At Higley Family Auto Care in Gilbert, AZ, with over 60 years of combined experience, we specialize in comprehensive drive train diagnosis and repair for cars and light trucks. The drive train includes critical components like the transmission, driveshaft, and differential, all working together to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. Proper diagnosis and repair of these systems ensure smooth operation, prevent costly breakdowns, and enhance vehicle longevity. For our customers, this means reliable performance, safety on the road, and peace of mind knowing their vehicle is in expert hands.

Regular transmission fluid changes are crucial because the fluid lubricates, cools, and cleans the transmission. Over time, it can become contaminated or break down, leading to poor performance or even transmission failure. Timely fluid changes ensure smooth shifting and extend the life of your transmission.

For manual transmissions, the clutch is essential for engaging and disengaging the power from the engine to the transmission. A worn or damaged clutch can cause slipping, difficulty in shifting gears, or complete failure to engage. Replacing the clutch ensures efficient power transfer and smooth driving.

The driveshaft and U-joints transfer rotational force from the transmission to the differential, and eventually to the wheels. Worn or damaged U-joints can cause vibrations, clunking noises, and eventually lead to driveshaft failure. Proper maintenance and timely repair prevent these issues, ensuring a smooth and safe ride.

The differential allows your wheels to rotate at different speeds, especially when turning. It requires proper lubrication to function efficiently. Neglecting differential service can lead to overheating, gear damage, and ultimately, differential failure. Regular servicing prevents these issues, ensuring reliable performance and avoiding costly repairs.

Constant velocity (CV) joints and boots are essential for front-wheel-drive and some all-wheel-drive vehicles. They allow for smooth power transfer to the wheels while accommodating suspension movement. Damaged CV boots can lead to grease loss and joint failure. Replacing them promptly avoids further damage and ensures reliable handling and stability.

a. Transmission Filter Replacement

Replacing the transmission filter ensures that contaminants are removed, maintaining optimal fluid cleanliness and transmission performance. Neglecting this can lead to clogged filters, poor fluid flow, and increased wear on transmission components.

b. Transmission Pan Gasket Replacement

Replacing the transmission pan gasket prevents leaks that could result in low fluid levels. Low fluid can cause overheating and transmission failure. Ensuring a proper seal keeps the transmission fluid at the right level.

a. Flywheel Resurfacing or Replacement

A smooth flywheel surface ensures proper clutch engagement. Overlooking this can result in clutch slippage or chatter, leading to premature wear of the new clutch components.

b. Clutch Hydraulic System Check

Ensuring the clutch hydraulic system is functioning correctly prevents issues with clutch disengagement and engagement. Ignoring this can lead to difficulty in shifting gears and potential damage to the transmission.

a. Driveshaft Balancing

Balancing the driveshaft prevents vibrations that can cause wear on U-joints and other drive train components. Unaddressed imbalances can lead to premature failure and a rough ride.

b. Center Support Bearing Replacement

For vehicles with a two-piece driveshaft, the center support bearing maintains alignment. A worn bearing can cause vibrations and driveshaft misalignment, leading to further drive train damage.

a. Differential Seal Replacement

Replacing differential seals prevents gear oil leaks that can lead to insufficient lubrication. Ignoring this can result in overheating, gear damage, and ultimately differential failure.

b. Differential Gear Inspection

Regular inspection of differential gears ensures they are not worn or damaged. Neglecting this can lead to unexpected failure and costly repairs, compromising vehicle reliability.

a. CV Axle Replacement

If CV joints are damaged, replacing the entire CV axle may be necessary to restore proper function. Ignoring damaged CV axles can lead to loss of power to the wheels and unsafe driving conditions.

b. Suspension System Check

Inspecting the suspension system ensures that related components like struts and control arms are in good condition. Overlooking this can lead to misalignment and additional strain on CV joints, reducing their lifespan.

Common Symptoms:

Slipping Gears: The vehicle may slip out of gear or hesitate when shifting.

Delayed Shifting: Noticeable delays when the transmission shifts gears.

Transmission Overheating: Overheating can cause a burning smell or dashboard warning light.

Common Symptoms:

Slipping Clutch: The engine revs but the vehicle speed doesn’t increase proportionally.

Hard or Spongy Clutch Pedal: Difficulty in pressing the clutch pedal or it feels too soft.

Grinding Gears: Grinding noise when shifting gears, especially into reverse.

Common Symptoms:

Vibrations: Unusual vibrations felt throughout the vehicle, especially during acceleration.

Clunking Noises: Clunking or banging noises when shifting from park to drive or reverse.

Difficulty Turning: Issues with vehicle handling when turning corners.

Common Symptoms:

Whining or Howling: Noises coming from the differential, especially while accelerating or decelerating.

Gear Grinding: Grinding sounds when turning or when power is applied.

Oil Leaks: Visible oil leaks under the vehicle near the differential.

Common Symptoms:

Clicking Noises: Clicking or popping sounds, especially when turning.

Grease on Tire or Underbody: Grease splattered on the inside of the wheel or undercarriage.

Vibration While Driving: Vibration that intensifies with acceleration.

Recognizing these symptoms early and addressing them promptly with professional diagnosis and repair can prevent more severe damage and costly repairs.

2016-2021 Honda Civic

Known for longevity but requires regular transmission fluid changes and CV joint inspections to maintain reliability.

2015-2020 Toyota Camry

Benefits from differential service and transmission fluid changes to prevent common drive train issues.

2017-2022 Ford F-150

Regular driveshaft and U-joint repairs are crucial for maintaining the performance of this popular truck.

2015-2021 Chevrolet Silverado 1500

Clutch replacements and transmission services are often needed to keep this workhorse in top condition.

2014-2019 Subaru Outback

CV joint and boot replacements, along with differential service, help this vehicle maintain its all-wheel-drive system.

2016-2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Regular differential service and transmission maintenance are vital for this SUV's rugged performance.

2013-2018 Nissan Altima

Transmission fluid changes and CV joint inspections help in preventing common drive train problems.

2015-2020 Ram 1500

Driveshaft balancing and U-joint repairs ensure smooth operation for this dependable truck.

2016-2021 Kia Sorento

Regular clutch hydraulic system checks and transmission fluid changes are important for this SUV’s performance.

2014-2019 Ford Escape

Differential gear inspections and CV axle replacements help maintain the drive train’s reliability in this compact SUV.

Regular maintenance on these models helps prevent major drive train issues, ensuring longevity and dependable performance.

Transmission Fluid Change: Neglecting fluid changes can lead to transmission failure, costing thousands in repairs or replacements compared to the relatively low cost of regular fluid changes.

Clutch Replacement: Ignoring clutch issues can result in additional damage to the transmission, leading to higher repair costs.

Driveshaft and U-Joint Repair: Delaying repairs can cause the driveshaft to fail, which may require an expensive replacement instead of a simple U-joint fix.

Differential Service: Skipping differential service can cause gear damage, necessitating costly repairs or complete differential replacement.

CV Joint and Boot Replacement: Failing to replace worn CV joints or boots can result in axle failure, which is more expensive to repair than replacing the individual components.

Transmission Fluid Change: Poor shifting and potential transmission failure can compromise vehicle control, increasing the risk of accidents.

Clutch Replacement: A slipping or hard-to-engage clutch can lead to sudden loss of power, endangering the driver and others on the road.

Driveshaft and U-Joint Repair: A failing driveshaft or U-joint can cause loss of vehicle control or even lead to the driveshaft detaching, posing serious safety risks.

Differential Service: A damaged differential can cause unpredictable handling and loss of vehicle control, especially during turns.

CV Joint and Boot Replacement: Failing CV joints can lead to loss of power to the wheels, making the vehicle unsafe to drive, especially at high speeds or in heavy traffic.

Transmission Fluid Change: Leaking or degraded transmission fluid can contaminate soil and water. Proper maintenance helps prevent leaks.

Clutch Replacement: Properly functioning clutches reduce strain on the engine and transmission, leading to more efficient fuel consumption and lower emissions.

Driveshaft and U-Joint Repair: Regular maintenance prevents catastrophic failures that could result in fluid leaks and environmental contamination.

Differential Service: Well-maintained differentials prevent oil leaks, reducing the risk of environmental pollution.

CV Joint and Boot Replacement: Intact CV boots prevent grease from leaking onto roads and into the environment, reducing pollution. 

By addressing these drive train issues promptly, you not only avoid higher costs but also enhance vehicle safety and minimize environmental impact.