Gearbox repair

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Gearbox repairs

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£227.03

Average quote for gearbox repairs

How does a gearbox work?

A gearbox is the device used to increase and decrease torque, via a twisting force which causes rotation, through the increase or reduction of speed. Ultimately, the gearbox is used to change the speed of the vehicle.

Gearbox repairs are so common as the parts naturally wear down over time due to the fact that a massive amount of friction is caused between parts when a car is driven.

There are a huge number of issues that could cause a gearbox to fail so gearbox repairs are quite common which a gearbox specialist will be able to sort for you.

The gearbox of your car is used to change the speed of the vehicle and is thus an essential component of your car and should be functioning well. From transmission fault diagnosis to a reconditioned gearbox, manual or automatic, we have garages on hand to get you back on the road safely.

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Gearbox repair or replacement costs and prices

The cost of a gearbox repairs can vary depending on your car make and model, due to differences in labour time and parts needed. 

Take a look below at the average quote on WhoCanFixMyCar for some of the top car makes.

Car MakeAverage Price
Audi£328.39
BMW£226.25
Fiat£261.26
Ford£474.97
Mercedes£116.67
Nissan£248.69
Peugeot£203.08
Vauxhall£390.99
Volkswagen£296.97

Which service do you need?

Clutch replacement

Manual transmissions can have a lacking response problem, but after shifting into gear the engine’s RPMs will rise, but the car may not move as fast as the engine will sound like it’s going. This often suggests the clutch needing to be replaced. The average cost of replacing a clutch is £624.58.

Transmission leak repair

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is a necessity for transmission as it cleans, lubricates, and conditions the seals, along with working like a hydraulic fluid. With no ATF, the engine will stop working entirely.

Gearbox repair

The best way to avoid a hefty repair bill is to diagnose gearbox problems early. A modern gearbox should always be smooth to operate and easy to put into gear with the clutch pedal fully depressed. The cost of repairing gearbox issues is typically around £277.03.

  • Manual gearbox repair

    The average cost of a gearbox repair booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £277.03.

    A gearbox is used to change the speed of a car and is a common repair because gears may fail prematurely. It's essential to get a gearbox issue diagnosed as soon as possible.

    Can include
    • Diagnosis
    • Gearbox repair
    • Gearbox replacement
  • Automatic gearbox specialist

    The average cost of an automatic gearbox specialist booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £369.83. If you're having problems with your gearbox, or you're not quite sure what the issue is, an automatic gearbox specialist can help to diagnose and repair your vehicle's gearbox

    Can include
    • Diagnosis
    • Gearbox repairs
  • Clutch and gearbox repairs

    The average cost of a clutch and gearbox repair booked on WhoCanFixMyCar is £604.55. Clutch and gearbox repairs often go hand-in-hand. If you’re not sure which part of your system has a fault, a mechanic can diagnose and perform the right repair.

    Can include
    • Clutch repair
    • Gearbox repair

Top warning signs your car needs a gearbox repair

If you are putting your car into gear, only for it to slip out, it’s obvious you have a fault. A likely cause is that the gears themselves will be worn down.

You will have to have the parts replaced as a result of the damage as it will only get worse as time progresses.

It would also be wise to check your transmission fluid levels as the parts may have worn down as a result of low lubricants. Here are other top warning signs to look out for which indicate a faulty gearbox which needs to be diagnosed by a gearbox specialist.

Noisy while in neutral

Low levels of transmission fluid can be the reason for the problem. If you are hearing more noise than usual from your car while it is neutral, then check the levels of fluid and try topping it up. If this does not resolve the problem, then the most likely cause will be worn down gearbox parts.

The ‘check engine’ light is illuminated

As soon as you see ‘Service Engine Soon’ in yellow on your dashboard, that is exactly what you should do as it is an indicator that something is about to go wrong or already has.

There are a variety of sensors on different parts of your car including ones on the transmission. They are in place to detect specific signs of an issue developing such as vibrations or jerks which you may not be able to see, hear or feel. Paying attention to the light could help you save money on a gearbox repair so make sure to do so!

The clutch is dragging

A dragging clutch is caused when the flywheel and clutch fail to disengage which makes changing gears almost impossible. This gearbox problem will likely be accompanied by a grinding noise being emitted every time you try to change gears.

Luckily a gearbox repair cost will not be extortionate if you are suffering from this problem.

If the clutch has too much slack in the pedal then the linkage between the clutch disk and the pedal won't be able to pull the two parts apart. Therefore, the linkage simply needs to be tightened or replaced which isn't as expensive as other gearbox repairs.

Won’t go into the correct gear

If your car simply refuses to go into a specific gear it is worth checking the level of your fluid as this is a common issue, which can be resolved by topping the liquid up.

There are other potential issues that would prevent you being able to go into a specific gear. Occasionally the computer which is part of your car can be the source of the problem, alternatively the shift cables could require adjusting.

Burning smell

A burning smell in a car is never a good sign and as soon as you notice this it is vital that you call a mobile mechanic or break down assistance in order to diagnose the problem and find a solution. When it comes to the gearbox, a burning smell can be the result of transmission fluid overheating. If the fluid system fails, then other parts of the system will suffer as a result.

Transmission fluid acts as lubricant and a cooling agent for the moving parts of a transmission as they are in constant perpetual motion as a car is being driven, this causes friction and a build-up of heat.

If you ignore the burning smell in your car then an entire transmission replacement is likely to be required.

Shaking or grinding when switching gears

A car should not grind or shake at all so do not think that it's normal even if it is gradual and only minor. If ignored the issue will get worse and you will end up incurring a higher gearbox repair cost. Grinding and shaking is a common symptom of a faulty gearbox when you move from one gear to the next.

There may even be an issue with the clutch if you feel these effects after you change gears. If so it is likely that your clutch will need replacing.

The gear synchronizers in your car may also be badly damaged or worn down if you feel shaking or grinding.

Leaking and low transmission fluid

The transmission system can only operate while automatic transmission fluid lubricates, cleans and conditions the seals while acting as hydraulic fluid. Even if the transmission fluid is below normal levels, your car will suffer and if it all leaks, you will face serious problems.

Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is bright red and, surprisingly, smells sweet (that is if everything is in working order).

If you detect a leak and the fluid fits this description then you are in luck, all that you require is a hole to be filled.However, if you come across a liquid which is dark and emits a burning smell then the issue is likely to be worse. Typically this will require the entire transmission system to be flushed or changed as it has become contaminated and is no longer suitable for use in the engine.

ATF liquid is different to motor oil as the engine doesn’t consume any of it, therefore, if it is below its normal level, you have a leak.

No response from gearbox

If you try to move into a certain gear and you feel resistance, or the gear stick keeps popping out, then there is definitely an issue.

There should not be any pushback when you go into gear. Therefore, if you even feel the slightest change you should take your car to a gearbox specialist or automatic gearbox specialist as soon as possible.

Typically, this is a problem involving the clutch as well so be prepared to replace it if you run into this type of issue. It can be difficult to diagnose the extent of a gearbox problem which involves the clutch, so the best advice is to take your car into a clutch and gearbox specialist as mentioned above.

Common problems with the gearbox:

Potential problems with your gearbox are shown below: 

  • Damaged splines of the main shaft

  • Too strong shifters lock spring

  • Incorrect clutch adjustment

  • Damaged gear teeth

  • Remote control shifting mechanism out of regulation

Are faulty gearbox repairs necessary?

The gearbox transfers power from the engine into the correct amount of rotational energy and torque to drive your vehicle’s wheels.

Gearboxes are complex, but problems with them aren’t always the end for the vehicle! Get your vehicle looked at by a gearbox specialist sooner rather than later to give your car the best chance, to avoid further damage and to get the lowest price.

Find a mobile gearbox specialist to get your gearbox repaired from home

Mobile gearbox specialists can take a look at your gearbox problems from your place of work or from home. They come out to you, saving you a trip to the garage. Sometimes, those who have a very busy schedule, might look at having a mobile mechanic come out to inspect the gearbox. 

The good news is that there are numerous mobile mechanics that will offer a mobile gearbox repair service to diagnose your gearbox from your drive, or they will collect your car to take it to their garage and then drop it back off when they are done. 

If you choose to book a mobile gearbox specialist, compare quotes online quickly and easily with WhoCanFixMyCar and take the effort out of getting to the garage.

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How do I know my gearbox is faulty?

Here are some indications to suggest your gearbox is faulty:

  • Listen to your gearbox for any noises

  • Can you smell burning from the gearbox?

  • Failure to engage a gear

  • Your gearbox ‘feels’ different

  • Dashboard warning lights

  • Leaking fluid and low levels of transmission fluid

What is the function of the gearbox?

A gearbox is the device used to increase and decrease torque, via a twisting force which causes rotation, through the increase or reduction of speed. The gearbox allows the driver to select the appropriate gearing for the speed they are travelling, giving good acceleration at low speeds, and smooth, quiet running at high speeds. A manual gearbox is connected to the engine via a clutch. Ultimately, the gearbox is used to change the speed of the vehicle.

How are gearboxes diagnosed?

Our garages will give you as reasonable an estimate as possible, using your description of what's wrong, and their expertise. However, for them to give a confident quote, they will want to see the car for a road-test and a physical inspection.

What is a DSG gearbox?

A Direct Shift Gearbox or DSG gearbox is an electronically controlled dual-clutch system. They ultimately help you to change gears quicker than in a manual or automatic.

Is a gearbox repair covered by warranty?

The purpose of a warranty is to ensure that the mechanical components of the vehicle work as they should while the vehicle is covered by the warranty (be that 3 years, 5 years or 7). Fortunately, the gearbox is a mechanical component which is covered under warranty. If anything goes wrong with it then the warranty will cover the cost of repair (though usually faulty parts will be replaced).

Is my gearbox repair covered under insurance?

If you have engine protection insurance, which is an add-on insurance policy, then you will be covered for the gearbox repair under the insurance. For standard insurance policies, you must check the wording on your policy document to see what is covered.

How much does a gearbox repair cost?

The price of gearbox repairs depends very much on the nature of the work involved - noting that the true culprit may actually be the clutch. Simply describe the issue as best you can and let our garages provide no-obligation quotes.

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