Why choose the RAC for a gearbox repair?

At the RAC, we've got over 125 years' experience helping UK drivers. We have the skills and knowledge to keep your vehicle running. We'll give you results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

Whether you're near Groomsport, Holywood, Donaghadee or Ballyholme in Bangor, RAC Approved Garages offer a reliable way to get a gearbox repair, with simple, transparent pricing.

Close up of an RAC Mobile Mechanic underneath a car
A close up of a car gear stick

Book a gearbox repair

The gearbox handles smooth gear changes and overall driving performance. If you’re hearing grinding noises, having trouble changing gears, or gears are slipping, it’s time for a repair at an RAC Approved Garage.

Any work done will meet the high standards set by the RAC.
We’re friendly, straightforward and jargon-free
A mechanic inspecting the underside of a vehicle.

Book a diagnostic

A mechanic will check your car for faults and talk you through any repairs you might need. There are various ways to check for faults, which could include a physical examination or plugging in to check your car’s onboard engine management system.

We’ll look for any mechanical or electrical problems. If we need to, we’ll also check your car’s onboard engine management system. Depending on your car and issue, this will usually include: – Engine – Power steering – Brakes – Transmission – Exhaust system – Fuel injection system – Cooling system and air flow – Sensors

And it’s not just gearbox repairs that we do in Bangor

RAC Approved Garages offer MOTs and services. Our professional mechanics have the expertise and experience to make sure your vehicle is operating safely and efficiently – results you can rely on at a price you can afford.

A close up of an RAC mobile mechanic looking under the hood of a car

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Gwalia Recovery LTD

5.0/5

Here at Gwalia we have been a family run business since 1973 offering a range of services which include a Shell Forecourt with a Londis shop that you may find useful should you be here in our waiting room. Our friendly bilingual staff are always on hand to assist in any way they can. We boast a fleet of over 20 recovery vehicles capable of recovering any vehicle found on the UK roads, which operate on a 24 hour basis! Our workshop is fully equipped to service or repair your vehicle, getting you back on the road as quickly as possible is our number one priority! To aid in this Gwalia keep a number of fast moving problematic parts in stock as well as a very wide range of tyres on the shelf (13" up to 22") !!! Gwalia is open for business as normal even on bank holidays !!
Gwalia Garage, Caeathro, Caernarfon, LL55 2SS

R.B Automotive

5.0/5

We are a local garage carrying out vehicle servicing and repair. With over 40 years combined experience with all makes and models you can trust your vehicle is in safe hands.
R B Automotive, Chester Road West, Deeside, CH51SA

Durley Garage & MOT Centre Ltd.

5.0/5

Durley Garage and MOT Centre have been catering for all car and light vehicle repair services in the Wirral since 1992 and we have over 38 years of continuous experience in the trade. The team consists of 7 qualified members of staff, please see a brief detail of the staff below. Graham Malam - Director and TechnicianStarted the company up along with his business partner and has been in the trade since 1974. Graham covers the majority of areas in the business he is an accredited motor engineer and a qualified City and Guilds technician. Greg Maxwell - Director and Technician Started the company with Graham in 1992 and covers majority areas in the business. He is an accredited Motor Engineer and qualified City and Guilds technicianIan Malam - Senior TechnicianHas been with the company since 1992 and is qualified City and Guilds technician. Ian is a specialist in Ford vehicles. Chris Halsey - TechnicianHas been with us since school when he joined us as an apprentice and he is now fully qualified technician specialising in Major engine repairs and gearboxes. He has achieved NVQ Level 3 City and Guilds. Office Staff Neil Malam - Service Manager and Diagnostic Specialist Has been with us since 2002 and he controls all aspects of work load, reception queries and accounts. He is a computer diagnostic specialist. All of our technicians are main dealer trained and fully accredited.
3 Prenton Way, North Cheshire Trading Estate, Prenton, CH433DU

Bridge garage LTD

4.0/5

Established for over 50 years, a family run business with a reputation for high quality workmanship at reasonable costs. From minor to major repairs on car, commercial and PSV vehicles. Our garage is fully equipped to take care of all sorts of vehicles faults and issues. To discuss your requirements, speak to a member of our team today. We are your local go-to garage in Ossett and surrounding areas.
Unit 1, Ind Est, Pentraeth, LL758LJ

Owen Automotive Ltd.

3.1/5

We are an established family run local independent garage and are proud to be members of the Autofirst Network – a nationwide network of independent garages operating to the Network’s 6 core values of Capability, Consistency, Care, Clarity, Cost Effectiveness and Customer Focus. For your added peace of mind we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute. We cover the Wrexham postcode areas and offer a free collection and delivery service within 5 miles.” At Owen Automotive Ltd, we are experts when it comes to Renault cars. If you want your car to get the same level of care and attention as from a dealership, then you can bring your car to our garage. Whether you want to check the performance of your car’s engine or change the electrical wiring of your car, you can rely on the expertise of our technicians to get the job done efficiently. Through dedication and hard work, we have built up an impeccable reputation for offering a high-quality service. This is one of the reasons why so many customers from Wrexham and Chester come to us whenever there is a problem with their car. To discuss your requirements or to book your car in for servicing, talk to a member of our team today.
Unit 3, Rhosddu Industrial Estate, Wrexham, LL114YL

Frequently asked questions on gearbox repair

If your clutch has gone, you may have a problem trouble shifting gears or a soft or spongy clutch pedal. It might not even move when in gear!

Gearbox issues, on the other hand, show themselves with grinding noises, difficulty staying in gear, or leaking fluid. Both issues affect your gear shifting but come from different parts of the transmission system.

A gearbox specialist is a mechanic who’s an expert in diagnosing, repairing, and replacing gearboxes. They have training and experience dealing with many types of gearboxes, including manual, automatic, and semi-automatic systems. Talking to a specialist makes sure that any gearbox issues you may have are accurately diagnosed and repaired to the best standard.

Yes, many damaged gearboxes can be repaired. How damaged it is dictates how repairable it is. Small issues like worn seals or bearings can often be fixed. Severe damage might mean a complete rebuild or replacement. A professional mechanic can see the damage and tell you the best course of action.

Common signs of a faulty gearbox include:

  • Grinding or whining noises.
  • Difficulty changing gears.
  • Leaking transmission fluid.
  • A burning smell from the transmission area.
  • The car slipping out of gear or not staying in gear

If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s best to get your gearbox seen by a professional.

The gearbox transfers power from the engine to the wheels. This allows your car to move at different speeds. It adjusts the engine's power output to the wheels and makes sure the engine runs well at various speeds.

Mechanics use several methods to find gearbox issues:

  • Visual inspection: Checking for obvious signs of damage or leaks.
  • Test drive: Watching the car’s performance while driving.
  • Diagnostic tools: Using scanners to read error codes from the car’s computer.
  • Fluid analysis: Checking the condition and level of transmission fluid.

These methods help pinpoint the problem.

A DSG (Direct-Shift Gearbox) is a type of automatic transmission. It uses two clutches for faster and smoother gear changes. As it combines the ease of an automatic with the performance of a manual gearbox, it’s popular in many modern vehicles.

Whether a gearbox repair is covered by warranty depends on your policy. Manufacturer warranties often cover gearbox repairs in a certain period or mileage. Extended warranties and aftermarket policies may also provide you cover. Check your warranty details or talk to your provider for more information.

Most standard car insurance policies don’t cover gearbox repairs unless the damage is due to an insured event like an accident. Mechanical breakdown cover or specialised policies might offer you protection. Review your insurance policy or speak with your insurer to find out more about your coverage.

Gearbox repair costs vary a lot, depending on the issue and car type. Minor repairs can cost you a few hundred pounds. Major repairs or replacements can potentially cost you more than £1,000. Labour rates and party prices also influence the total cost that you may have to pay. It’s a good idea to get more than one quote for a good estimate.

For the best quality repairs, look for certified mechanics with helpful reviews. Specialists can provide you accurate diagnoses and reliable repairs, keeping your car running as it should.