Jul 22, 2019

Porsche Gearbox Rebuild: Causes and What a Rebuild Entails

A gearbox rebuild will require a specialist to remove and inspect the mechanism in a workshop

The gearbox on a Porsche will invariably come under a lot of stress during its lifetime, which can lead to transmission problems and failure. Whether you have an automatic or manual transmission system, seeking the help of Porsche specialists in performing a gearbox rebuild will ensure that you enjoy many more miles on the road.

What are the common causes of transmission issues?

Alongside the engine, the gearbox is one of the most complex (and important) aspects of your vehicle’s make-up. Changing engine speed into torque, it is the gearbox that effectively drives your vehicle forward.

A gearbox’s complexity is due to the multitude of intricate components it is made of. For a transmission to work effectively, each component must work well independently. If a single component is faulty, the entire system will struggle. This naturally makes a gearbox prone to faults.

Heavy or uneconomical use of your vehicle over an extended distance will inevitably cause wear to your gearbox. Looking after your vehicle properly, finding a reputable Porsche specialist, driving carefully and being on the look out for problems – be it in the engine or gearbox – are the most effective ways to avoid serious damage.

How to tell if your transmission is struggling

There are several tell-tale signs that indicate your transmission is damaged and requiring attention. These include, but are not limited to:

Unusual noises when in neutral

While cars do make a lot of noise, any humming, buzzing or whining noises your vehicle emits while not in gear is generally a sign of a problem. Unusual sounds can indicate a failing transmission and will require further investigation.

Leaking transmission fluid

Perhaps the most obvious sign of a failing gearbox is a transmission fluid leakage. This fluid is instrumental in your car’s ability to change gear – low levels can cause serious issues. Unlike motor fluid, transmission fluid is not consumed, so low levels are a likely indication of a leak.

Jumping out of gear

Slipping or jumping out of gear can be disconcerting, especially if you’re driving at high speeds or on busy roads. Frequent jumping out of gear can be attributed to a worn-down gear system – an issue easily rectified in a transmission rebuild.

Although there are other signifiers of a damaged transmission, the ones listed above tend to be popular causes for concern. If you experience any of these issues, be sure to head to a reputable Porsche maintenance centre as soon as possible.

Why should you opt for a gearbox rebuild?

There are several benefits to rebuilding instead of replacing, the most significant being cost. A brand-new gearbox, in addition a professional fitting, can often amount to at least triple the price of a rebuild. If the transmission problem you are facing is only minor, many experts would recommend a rebuild purely for the amount it will save.

If you head to a Porsche specialist for a rebuild, they will often have the parts readily available, meaning the entire job can be completed within a few days. This will naturally be favourable if your Porsche is required for everyday use.

Many maintenance professionals would also recommend a rebuild over a replacement if the damage to your transmission is minor. If an isolated issue is found, it can be repaired independently without affecting any other components. A replacement can result in fully functioning parts being discarded, which is neither economic nor waste conscious.

What does a gearbox rebuild entail?

What happens during the rebuild process will depend on a few factors, such as the extent of the problems needing repair; the vehicle’s make, model and year of manufacture; and whether your Porsche is manual or automatic.

In most cases, the basics of a rebuild are:

  • Fully disassembling the transmission system;
  • Examining each component for wear and damage;
  • Thorough cleaning of individual parts;
  • Checking transmission fluid levels;
  • Replacing the clutch band and plates;
  • Replacing gaskets and seals.

Please bear in mind that these steps are the absolute basics of gearbox rebuilding – the actual process will vary from vehicle to vehicle.

Think your vehicle may be due a gearbox rebuild? Experiencing some of the transmission faults identified in this article? Get in touch with a member of our team to find out how we can help. Alternatively, head over to our gearbox rebuild page to find out more. With over 35 years of specialist knowledge, Parr Porsche are the experts on all things Porsche – from engine repairs to performance upgrades for manual and automatic vehicles.