How to change the gearbox of your car
HAS gearbox It is a mechanical way of transferring power from one device to another. It is an essential ingredient of the car. It has a system of metal gears that mesh with each other and directly increase torque and reduce or increase speed in a car. These usually run with a special gear oil, which reduces friction between metal gears for longer life. Modern boxes last many years, but depending on the type of driving they can last longer or wear out. They all have a clutch which is a plate that is synchronized with the gears to make changing gears easier.
This plate or clutch can be operated manually or automatically. In automatic cars, gear changes are synchronized with the speed of the car and change automatically. But a special slot is a requirement for a reverse or uphill climb.
When to change a gearbox
Gearboxes last a lifetime, but depending on the type of drive, they may require repairs. In the event that one wears out or the gears break, the only option is to exchange the item or repair it. Changing a box is an expensive proposition; as such, it is always better to repair it. In both cases, the box must be removed first. It can be put back after repairing it. Gearboxes are mostly located at the bottom of the car where they are located. They will mostly be at the rear of the engine. Removing one is not easy and one will have to duck under the car to remove a gearbox.
Tools needed to change a gearbox
Before starting to disassemble a gearbox, it is imperative to have the right set of tools. These tools should be positioned so that the person removing the gearbox has easy access to them. It is preferable to keep them in an oilcloth near the car within easy reach. The following tools will be required; a hammer, Torx set, sets of wrenches, socket set, chisel to loosen the hub nut, pliers and a friend to serve you tea.
Steps to change a gearbox
The first step is to drain the oil. This can be done by getting under the car and loosening the gearbox drain plug. This is at the bottom of the car. A metal channel should be placed under the drain plug to collect gear oil; otherwise all the oil will spill out and mar the floor.
The next step is to remove the front wheels. This is essential so that the mechanic can have free and unrestricted access to the box.
The third step is to try to lower the gearbox. This is done by loosening the driveshaft hub nuts. These will require some effort and it is important that the correct size wrench is used. Continue by removing the fork pinch bolt. With the use of a hammer, the fork next to the ball joints is removed.
The gearbox is normally kept in sync with the engine with a set of bolts in a housing. These stains will now need to be loosened and removed. Once the driveshaft is disconnected, the mechanic would have finished almost 60% of the job. Make sure you have an engine jack; otherwise, it may fall to the ground.
Proceed by removing all the links and remove the motor case. The task is now complete and the box can be sent for repair, which is a specialized task.
fixing the back
Fixing the box is a bigger pain than removing it. It will have to be held firmly, to position it in the casing and immediately tighten the screws. Once it is in position, the other links can be reconnected.
Last word
Removing a gearbox from a small car usually takes about an hour of work. But removing it from larger cars is best left to a professional.