You can also see the reviews past clients have written for Mountain Transmission.
Contact us to schedule service, or with any questions or comments you might have. Thank you for visiting Mountain Transmission. We look forward to serving you soon.