Semi trucks are big and heavy, which means that it takes a lot of energy to get them moving. Hauling heavy loads for thousands upon thousands of miles means that transmission repair is an inevitability for most truckers. In this article, weâll walk through some common signs that your semi truck transmission needs attention, explain why itâs important to get repairs done by professionals, and give you an overview of how the process works so you know what to expect when you bring your semi truck in for repairs.
Why Do Semi Truck Transmissions Fail?
Transmissions often break because they experience more wear and tear than any other part of a semi truck. This includes the gears that allow the wheels to move while going up hills, down hills, and turning. The life span of a transmission can vary based on how well it is maintained and how often it is used. It’s common for transmissions to break when they are used in heavy construction equipment as well, given their demanding working environment. Additionally, leaking fluids and clogs can results in reduced performance and failure.
Transmission Fluid Leak
A fluid leak is typically caused by one of three components that are part of the transmission system. The most common cause for a fluid leak is worn seals. As the name suggests, these seals keep fluids from leaking out into other areas. Other causes for a fluid leak can include worn or burnt-out gaskets and a broken valve body which prevents proper transfer of fluids throughout the truck’s transmission system. These leaks will often result in foamy oil around your engine. They also create excessive noise due to the unbalanced sound coming from mixed viscosity transmissions.
Worn Down Transmission Gears
When it comes to semi truck transmissions, the gears get worn down by the constant strain of movement. This is due to their engagement with each other, which gradually wears away at the transmission’s gears until they are no longer sharp enough for effective operation. The condition of the transmission will also depend on how much wear and tear it has endured since its initial installation. There will be varying degrees of wear on all parts, and these need special attention in order for your vehicle not only moves forward but continues moving without grinding or shaking when in gear.
Transmission Is Clogged
A semi truck transmission can become clogged for a variety of reasons, but one common one is the rubber gaskets inside the engine cooling system. When these gaskets deteriorate and break apart, they can get sucked into the radiator and reduce its cooling efficiency. Clogged radiators will result in decreased air flow through the radiator fins, thereby heating up engine components including the transmission fluid. This could lead to clogging or a reduction in efficiency of your transmission. A good way to prevent these clogs is by making sure your engine cooling system’s gaskets are always in good condition or replaced every so often with new ones as needed.
Worn Out Clutch
If you drive with a heavy foot on the pedal, the clutch plate is experiencing friction when it engages and it will wear out faster than if you drove gently on the pedal. In order for your transmission to shift gears, it needs to be able to slip as well as grab smoothly. Driving with heavy pressure can make it difficult for the engine and transmission parts inside your truck’s power train system to synchronize and change gears.
What Happens If My Transmission Fails?
The cost of this repair ranges from $5,000 to $15,000 for semi truck transmissions, so it’s not something you want to take a chance on. If you’re out driving and your transmission fails without warning, it’s best not to keep driving or try going down the road at slower speeds as this could cause more damage and costly repairs. Instead, pull over as soon as possible and contact your nearest qualified truck transmission repair center or tow service for immediate help. The goal is to get the vehicle out of traffic ASAP. It may also be prudent to warn other drivers of the danger in the vicinity by putting on hazard lights and positioning safety cones nearby.
Preventative Maintenance For Semi Truck Transmissions
A lot of semi truck transmission problems can be avoided by doing some simple preventative maintenance. For instance, it is recommended that trucks check their fluid levels regularly and make sure there are no leaks. Another important thing for semi trucks owners to do is have their oil changed every 3000 miles. The air filter should also be checked on a monthly basis and changed when necessary. It’s important for people who drive a lot of miles, like long haul drivers, get the oil changed in their truck every 3-5000 miles instead of 3000 miles. All these routine checks can help with avoiding expensive repairs and replacements on the truck or different parts of the vehicle.
What Are the Signs That I Need to Get My Transmissions Repaired?
Worn transmission components can cause problems like the inability to shift gears, excessive engine rpm, and an increased braking effort. There are a number of signs that may indicate your semi truck’s transmission needs repair or replacement. The most common symptom is failure to shift gears properly. If you notice your clutch shuddering as you change gears, that could be an indication that the clutch is about worn out and needs replacement. Other symptoms include hard shifting, no power when accelerating from a stop, or a high engine speed when idling at a stop sign. These could all be signs of trouble with the semi truck’s transmission and should be repaired as soon as possible before more damage occurs!
Need Semi Truck Transmission Repair? Call (443) 790-8887 Today!
If youâre in need of semi truck transmission repair or roadside assistance, look no further than A1 Emergency Roadside Service. We can come to your location and perform repairs quickly and efficiently. Our fleet is ready for service 24 hours a day and we offer a wide range of repairs from bodywork to exhaust systems. Contact us today for more information.
