How do you know if your transmission is failing?

The transmission of a vehicle is one of the most critical systems for it to work. Between the gearbox and the wheels are essential components such as the driveshaft (palier), the cardan shaft (cardán) and the differential, whose job is to transmit the engine's movement while adapting it to driving conditions. In this article we explain how they work, what the failure symptoms are and how you can do a basic diagnosis.

Failed driveshaft (palier): warning signs you should not ignore

The driveshaft (palier) transfers rotation from the gearbox to the driven wheels. It includes constant-velocity (CV) joints that allow torque to be transmitted even when the wheels are moving vertically or turning.

Common driveshaft failure symptoms

• Clicking when turning the steering.
• Vibrations when accelerating.
• Excessive play in the CV joints.

Cardan shaft faults, how to identify them

The cardan shaft (or propeller shaft) is used on vehicles with rear-wheel or all-wheel drive. Its job is to transmit torque between elements that are not aligned and so that the rear wheels move together with the rear axle assembly.

Indicators of a cardan shaft failure

• Dry knocks when pulling away or changing gear.
• Constant metallic noises.
• Noticeable play in the transmission.

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Differential failure symptoms, stability at risk

The differential lets the wheels on the same axle rotate at different speeds, which is crucial when taking corners.

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Symptoms of a failed differential

• High-pitched hum when accelerating, constant in all gears.
• A locking feeling when turning: one wheel seems to “jump”.
• Erratic behavior or loss of traction in corners.

Basic diagnosis: how do you know if there is a transmission fault?

You can carry out some initial checks:

• Listen to the noises when turning or accelerating.
• Watch for unusual vibrations.
• Visually check whether grease is leaking from the joints (a sign of deterioration).
• Note whether there are jerks or locking when taking corners.

If you identify any of these symptoms, it is advisable to go to a specialist workshop to avoid greater damage to the transmission system.

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