Beyond Fluid Problems: Mechanical Causes of Transmission Slipping

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If your transmission is slipping, then your first suspect is likely to be the automatic transmission fluid (ATF), and with good reason. Common causes of slipping transmissions include low fluid levels, and burnt or contaminated fluids. However, there are also cases of slipping that can be attributed to mechanical issues.

Damaged Transmission Bands

Transmission bands are steel straps with friction materials on their interior surfaces. They wrap around sections of the gear train and connect to the gear housing. Hydraulic oil is used to tighten the band and keep the drum from moving. If the bands are broken or worn out, they won't tighten when needed, and the gear will slip. A broken band must be replaced, but a loose one can be tightened, and a worn out one may be renewed.

Gear Issues

Even worn out gears can cause transmission slipping if they can no longer engage as usual. Gears wear due to normal usage or when a malfunction occurs and damages them. Depending on the extent of the damage, you can get away with the readjustment of the shift gear, or you may have to replace it. You need to move fast because delay can cause further (and more expensive) problems.

Damaged Clutch

Another possible cause of transmission slipping is damaged clutch. The damage can come in the form of a worn-out caused by normal wear and tear. Alternatively, the damage can also be caused by burning, which happens if the transmission fluid is too low and the clutch experiences overwhelming friction.

Apart from replacing your damaged clutch, you also need to diagnose the cause of the damage and fix it. For example, if it was caused by low fluid, then you need to plug the leak and replace the fluid; otherwise, the new clutch will just go the same way.

Torque Converter Damage

Lastly, you should even suspect the torque converter if your diagnosis has ruled out fluid-related issues as the cause of the slipping. A torque converter carries transmission fluid, and it converts or multiplies the engine's power to the required part of the transmission. If it gets damaged, then it won't transmit the power as well as it should, and your transmission will slip.

As you can see, you shouldn't just focus on the transmission fluid if you transmission is slipping. Although it is the first thing to check, you should take your car to a transmission mechanic like Integrity Transmission & Auto Service Center for further diagnosis after ruling out fluid issues. Moreover, these mechanical damages need prompt attention to prevent more expensive issues.


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