⚙️ Grinding Gears? Here’s What It Could Mean
⚙️ Grinding Gears? Here’s What It Could Mean
By Andrews Car Centre – Gearbox Repair Specialists in Lincoln
If your car makes a grinding noise when you change gears, it’s a sign that something’s not right — and it’s not something you should ignore.
If it's a manual gearbox, that grinding sound could mean wear, damage, or low fluid levels. At Andrews Car Centre in Lincoln, we help local drivers diagnose gearbox problems quickly — and repair them before they get worse (and more expensive).
Here’s what that grinding noise could mean, and what to do next.
🔧 1. Clutch Issues (Manual Gearbox)
In manual cars, grinding gears are often caused by a worn clutch or poor clutch adjustment. This prevents the clutch from fully disengaging, so the gears grind against each other as you shift.
Common signs:
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Grinding when going into first or reverse
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A clutch pedal that feels soft, stiff, or sits too high
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Difficulty selecting gears smoothly
👉 A clutch check can reveal if it’s worn, slipping, or misaligned.
🛢️ 2. Low or Old Gearbox Oil
Gearbox oil (or transmission fluid) keeps the internal gears lubricated. If the oil is low, dirty, or burnt, it can cause:
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Increased friction and heat
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Hard or grinding shifts
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Premature wear inside the gearbox
Many gearboxes don’t have a dashboard warning for low fluid — so you won’t know until you hear or feel something wrong.
We check and top up or replace gearbox oil as part of a service or repair.
⚙️ 3. Worn Synchros (Manual)
The synchro rings in manual gearboxes help match gear speeds for smooth shifting. When they wear out, gears grind or crunch — especially when shifting into 2nd or 3rd.
This usually means:
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The gearbox is starting to wear internally
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You may need a rebuild or reconditioned gearbox
⚠️ 4. Damaged Gear Teeth or Bearings
Severe grinding — especially under load or in specific gears — could mean:
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Chipped or worn gear teeth
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Failing bearings
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Internal gearbox damage
If left alone, these problems will get worse and may lead to total gearbox failure.
🛠️ How Andrews Car Centre Can Help
At our Lincoln garage, we offer:
✅ Manual gearbox repairs
✅ Clutch inspections and replacements
✅ Gearbox oil changes and diagnostics
✅ Honest, clear advice (no pressure)
Whether it’s a small fix or a full gearbox rebuild, we’ll let you know your options up front.
📍 Book Your Gearbox Check in Lincoln Today
If your gears are grinding, don’t wait for it to get worse. The sooner you get it checked, the more likely it is to be a quick and affordable fix.
👉 Call now, book online, or visit Andrews Car Centre on Dixon Street in Lincoln for fast gearbox diagnostics and repair.
🔍 Related Searches We Help With:
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Car won’t go into gear smoothly