Grinding Gears? Here’s What the Problem Could Be

Hearing grinding sounds when you shift gears? That’s not something to ignore. At Escalon Transmission, we often see vehicles come in with this issue—and while the sound may seem minor at first, it usually points to a developing problem that can quickly get worse (and more expensive).

Common Transmission Issues

Here are a few common causes of grinding gears:

Low or Dirty Transmission Fluid: Your transmission fluid lubricates the internal components and allows smooth gear engagement. If it’s dirty or low, you might hear grinding, especially when the transmission is under load.

Worn Clutch (Manual Transmissions): In manual vehicles, a worn-out clutch can fail to fully disengage, making the gears grind when shifting.

Bad Synchronizers (Manual Transmissions): These help match gear speeds. If they’re damaged or worn, shifting becomes rough and noisy.

Worn or Damaged Gears: Over time, high mileage or hard driving can cause actual wear to gear teeth, resulting in metal-on-metal contact.

Torque Converter Problems (Automatics): In automatic transmissions, issues with the torque converter can lead to poor shifting performance and grinding under acceleration.
Whether you’re hearing grinding while accelerating, shifting, or decelerating, it’s a sign your transmission needs professional attention. Continuing to drive with this issue can lead to complete transmission failure.

Determining the Source of the Problem

At Escalon Transmission, we offer free diagnostics and road tests to pinpoint the cause of the problem. Our experienced technicians will inspect your fluid, components and system behavior to provide an honest assessment and reliable repair options.

Don’t let grinding gears grind your day to a halt. Visit Escalon Transmission today, and we’ll help get your vehicle back to smooth operation. Give us a call at (209) 838-0113 or request an appointment online.