Gearbox Repairs

What is a gearbox service?

A gearbox service is very similar to an engine oil and filter change on the engine and serves the same purpose of keeping high-quality oil running around the system that hasn't deteriorated. Different manufacturers have different change intervals for their gearboxes depending on what systems they use so it can vary from car to car.

We can carry out gearbox servicing on most modern manual and automatic transmissions. This includes the DSG gearbox service, Ford Powershift gearbox service, Haldex unit service, Mercedes Auto transmission service and all manual transmissions.

Typical recommendations for the changing of these oils can range anywhere from a few years to 30,000+ miles but are typically much longer on manual gearboxes. If you are unsure whether your gearbox needs servicing give us a call and we can find out the recommended mileage and age for your oil to be changed at and give a cost to replace.

As well as gearbox oil most vehicles that are rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive will have other oils that need changing. This can include rear differential fluid, Transfer box fluid, Front differential fluid, and a lot of modern vehicles now have a Haldex unit with oil that needs changing. The change intervals of all of these will depend on what vehicle you own.

Is your gearbox causing problems?

Call our Garage near Leighton Buzzard for a FREE quote

01296 688256

What are some warning signs a gearbox is going to fail?

Many different faults could occur within the gearbox and should not be ignored if your car shows any sign of a problem. Some issues that could be caused by something as simple as a low fluid level and a small oil leak could lead to larger problems within the gearbox that would need repairing.

1. Will not go into a specific gear

Most gearboxes will only end up having a failure on one or two gears and you will be unable to select these gears due to a fault within the gearbox. This could be caused by lots of different issues.

2. Noisy in certain gears

Again this is common for the gearbox to make a loud sound in one or two gears only due to a bearing failure within the gearbox.

3. Gearbox warning light

his is a light that may come on if you have an automatic transmission and should not be ignored as it could lead to more damage.

4. Gears not staying in

Sometimes the car will also throw the gear out just as you are driving which is another common sign that there is an internal problem within the gearbox

5. Leaking fluid

Most gearbox leaks require the gearbox to be removed to fix the leak which will lead to a costly repair. This is also a sign that there is something wrong with the gearbox that needs repairing. A large leak will also cause all the oil to leave the gearbox so the gears won't be lubricated properly.

Is your gearbox causing problems?

Call our Garage near Leighton Buzzard for a FREE quote

01296 688256

Frequently asked questions

Are gearboxes expensive to repair?

Repairing a manual gearbox will typically cost you anywhere from £250-£600 just for the repair of the gearbox. This is because these systems are difficult to work on so they don't end up being a simple task usually.

This does not include the time needed to remove the gearbox from the car or the clutch kit if needed that will be fitted to the vehicle. Sometimes it is best to have a reconditioned gearbox depending on the price to repair and the time the car will need to be off the road.

Is it worth replacing a gearbox?

This will largely depend on pricing and whether it is worth putting in a new gearbox. Most brand-new gearboxes will cost a lot of money so it is worth it to use a reconditioned box instead as this can save a large amount. Sometimes it will be worth it and sometimes it won't, before all work is carried out we will provide a free quote on the repairs needed.

Can gearboxes be repaired?

In most situations, a gearbox can be repaired, it will need to be removed from the car to be sent away for repairs. This could take quite a few days depending on the scope of work that needs to be carried out, but most gearboxes can be repaired in some cases if it requires a lot of work it may be more cost-effective to have a reconditioned gearbox.

How much does it cost to fix a gearbox?

The cost of a manual transmission repair will depend on what car it is on. Typically 5-speed gearbox repairs end up cheaper than 6-speed boxes but can cost anywhere from £250+ depending on what work needs to be carried out.

Why do gearboxes make noise?

Many different issues can cause a gearbox to make noise, If there is a damaged syncro in certain gears then it may crunch into that gear. There could be damaged bearings inside the gearbox causing it to make a noise when driving in certain gears.