A close up of a car gear stickA close-up of a car gearbox stick
Service, Repairs & MOT

Gearbox repair in Birmingham

Book a local RAC Approved Garage that you can trust.

  • 12-months parts guarantee
  • Honest pricing
  • Exceptional customer service

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.

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 Birmingham

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

Ferdotti Motor Services Ltd

5.0/5

Ferdotti Motor Services is a reputable family owned business based in West Bromwich and have been established for over 30 years. As a local vehicle service centre we offer a wide range of services for cars and commercial vehicles including: MOT testing, servicing, repairs, diagnostics, laser wheel alignment, engine re-conditioning, welding and fabrication and bodywork. The quality of our work is reflected in our loyal customer base.
40 Pleasant Street, Lyng, West Bromwich, B70 7DP

Vagtec Motors

5.0/5

Your premier garage in West Bromwich for MOT Testing, Servicing, Repairs and Tyres, specialising in German Cars but welcoming all. Located just off Tunnel Road we provide quality MOT and tyres services to West Bromwich, Dudley, Walsall and the surrounding areas. Here in West Bromwich we pride ourselves on providing exceptional MOT testing as well as tyres and fitting, our vast expertise and experience mean you can leave your vehicle with us knowing you are in expert hands. Our fully qualified MOT mechanics can test class 4 vehicles (Car MOT).
Vagtec Motors, Tunnel Road, West Bromwich, B700RD

AA Mot and service centre

4.9/5

AA car mot. we have been a family rum business for over 14 years with vast experience and qualifications . and time spent in the trade . we services and repair all make of cars and small vans, services including brakes , exhaust, clutches , timing ,engine work ad all mot failure work.
Unit 5, Leech Street , Great Bridge, DY47AH

TJ Monkeez Garage

4.6/5

TJ Monkeez Garage is a family run, independent, RAC approved garage based in Birmingham. We offer a full range of garage services: >Vehicle Service >Exhaust >Brakes >Engine Repair >Carbon Cleaning >Tyres and many more.....
Unit 14, Saxon Way, Birmingham, B375AY

Emerald House of Cars - Service Centre

4.2/5

Not only do the Emerald Team carry out an amazing job in preparing vehicles for sale, the doors are also open to the general public for MOT, servicing and repair work. Emerald are a real family run business and we treat our customers like family. The same ethos that allowed us to win the UK Independent Dealer of the year carries over into our service department; we are committed to giving the best service our customers have ever received. Main dealer quality and service but without the hefty price tag. We pride ourselves on providing not only great value, but also transparency through video health checks and upfront quotations. Need to have some urgent work done on your vehicle but don't have the cash right now? We understand! That's why we have 0% interest payment plans available for all the work that we do.
Unit 6, Emerald House, Heath Road, Wednesbury, WS108LP

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.