If you're like most drivers, you probably take your car for regular maintenance and repairs, but you might not have considered how to repair a manual transmission. This guide will show you the basics of how to do it yourself, so you can keep your vehicle running smoothly. 

First, make sure your transmission is in good condition by checking fluid levels, plugs, and torque specs. If necessary, substitute any parts that need to be replaced. Next, remove the transmission cover by removing the screws at the top and bottom. Use a screwdriver to pry off the cover from the engine bay.

Once it's removed, look for bolts holding down the gears. These bolts should be easy to access and remove with a socket wrench. Note: In some cases, you may need to remove other parts of the car in order to get to these bolts. Once the bolts are removed, pull out each gear using a lever or ratchet and socket.

You'll also need a pair of pliers to remove the retaining clips. Be careful not to damage any of the gears while you're doing this. Once each gear is out, clean it off with brake cleaner and let it dry. Now's time to install new gears. First, lay out the gears to make sure they're the same size and shape.

It's best to remove the old parts first so you can be sure of exactly what you're putting back in place, but if you don't feel comfortable doing this, all is not lost. If one of your old gears is too small for your new one, you can use a file or grinding stone to narrow it down until it fits, at which point it should snap into place easily (and quickly). Once every gear has been laid out, it's time to apply some grease.

Let all of the old greases drain off and clean up as much as possible before applying any new grease. This will help with installation and also prevent any leaks.