Hirst Transmission Specialists Blog

Constant velocity (CV) joints are crucial components that allow your wheels to receive power from the transmission while maintaining flexibility for turns and suspension movement. When a CV joint begins to fail, it can lead to serious problems. At Hirst Transmission Specialists, we provide expert CV joint repair in the greater Pensacola area. Here are four warning signs of a bad CV joint. Loud Clicking Noises When Turning One of the most common symptoms of a bad CV joint is a loud clicking or popping sound when making sharp turns. This sound is often more noticeable when you accelerate into a turn and can be caused by the joint’s worn components grinding against each other. This noise is a potential sign that the CV joint is deteriorating and may soon fail, so it’s essential to get it checked promptly. Grease on the Inside of the Wheel If you notice grease splattered on the inner edge of your tire or around the wheel well, this could indicate a torn CV joint boot. The boot is responsible for protecting the CV joint from debris and keeping the joint’s grease contained. When the boot tears, it allows grease to leak out, leaving the CV joint exposed to dirt and moisture, which can accelerate wear and lead to joint failure. Vibration While Driving A damaged CV joint can cause vibrations that you’ll feel inside the vehicle, particularly as you accelerate. These vibrations occur when the joint loses its balance, causing uneven movement. While several car problems can cause vibrations, such as misaligned wheels, a bad CV joint is a possible culprit to consider. Knocking or Clunking Sounds A bad CV joint may also produce a knocking or clunking sound when driving. Knocking sounds can become more noticeable the longer the issue goes unaddressed, and they indicate a more advanced level of CV joint wear that should be inspected by a professional immediately. CV Joint Repair in Pensacola, FL When you need CV joint repair in Pensacola and the surrounding area, contact Hirst Transmission Specialists at (850) 478-3395. Feel free to give us a call to schedule an appointment!

Healthy transmission fluid plays a vital role in keeping your vehicle's transmission operating smoothly. It lubricates, cools, and provides the necessary pressure for smooth shifting. However, transmission fluid can become contaminated with debris, dirt, and other harmful substances. If left unchecked, this can lead to costly damage. At Hirst Transmission Specialists, we can expertly handle your transmission fluid issues. Here are five signs that your transmission fluid may be contaminated. Unusual Shifting Behavior One of the common signs of contaminated transmission fluid is irregular or rough shifting. If you notice that your vehicle is hesitating, jerking, or shifting gears more abruptly than usual, it could be a sign that the fluid is no longer providing adequate lubrication. Contaminants in the fluid can cause friction within the transmission, leading to these issues. Strange Noises If you hear grinding, whining, or clunking noises when your vehicle shifts gears, it’s an indication that your transmission fluid might be contaminated. Clean transmission fluid allows gears to shift quietly and smoothly. When contaminants accumulate, they can cause excess wear and tear, resulting in unusual sounds as the transmission struggles to function correctly. Discolored Transmission Fluid Transmission fluid should have a red or pink hue. If you check your fluid and notice that it’s dark brown, black, or murky, this is a clear sign of contamination. Over time, dirt, metal particles, and other debris can accumulate in the fluid, leading to discoloration. Overheating Transmission Contaminated transmission fluid can lose its ability to effectively cool the transmission. If your transmission is overheating, you may notice a burning odor or decreased performance. Overheating can cause significant damage to your transmission and is often linked to contaminated fluid that can no longer dissipate heat as it should. Transmission Slipping Another sign of contaminated transmission fluid is transmission slipping, where the vehicle suddenly loses power and the engine revs without any corresponding increase in speed. This can happen when contaminants disrupt the fluid's ability to maintain hydraulic pressure. Without sufficient pressure, the transmission can’t engage gears properly, leading to this issue. Transmission Service in Pensacola, FL When you need transmission service in Pensacola and the surrounding area, contact Hirst Transmission Specialists at (850) 478-3395. Feel free to give us a call today to schedule an appointment!