Common Costs for Loud Noise When Shifting Gears
1. Transmission Mount Replacement
Labor: 1-2 hours ($125-250)
Parts: $50-150
Total Estimated Cost: $175-400
2. Low Transmission Fluid/Fluid Change
Labor: 1 hour ($125)
Parts/Fluid: $80-150
Total Estimated Cost: $205-275
3. Worn Clutch Replacement
Labor: 4-6 hours ($500-750)
Parts: $200-600
Total Estimated Cost: $700-1,350
4. Damaged Gear Synchronizer
Labor: 5-7 hours ($625-875)
Parts: $300-500
Total Estimated Cost: $925-1,375
5. Worn Output Shaft Bearing
Labor: 4-6 hours ($500-750)
Parts: $150-300
Total Estimated Cost: $650-1,050
6. Damaged CV Joint
Labor: 2-3 hours ($250-375)
Parts: $150-300
Total Estimated Cost: $400-675
Note: These are estimated costs and may vary based on vehicle make, model, and year. Additional parts or repairs may be needed after inspection. All labor calculated at $125/hour.
Common Repairs for Loud Noises When Shifting Gears
1. Transmission Mount Replacement
Symptoms:Clunking or banging noise when shifting, especially from Park to Drive or Reverse
Repair Steps:
- Raise and secure vehicle on lift
- Locate damaged transmission mount
- Support transmission with jack
- Remove old mount bolts and brackets
- Install new transmission mount
- Torque all bolts to manufacturer specifications
- Test drive to verify repair
Average repair time:1-2 hours
2. Low Transmission Fluid
Symptoms:Grinding noise when shifting, delayed engagement
Repair Steps:
- Check transmission fluid level with engine running
- Inspect for leaks in transmission system
- Add appropriate transmission fluid to correct level
- If leaks found, repair source (usually pan gasket or seals)
- Road test to confirm proper operation
Average repair time:30 minutes for fluid fill, 2-4 hours if leak repair needed
3. Worn Differential Gears
Symptoms:Howling or whining noise when in gear, especially while turning
Repair Steps:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove differential cover
- Inspect gear set and bearings
- Replace worn components
- Install new gasket and refill with proper fluid
- Adjust backlash and bearing preload
- Road test vehicle
Average repair time:4-6 hours
4. CV Joint Replacement
Symptoms:Clicking or popping noise when turning and in gear
Repair Steps:
- Raise and secure vehicle
- Remove wheel assembly
- Remove old CV axle
- Install new CV axle
- Torque all components to specification
- Test drive to verify repair
Average repair time:1-2 hours per side
5. Clutch Replacement
Symptoms:Grinding noise when shifting manual transmission, especially into first gear
Repair Steps:
- Remove transmission from vehicle
- Replace clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing
- Inspect and possibly resurface flywheel
- Reinstall transmission
- Bleed clutch hydraulic system if applicable
- Adjust clutch pedal free play
- Road test vehicle
Average repair time:4-8 hours
Note: Repair times and procedures may vary based on vehicle make, model, and year. Always consult your vehicle's service manual for specific instructions.
Understanding Loud Noises When Putting Your Car in Gear
When your car makes loud noises while shifting into gear, it's typically a warning sign that requires attention. Here are the common types of noises and their meanings:
Clunking Noise
What it is:A heavy, metallic sound when engaging the transmission
What it means:Often indicates worn transmission mounts, damaged CV joints, or problems with the differential. This issue can worsen over time and potentially lead to transmission failure.
Grinding Noise
What it is:A harsh, grinding sound when shifting gears
What it means:In manual transmissions, this typically indicates clutch problems or synchronizer damage. In automatic transmissions, it could signal low transmission fluid or internal gear damage.
Whining Noise
What it is:A high-pitched sound that increases with vehicle speed
What it means:Usually indicates low transmission fluid, worn bearings, or problems with the torque converter in automatic transmissions.
Clicking or Popping
What it is:Sharp clicking or popping sounds when shifting into gear
What it means:Often related to CV joint problems, particularly if the noise increases when turning.
Important Note:If you experience any of these noises, it's recommended to have your vehicle inspected by a qualified mechanic as soon as possible. Continuing to drive with these symptoms could lead to more extensive and expensive repairs.
Preventive Measures
- Regular transmission fluid checks and changes
- Proper maintenance schedule adherence
- Avoiding aggressive shifting
- Allowing the car to come to a complete stop before shifting between drive and reverse
Common Transmission Noise Symptoms When Engaging Gears: Understanding Clunks, Whines, and Grinding Sounds
Common Causes of Loud Noises When Shifting Gears
Grinding Noise
Signs of Failure:
- Metal-on-metal grinding sound when shifting
- Difficulty engaging gears
- Transmission slipping
Typical Service:
- Transmission fluid should be checked every 30,000-60,000 miles
- Transmission fluid replacement recommended every 60,000-100,000 miles
- Clutch inspection recommended every 40,000 miles for manual transmissions
Clunking When Engaging Drive or Reverse
Signs of Failure:
- Loud thump or clunk when shifting into gear
- Delayed engagement
- Vibration when shifting
Typical Service:
- Motor mounts should be inspected every 60,000 miles
- Transmission mount inspection recommended every 60,000 miles
- Regular transmission service every 30,000-60,000 miles
Whining Noise
Signs of Failure:
- High-pitched whining sound when in gear
- Noise increases with vehicle speed
- Fluid leaks beneath vehicle
Typical Service:
- Transmission fluid level check every 3,000-5,000 miles
- Transmission filter replacement every 50,000-100,000 miles
- Full transmission inspection every 60,000 miles
Clicking or Popping
Signs of Failure:
- Rhythmic clicking when in gear
- Popping sounds during acceleration
- Vibration in the driveshaft
Typical Service:
- CV joint inspection every 60,000 miles
- U-joint lubrication every 30,000 miles
- Driveshaft inspection every 30,000 miles
Note: Service intervals may vary based on vehicle make, model, and driving conditions. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for specific maintenance schedules.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
