Vehicle transmission is one of the components you need to pay attention to because it works in harmony with the engine to provide peak performance, torque, and speed. Without it, there will be no vehicle movement.
And if it goes out, it will require an expensive fix. Hence, it requires regular inspection whenever you notice issues like hard shifting, colored transmission fluid, unresponsive or slipping gears.
If you look into your transmission crankcase and see metal flakes, grimes, fragments, or metal shavings, you should take it seriously.
Metal shavings are an indication of friction, wear, or tears on the inner components. How do you know whether what you see is a result of normal wear?
Some metal shavings in transmission fluid are normal and harmless. Unlike metal shavings in engine oil, metal shavings in transmission can be seen with naked eyes and felt with hands.
So, how much metal is too much in transmission fluid? You will find the answers as we progress.
What Is A Transmission?
A transmission or better called a gearbox is a piece of equipment that is installed in your car and this transmission’s goal as its name implies is to transmit the energy that is produced by the engine in a right manner.
If you don’t have a transmission and you are powering the driveshaft with rotational energy directly from the crankshaft will cause the driveshaft to snap into thousand pieces.
Even if it doesn’t snap, it will make your car undrivable. Acceleration and deceleration will work in a different way than they are working with transmission and it’s going to be hard to drive a car like this.
So, that’s why there were invented transmissions and these transmissions allowed the engine to convert the rotational energy of the crankshaft into torque. The torque energy that is created is moving your vehicle from a standstill.
There are two types of transmissions. Manual and automatic. In manual transmissions, you go through the gears by yourself by engaging and disengaging the clutch.
In automatics everything is different. The transmission shifts by itself and changes the gears. All this is possible by the fluid pressure which is built inside of the transmission.
When you apply the gas pedal, there is a pressure buildup in the transmission lines. This helps the car to shift. That’s why the transmission fluid is essential in every automatic car. Manual cars also have transmission fluid but their fluid isn’t that sensitive.
If you don’t replace your transmission fluid on time, metal shavings in transmission fluid may start to appear and cause your transmission fluid to become dirty and start to shudder and slip gears.
Now, let’s discuss more about the transmission fluid and learn more about it.
What Does Metal Shavings in Transmission pan Mean?
The presence of metal shavings or particles in your transmission fluid clearly indicates a potential problem within the transmission system.
It suggests that excessive wear and tear is occurring, with components grinding against each other. This strain on the delicate inner workings of the transmission is a cause for concern.
If left unaddressed, it can lead to further damage and even transmission failure. It is crucial to take immediate action, such as seeking professional inspection and repairs, to prevent any additional complications and ensure the longevity of your vehicle’s transmission.
Signs of Transmission has Metal Shavings
Familiarizing yourself with how your car handles and starts every time you get behind the wheel can help you notice when something is off. Some signs of metal shavings in oil include:
- Reduced engine power: If your car is struggling to accelerate when you step on the gas, you could have contaminated oil or a damaged filter.
- Ticking noises: Metal shavings in engine oil can prevent the oil from smoothly flowing where it needs to go, which can cause a decrease in lubrication, which can result in ticking sounds.
- Rough idles: Improper lubrication can also cause friction between different engine parts. This can cause your engine to vibrate or shake excessively when your car is idling.
- Engine knocking: Buildup of debris and metal shavings in oil can cause the engine parts to deteriorate if left unattended. Knocking occurs when fuel is burning unevenly in cylinders, resulting in clunking sounds created by ignited fuel consuming air.
- White exhaust fumes: White smoke coming from your car’s exhaust is a cause for concern, as it could indicate that oil is getting into your cylinders. If you see any white smoke, take your car to a repair shop immediately!
- Check engine warning light turningon: Another sign of metal shavings in your oil. Some late-model vehicles have oil pressure or oil change indicators as well.
What Causes Metal Shavings In Transmission Fluid?
The presence of metal shavings in the transmission fluid can be attributed to various factors and underlying issues. Some common causes include:
#1. Normal Wear and Tear.
As a transmission operates over time, its internal components undergo friction and wear, including gears, bearings, and clutch plates. This natural wear and tear can result in the generation of small metal particles, which then circulate within the transmission fluid.
While this is a normal occurrence to some extent, an excessive amount of metal shavings may indicate accelerated wear or other underlying issues that require attention.
#2. Gear Synchronizer or Bearing Failure.
The synchronizer rings and bearings in transmission are vital for smooth gear shifting and maintaining proper alignment. However, when these components become worn or damaged, they can cause grinding or rubbing against each other or nearby parts.
This grinding action produces metal shavings that find their way into the transmission fluid, signaling the need for repairs or component replacements to restore proper functionality.
#2. Clutch or Friction Plate Wear.
Clutches and friction plates play a crucial role in transmitting power within the transmission.
Over time, repeated engagement and disengagement of the clutch, particularly under demanding driving conditions, can lead to wear and thinning of these components.
As a result, small metal particles are released into the transmission fluid, indicating the need for clutch inspection and potential replacement.
#3. Internal Component Failure.
Various internal components, such as planetary gears, shafts, or bushings, can experience failure due to manufacturing defects, inadequate lubrication, or excessive heat.
When these components malfunction or become damaged, they can produce metal shavings contaminating the transmission fluid. Identifying and addressing the underlying cause of the component failure is crucial to prevent further damage to the transmission.
#4. Contaminants or External Objects.
In some cases, metal shavings in the transmission fluid may originate from external sources.
Foreign objects or contaminants, including dirt, debris, or even metal fragments from other parts of the vehicle, can enter the transmission and cause abrasion, leading to the presence of metal shavings.
Ensuring the transmission is adequately protected from external contaminants and promptly addressing any sources of contamination is essential for maintaining a healthy transmission system.
How To Diagnose and Fix The Metal Shavings in Transmission Fluid Problem?
Since there are only a handful of reasons for the metal shavings to appear in transmission fluid, it is very easy to pinpoint the source of the problem.
Checking the condition of the transmission fluid and analyzing your driving patterns will automatically give you the exact reason.
Let’s take a look at each of the probable reasons, along with their easy solutions.
#1. Check on The Transmission Fluid.
The most probable reason for the metal shavings in your transmission fluid is not changing the fluid regularly.
Over time, the components inside the vehicle system face regular wear and tear and slowly chip off.
This produces smooth metal shavings with no sharp edges. These particles themselves aren’t harmful to the transmission fluid.
However, once you stop changing up the transmission fluid, these metal shavings can accumulate in larger numbers. So many metal shavings can slowly damage the internal components.
Due to late or no transmission fluid change, you will face these harmful metal shavings in the transmission fluid.
To ensure healthy transmission fluid, you need to build up a habit of changing your fluid regularly. Only a new and healthy transmission fluid can prevent the metal buildup inside with zero damage to the vehicle.
- It is recommended to change and replace the transmission fluid after every 6000 miles of driving. Similarly, you can also choose to replace the transmission fluid after every three months.
- Check on the transmission fluid regularly by touching the few metal shavings you find at the moment. If they are smooth to the touch without any sharp edges, they should be safe. Otherwise, replace the transmission fluid right away.
#2. Evaluate The Gear Shifting.
If the old transmission fluid is not the issue, the next most likely cause will be shifting the gears inappropriately. Being too rough or aggressive while shifting gears can unknowingly cause damage to the transmission fluid.
Rough gear shifts result in excessive friction of the parts. The parts in the gearbox grind against each other too hard and shave off pieces of metal.
These sharp, jagged metal fragments start gathering on the drip pan magnet. That is how the transmission fluid gains unexpected metal shavings due to mishandling the gears.
The only way to prevent this from happening is to drive consciously. While driving, remember that abusive and rough driving will only cause the vehicle harm.
So, follow the guide provided by the manufacturer to learn the correct procedure for switching the gears. Never shift the gears too abruptly or aggressively.
#3. Notice The Rate Of Acceleration.
The transmission fluid works to lubricate the internal components of the engine constantly. However, if you tend to accelerate too fast or abruptly, the transmission system will wear out faster.
Fast acceleration does not let the transmission fluid reach all of the components on time. As a result, the parts in the system lack proper lubrication.
Without the lubricated components, the metal will grind more and wear out sooner than expected.
Being careful enough while driving should be enough to prevent this issue. Don’t press the accelerator too harshly or quickly. Instead, build your speed by slowly pushing down on the accelerator in a calculated way.
#4. Examine The Grade of The Transmission Fluid.
A bad-grade transmission fluid is as bad for the vehicle as a dirty, overused transmission fluid. If the transmission fluid doesn’t fulfill the requirements for proper lubrication, it should not be used.
This bad-grade fluid only makes the components dry and causes unnecessary friction. As a result, the metal shavings in the transmission fluid increase greatly.
Firstly, check what kind of transmission fluid you are using. Find out the credentials and ingredients of the transmission fluid and verify if it is good enough.
Before replacing the transmission fluid, check the manufacturer’s manual for the requirements. Make sure the transmission fluid fulfills the criteria of needed viscosity levels, grade, and API.
How much does cost to fix metal shavings in transmission?
Most times, all you need to fix the metal in transmission pan is to do a full transmission flush before replacing the fluid. Luckily, this will cost you between $100 to $250 at a mechanic garage and $70 if you follow the DIY routes.
However, If the shavings result from accelerated wear from the internal parts or a sign of a bigger problem, the repair will cost between $500 to $2500 on average.
FAQs.
Q: Are metal sharping in transmission normal?
If your transmission is performing as it should, the system components such as clutch and bands will chip off some metal shavings.
These metal shavings should be in the form of dust or powder. If it is the only shavings in your transmission pan, do not worry nor stress yourself. This is completely normal.
Q: What does it mean if the transmission fluid is brown?
New or healthy transmission fluid should have a clear pink color. If the transmission fluid has a wine color or is brown, you have an old transmission fluid that may be causing damages to the inner system components.
But if the fluid is dark brown, you have a burnt transmission fluid possibly resulting from system overheat. This entails you have system damages that need to be fixed.
You should regularly check your transmission fluid level and color. Failure from doing so, you will not know when something is going wrong in your transmission at an earlier stage, which could result in severe damages.
This is why regular transmission maintenance is beneficial to your vehicle’s performance and longevity.
Q: What type of metal is a transmission?
Transmission housing and components are built with several materials. More recent model vehicles are equipped with aluminum transmissions. Whereas its older counterpart is made with iron cast material.
Most aluminum transmissions are known for having contaminants or debris in the crankcase. And it is very uncommon to see one that has fewer metal shavings or contaminants like the iron cast transmission.
Transmission components are usually built with cast iron, aluminum, copper, or brass. Do not be confused; transmission housing is manufactured with two types of material – aluminum and cast iron.
Q: Is transmission fluid corrosive to metal?
Yes, transmission fluid is corrosive. A tiny leak of transmission fluid on other vehicle components, especially metal components, can erode it.
Final word
At this juncture, you have known what Metal Shavings In-Transmission means, Causes, and what to do when you notice Sharp flakes or particles in the transmission.
If you notice Sharp flakes in your transmission pan, the best thing to do is consult your mechanic for proper inspection and fixes. Unless you are a DIY fellow, a car enthusiast, or a petrol-head with the right tools, you need to seek professional assistance.