Common Problems & Cures

Common Transmission Problems

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Types of Issues

At Tamworth Manual Transmission Factory, we've compiled a list of common transmission problems and their cures. See below:


Diff shuddering while turning corners?

  • Old oil: Change it and fill it to the correct level.
  • Broken, worn or seized limited slip diff: Strip and replace worn parts.
  • Incorrect oil: Drain oil and fill to the correct level.
  • No LSD additive: Use the correct additive.


Having trouble shifting?

  • Oil too thick: You’ll notice this especially during cold weather and in the first few kms of driving. Use thinner oil to correct this.
  • Clutch not disengaging: Check clutch operation and adjust or replace as needed.
  • Syncros or sleeves worn out: Strip gearbox and replace parts as needed.
  • Bent or seized selector rods (Holden 4-speed typical): Replace broken/worn parts.


Loose gearshift?

  • Bolts holding shifter have come loose.
  • Shifter bush worn, broken or missing.
  • Pins in shifter housing worn or missing.
  • Thread on shifter nut or housing worn out.


Noisy gears?

  • Diff bearings or gears need stripping and replacement.
  • Diff or transfer case low on oil. Refill to the correct level.
  • Transfer case needs stripping and replacement. - 4WD transfer case chain slipping. Replace transfer chain.
  • Front-wheel drive transaxle bearings or gears worn out. Strip and replace worn parts.


Contact us to enquire or book a service.

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Types of Issues Continued

All gears but the fourth are noisy (rear-wheel drive)?

  • Gearbox bearings or gears worn out. Strip and replace worn parts.
  • Gearbox oil low. Fill with correct oil to level.
  • Mainshift tip or tip bearing worn. Strip and replace worn parts.
  • Constant mesh gears worn out or broken.


No drive when gears are selected?

  • Clutch slipping or centre stripped out. Replace clutch and machine flywheel.
  • Mainshaft or output drive spline worn out or stripped.
  • Broken axle.
  • Worn diff splines.
  • Woodruff keys in countershaft stripped (will drive in 4th only).
  • Input gears stripped. Replace broken gears.
  • Drive flange spline stripped. Replace spline pieces.


Clutch pedal sticking to the floor?

  • Clutch master cylinder faulty. Check fluid level is correct.
  • Clutch slave cylinder faulty. Check fluid level is correct.
  • Gearbox nose cone broken off. Replace broken part/s.
  • Clutch cable seized or broken. Replace parts as needed.
  • Clutch fork or pivot ball broken. Replace parts as needed.


Can’t select first gear?

  • Clutch not disengaging. Check cylinders, cable and clutch itself. Replace as needed.
  • Syncro or sleeve worn out. Strip gearbox and fit parts as needed.
  • Shifter or shifter bush worn out. Replace parts as needed.
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