Understanding The Causes Of Your Auto's Transmission Problems

By Eric Bradshawson

Failing auto parts can be separated into two categories: those that are expensive to repair or replace and everything else. Your vehicle's transmission falls into the first group. It can perform flawlessly for years, but when it begins have problems, you can expect a hefty repair bill.

Though most drivers don't realize it, their car's transmission is a particularly sophisticated piece of equipment. Its design borders on elegant; the gears intertwine perfectly and fluidly transfer power from the engine to the wheels. Unfortunately, like everything else, transmissions fail after enduring years of wear and tear.

Below, I'll briefly describe the components that contribute to the assembly's operation. I'll also make a few suggestions regarding what might be causing problems. What follows will not prepare you to perform major repairs. However, it should provide help for identifying and resolving simple issues.

The Parts Inside The Box

The main parts inside your car's transmission are the planetary, sun, and ring gears, housing, filter, and fluid. The gears are difficult to describe, but imagine the gearset inside a Swiss watch. The gears' teeth are perfectly designed to mesh with each other. Each gear is dependent upon the smooth operation of the other gears. The gearset within your transmission works in a similar manner.

The housing encases the various gears and components. The transmission fluid functions as a lubricant for the metal parts (similar to how motor oil lubricates your car's engine). The filter catches the debris in the fluid ensuring that your transmission avoids damage.

Easiest Things To Check

The first item to check is your fluid level. If the level is low, it can cause poor shifting within the gears. Given enough time, the lack of lubrication can cause friction, which leads to expensive damage.

If you notice the fluid is low, check for leaks. The fluid tends to have a reddish hue, so it's easy to identify. You might see residue on the selector shaft, near the speed sensor, or around the draining hole located (usually) on the underside.

The last item to check is the filter. Too often, drivers neglect to change it. But, just like your air filter, it does its job by accumulating debris. The problem is, after awhile, the debris can clog the filter and thereby, prevent the fluid from accessing the transmission. That leads to lack of lubrication and potential damage.

When Your Transmission Is Beyond Fixing

If there is a persistent problem that cannot be resolved by adding fluid or replacing the filter, you'll probably need a mechanic's expertise. Keep in mind that your transmission is a complex piece of machinery; taking it apart is time-consuming, difficult, and requires special tools and equipment.

Describe to your mechanic what you're experiencing while driving. Also, let him know if you've discovered fluid leaks. If your transmission is beyond the point of repair, your mechanic will suggest a rebuild. Prepare yourself; the work is expensive. The good news is that it will help your car run smoothly for years to come. - 21393

About the Author:

Find out more about Ford Escort Engines or Used Ford Escort Engines,Find out more about Ford Escort Transmissions or Used Ford Escort Transmissions

The Basics Of A Manual Transmission

By Bj Jamison

Most of us drive vehicles with automatic transmissions. They're more convenient for daily commuting and they're more prevalent; automakers equip the majority of their fleets with them. Having said that, cars with manual transmissions are generally more fun to drive, especially on highways and roads uncongested with traffic. The magic is in the control given to the driver. In effect, the motorist chooses which gears to hit and when to hit them, allowing him or her to maximize engine performance.

Even though manual trannies are becoming rarer each year, they continue to be the main ingredient in performance vehicles. In this article, we'll take a quick tour through manual transmissions. I'll describe the basics regarding how they work, including how moving the shift knob through the gears translates into drive power to the wheels.

Keeping Below The Redline

Your vehicle's engine has limits; it's generally referred to as the "redline." When you put pressure on the gas pedal, you'll hear the engine grow louder as the RPMs climb. The redline is the point past which your engine becomes in danger of failing - or blowing apart under the stress.

Most engines enjoy their peak performance at approximately 5,500 RPMs. The trick is to come as close as possible to that level without crossing it. That's what a manual transmission does. It lets the driver set the gear ratios that allow the engine to operate within its optimal RPM range without exceeding the redline.

Clutch And Gears

In a manual 5-speed or 6-speed, the driver controls the gear ratios through the clutch, a component that connects the engine with the transmission. When the clutch pedal is pushed down, the connection is severed. When the clutch pedal is released, the connection is reestablished. When connected, engine powers the revolutions of the output shaft which in turn powers the layshaft. The teeth of the gears interlock so that the spinning of the gears coincide with the spinning of the engine.

How The Shift Knob Contributes To Gear Selection

From a top-down perspective, the positions of the shift knob look similar to an "H" formation. When you move the knob into a particular position, it powers a gear selector fork. That fork powers a collar within the tranny. The collar is outfitted with dog teeth that fit into the grooves of the 1st through 5th (or 6th) gears. Depending upon the position into which you move the shift knob, the corresponding gear will be engaged.

A car's manual transmission follows a beautifully graceful design. That is not to suggest its design is simplistic. On the contrary, like a Swiss watch, the gears, dog teeth, and other components adhere to a well-honed precision. For car aficionados, that level of precision translates into irreplaceable engine performance. - 21393

About the Author:

For all your used Ford Truck parts and used Ford Parts needs consider the leader in parts, www.everdrive.com

American Racing Wolverine Rims - The Original Image You Must Have For Your Truck

By Ben Pate

American Racing Wolverine Wheels and Rims are the fulcrum for upgrading your automobile and giving yourself a one-up in the world of urban style and degree. Becoming an image of definitive authority and refined style is never simple, but adding rims to your automobile can go a long way in drawing praise to your automobile and you.

Expressed as not only intimidating and showy, but to be a lasting symbol of sophistication and quality, Custom Wheels symbolize their owner. The smooth, exquisite sophistication and prominent confident look of quality Custom Wheels characterizes a promised level of both sophistication and power among drivers.

When it comes to initial impressions and making an immortal mark, adding Custom Rims to your car lets the world know that you're not joking about estate and status. Adding an immediate sense of urbanity and status to your car shows that you care about describing yourself and put pride and care in the status and tact of your car. Custom Rims are an assured way to score some fast social and street rep.

Designed from the ground up to offer a ferocious plateau of potency and capability, these wheels are built to drive. Understanding that while nothing is quite as awesome as a freshly polished set of slick looking rims on a car, performance is the goal of many drivers. American Racing Wolverine custom wheels engineered their wheels to meet every expectation and surpass the competition.

Not only do these rims outperform the posers, they also drive longer. Investing in a set of high quality rims is a long-term decision that surely won't let you down. The rims are engineered from the ground up to last mile for mile in the harshest conditions and to be pushed to their peak each and every day without fail. The incomprehensible stamina of these rims is famous to drivers and enthusiasts alike.

Offering an abundance of compatible Rims and models to meet the needs and requirements of any vehicle model is just one of the multiple unique abilities that Rims can offer a prospective buyer. With a unique and classy design that blends easily into any vehicle model or brand these American American Racing Wolverine wheels and rims are the perfect addition for any sharp car.

Putting your vehicle above the rest of your friends is what being an icon is all about. Nothing helps you achieve that plateau like a set of Custom Wheels and Rims that show your unique tastes and aesthetics. By fixing your Custom Wheels and Rims and utilizing the many variations and choices that they are equipped with you can get a customized appearance to suit your vehicle and personality. - 21393

About the Author:

American Racing Wolverine wheels and rims have set the standard within the industry of wheels and on the roads. These American Racing Wheels And Rims Custom Wheels Rims are raising the bar to a much higher level of luxury and accomplishment.

American Racing Aero Rims - Add Personality To Your Ride

By Ben Pate

American Racing Aero Custom Wheels are the keystone of stylizing your truck and giving yourself a one-up in the world of urban trends and tact. Making yourself an figure of incredible trendsetting and uncontested style is difficult but adding American Racing Aero Wheels to your truck can go a long way in gaining the praise to your truck and you.

Any car lover understands that incomparable power and personalized appeal of a top-quality set of Wheels and Rims sparkling proudly on a high end truck. Channeling an essence of both effortless grace and intimidating strength, equipping your car with Wheels and Rims shows that You care about both the quality of your truck and the appearance it has.

Writing an urban legacy is never easy. Though if you're serious about making a mark then gearing up quality custom rims to your truck should be the first step. Displaying a distinct sense of style, tact and care when it comes to the appearance and performance of your ride, custom wheels are a brazen mark of luxury and class. Granting you some immediate credibility and setting you apart from the crowd is just the beginning of the many benefits of custom wheels.

Designed from the ground up to offer a fierce level of performance and capability, these custom wheels are built to ride. Comprehending that while nothing is quite as incredible as a freshly polished set of slick looking rims on a car, performance is the objective of many drivers, American Racing Aero Custom Wheels designed their custom wheels to meet every expectation and surpass the competition.

Constance is the name of the game when it comes to modified Custom Wheels. Promising that your Custom Wheels last for mile after mile and forever bring peak satisfaction is just one of the many reputations American Racing Aero Custom Wheels has won in the urban city streets and long highways alike. The Endlessness and stature of these Custom Wheels is undisputed and well known.

Offering an abundance of compatible Rims and models to suit the needs and specifications of any truck model is just one of the many unique abilities that Rims can offer a prospective owner. With a special and stylish design that blends easily into any truck model or make these Rims are the perfect accent for any stylish ride.

Proving your car above the rest of your friends is what being an icon is all about. Nothing helps you reach that status like a set of American Racing Aero Wheels that show your unique tastes and appeal. By changing your Wheels and Rims and utilizing the multiple variations and choices that they are equipped with you can get a special appearance to fit your ride and style. - 21393

About the Author:

American Racing has set the standard not only within the industry of Wheels but in the roads and current playgrounds in which they are decided. You'll love your American Racing Aero Wheels.

Breakdown Cover Is A Must For Motorcar Drivers And It's Easy To Choose.

By Zoe R Walters

Breakdown cover is an essential thing for any driver because should your car let you down you'll want a dedicated team to help you through it. There are several different types of breakdown cover but the most popular form is the simple roadside assistance that'll get your car going again - or at least to a garage.

Cutting down on costs by not buying breakdown cover is very dangerous - it isn't expensive and it can really save you money if something does go wrong. You shouldn't have a problem finding a breakdown cover supplier that'll keep you protected while you're on the road - breakdown cover is easy to find.

Most major banks offer breakdown cover as an additional feature of their bank accounts so you should look into whether your bank has something to offer. Breakdown cover is a very important thing to think about because it can be a real nightmare if you breakdown and don't have the appropriate protection.

You'll need to find breakdown cover that's right for your needs so make sure that you do some research because it comes in various shapes and sizes.You should be able to choose from a large range of breakdown cover options including Euro cover which covers you if you're away driving on holiday in Europe.

There are lots of companies who offer breakdown cover but you should always consider other people as well as the leaders such as AA, RAC and Greenflag because you could get a better deal. Make sure you find someone who has a policy that'll cover you for what you need. A lot of breakdown cover companies don't cover you for everything.

Breakdown cover isn't complicated and you should find it easy to get a deal which is right for your needs and the budget you have. The first thing you'll need to think about is what sort of protection and cover you need from your breakdown cover policy.

You should also think about a budget and make sure you can afford the policy you want. Breakdown cover isn't as expensive as you might think. Make sure you realise that basic cover usually costs around 35 GBP per year so you'll need to compensate for any extras that you want from your cover.

If you want a policy that'll have everything you could ever need then you'll probably be spending about 100 GBP per year on breakdown cover. You shouldn't have a problem finding a deal that's right for you and your needs because there are always a lot of breakdown cover deals available.

It can be very expensive to get your car fixed or towed away if you don't have breakdown cover so make sure that you realise how important it is. You should definitely consider roadside assistant with your breakdown cover because it can be really hard to get your car sorted if you do breakdown without cover.

You should have a problem finding and buying breakdown cover because most companies make it easy to understand and they are usually very helpful. The brilliant thing about breakdown cover is that you don't have to worry once you have bought it - they are usually annual policies.

You should always have breakdown cover because it's a case of being safe rather than sorry and you'll won't regret it if the worst should happen. You shouldn't have a problem getting the cover you need for your car and your family because breakdown cover is so simple to find and buy.

Overall, breakdown cover is a great way to ensure that even if you do breakdown it won't be the end of the world and you'll be able to get things sorted. Breakdown cover is widely available but make sure that you do a lot of research before you buy anything to ensure that you get yourself the best deals. - 21393

About the Author:

Author Zoe R Walters talks about opting for breakdown cover for your car. www.breakdowndirect.co.uk has high quailty information on breakdown cover, you'll easily be able to buy what you require.