Signs You Need A Classic Car Transmission Rebuild

All types of machinery experience wear and the transmissions in our classic cars are not impervious to this. When they get older, used a lot, or abused they will need to be rebuilt or replaced. Knowing the signs you might need a classic car transmission rebuild helps you keep your pride and joy going strong. Catching problems early also can mean the difference between driving in for a repair, and getting towed in.

Troubled Transmission Signs

Whether you are the original owner or have just bought your classic from a dealer or private owners your car might be telling you a story. Knowing what to listen for and keep track of helps you stop problems when they are smaller and less expensive to repair. Keep an eye out for the following signs that something is amiss with your transmission.

Burning Smells – Unless you are drag racing or have slide to a stop under heavy braking you should not smell any burning rubber smells. The smell of burning rubber can be a clear indication that something is wrong with your transmission. The smell can mean that your transmission fluid is breaking down or worse is allowing damage to your vehicle. The fluids job is to keep the transmission lubricated and cool. It cannot do its job if it has broken down. The smell is a clear sign that something is wrong and it very likely could be the transmission.

Slipping Gears – If you are cruising down the road and your vehicle suddenly pops out of gear, your transmission is having problems. This can be a very dangerous situation when you need to be able to rely on your vehicle for sudden surges of power to avoid collisions. The problem can be as simple as the link that keeps your vehicle in gear. They get worn and could need a replacement. Don’t ignore this issue as it can lead to life threatening situations. You need a transmission you can count on that is as sure as the ground under your feet.

Noisy Neutral Gear – If when you are in neutral and you hear a bump, you might be in luck. This is a sign that you might just need to add some transmission fluid. If that doesn’t fix the problem you can try changing your transmission fluid. This can solve a lot of the issues people have with their transmissions. If you still notice a bump in neutral a part in your transmission is failing and should be looked at by a professional.

Sluggish Shifting – Vehicles shouldn’t need to be convinced to go into gear. Sluggish shifting is a sign that something is wrong with your transmission. When you pull the vehicle from park into drive it should be smooth transition. You might be able to work with your transmission and force the vehicle to go into gear, but this can be a very serious problem.