Gearbox Repair Near You

What Are the Warning Signs I Need a Gearbox Repair?

If your car won't engage gear or slips into neutral of its own accord, it is likely that you have a transmission fault. However, there are plenty of other warning signs that indicate a gearbox problem. These include:

• Limited acceleration
• Your gearbox smells funny
• Whining, clunking or humming sounds
• Leaking oil or low oil level
• A grinding or shaking gearstick
• Noise when the car is idling in neutral
• You car judders when you set off
• The engine accelerates but the car doesn’t move

While a clutch replacement can resolve most manual transmission issues, sometimes a gearbox repair is the only option. As these are both vital parts of your transmission system, you must get the problem fixed as soon as possible. This will help you avoid other expensive problems.

Why Do I Need to Book a Gearbox Repair?

Ignoring a gearbox repair can be costly. Driving with a faulty gearbox can increase the cost of your repair bill and also risk your safety and that of your passengers and other road users.

Your gearbox plays a crucial role in keeping your car moving. It allows you to regulate your speed, helping you accelerate and decelerate safely. It also avoids placing extra strain on your engine so it can run efficiently at the right speed in the right gear.

Simply put, if you ignore your need for gearbox repairs, your car is going to struggle to perform in the way you need it to.

Why Use BookMyGarage to Book Gearbox Repairs Near You?

We have helped over 11.7 million drivers compare and save on their MOT, servicing and repair costs at local garages. In fact, when you compare garages near you through our online comparison site, you can save up to 70% when you choose one of the lower-cost options!

As the UK’s leading garage comparison site, we’re dedicated to helping drivers save money on their car maintenance. Here are just some of the ways we keep you in control of booking gearbox repairs near you:

No Upfront Payment. You never enter any payment details when you book gearbox repairs near you. We never charge you any fees to use our site and you always pay the garage directly after the appointment.

Plenty of Choice. We may recommend certain garages depending on your location or the product you select, but you always have the final say. There are thousands of fast-fit, independent and franchised garages on our online comparison site, so you’re able to see all your options and choose the best local garage for you.

Easy 3-Step Booking Process. There’s no upfront registration and no faff. You just provide your vehicle’s details, choose the best deal and provide a suitable date and time for your gearbox repair. That gives you more time to do the things you care about.

Honest Reviews & Ratings. See what like-minded drivers have to say about every garage on our comparison site to help inform your decision. Always unfiltered and unedited for transparency.

Enter your reg and postcode to compare labour rates from gearbox specialists near you and book a visual inspection in seconds. After the inspection, your chosen garage will provide a no-obligation estimate for the repair work. You always pay this bill to the garage directly and only ever after they've completed all the work.

How to Book an Appointment With a Local Gearbox Specialist

1. Enter your vehicle reg and postcode.
2. Compare deals. You can sort garages in your area by whatever best suits your needs: price, distance, reviews and ratings or availability.
3. Pick a date and time for your appointment.

After you book your visual inspection, we send you a confirmation email with a summary of your booking. We also inform the garage and they may also be in touch to confirm the appointment or to ask for extra details.

You can change or cancel your booking for free until the day of your appointment.

FAQs

How Does a Gearbox Work?

A gearbox, or transmission, allows a manual car to accelerate from stationary as you move up through the gears. It also allows you to reverse when needed. A gearbox is a complex mechanical system that transmits the power from your engine to the drive shafts and then to the wheels. As you probably know, manual transmissions change gears when the driver presses the clutch pedal and uses the gearstick at the same time.

A gearbox is connected to the engine through a clutch. In a manual car, this is a pedal whereas, with an automatic gearbox, the onboard computer controls the clutch. A semi-automatic car is slightly different - the on-board computer changes gear by default but the driver can also take manual control. However, there is no clutch pedal to worry about in a semi-automatic car either.

In a manual car, the clutch experiences more wear and tear over time than most other parts. This is due to the heat and friction produced by its many moving parts and components. This means some wear is inevitable even though manual gearboxes are specially designed to carry the enormous loads caused by transmitting the engine's power. Mostly, the gearbox will still work with some wear, but over time problems can occur.

How Long Does a Manual Gearbox Last?

There is no set number of years or miles that a manual gearbox will last, but the average lifespan tends to be around 150,000 – 200,000 miles.

However, there are several factors that can shorten this lifespan. These include using fluid which has not been recommended by the manufacturer, incorrect use of the gearstick, aggressive gear changes or neglecting regular car servicing.

What’s Involved In a Gearbox Service?

A gearbox service usually includes the following checks:

• Removing old transmission fluid
• Refilling the car with fresh transmission fluid
• Checking for any leaks
• Inspection for any excess wear or damage

The technician will then provide a full report and suggest extra repairs if there are any problems developing.

We always recommend choosing a gearbox specialist for the best results. This is because they will have the knowledge, experience and equipment to complete a high-quality gearbox service.

Why Do I Need to Book a Gearbox Service?

From time to time, you should have your gearbox oil checked and changed. This usually happens during a gearbox service. It is important to do this as major issues can arise in gearboxes that are not properly looked after.

Manual gearbox repairs and replacements can be inconvenient and very expensive. This makes regular servicing a worthwhile investment. Gearbox oil (also known as manual transmission fluid) is the key to keeping your gearbox healthy and you should always ask for this to be checked during your annual service if it's not already included. On top of that, a specific gearbox service will check for leaks, excess wear and tear or other damage within your transmission system.

Many manufacturers recommend that you have your transmission fluid changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. We would strongly recommend servicing your gearbox regularly to keep on top of potential problems and avoid expensive repair bills.

Is a Gearbox Repair Covered By My Warranty?

Any gearbox issues are automatically covered by any car warranty. This means that if you need a replacement gearbox or any form of gearbox repair, the cost is usually covered.

The exceptions to this rule are gearbox servicing, which counts as preventative maintenance, and gearbox repairs caused by neglect instead of a mechanical fault.

How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Manual Gearbox?

A manual gearbox repair costs around £400 on average. However, the price will vary depending on the make and model of your vehicle and your chosen garage's labour rates.

The cost of a replacement gearbox will be much more expensive. This can reach as much as £1,000, which is why it's worth getting the problem fixed as soon as possible.

To find the best price for your gearbox repair, compare labour rates at garages near you through BookMyGarage. A gearbox repair is a complicated, often time-consuming repair, so a high labour rate will increase the price.

Can a Gearbox Be Reconditioned?

Yes, you can recondition a gearbox instead of fitting a new replacement gearbox. It is often a more cost-effective solution as it doesn't come with the same expensive price tag.

Gearbox reconditioning involves stripping down the whole gearbox and replacing worn or damaged parts to extend the gearbox's life. To keep the cost down, these are often still used parts but they are still of higher quality than the damaged parts.

A technician will inform you during your visual inspection if gearbox reconditioning is an option for you. They will then also provide a quote and a time estimate for completing the repair.