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

Gearbox repair in Braintree

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 Braintree

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

Kestrels Motor Company

We are a small professional team that offers sales servicing and repairs. We provide one of the best services for MOT tests at our Garage in Halstead. By using highly experienced staff and equipment you can be assured your car is in good hands to be inspected. Kestrels Motor Company have fully qualified and experienced staff that can supply and fit brakes for all makes and models at competitive prices. At Kestrels Motor Company we can cure most types of diagnostics on your car. Looking to buy tyres for your car? Kestrels Motor Company can get you driving safe and legal on the road. We carry an extensive range of batteries, which are available to be fitted while you wait. Ranging from a 3-year, 4-year & 5-year warranty.
Bluebridge Industrial Estate, Unit 6 Third Avenue., Halstead, CO92SX

GB Autos

We are an idependant garage thats a member of the RMI & IMI. We aim to carry out work to main dealer levels & above with our clean & well equiped workshop. GB Autos has Diagnostic Equipment equivalent to your main dealer, we can under take any jobs from correcting your tyre pressures to full engine rebuilds. GB Autos is now RAC Approved & are a Bosch Car Service Centre so we have passed a stringent audit & are able to work under the RAC & Bosch Banner. You can be assured that we are using the very best parts on your car for servicing & repairs & all our parts carry a 1 year warranty so rest assured that you are getting the very best Independent Car workshop possible.
Unit 46, Broton Drive, Halstead, CO91HB

Great Horkesley Garage

First established in 1994, we have decades worth of experience to tackle anything you challenge us with! We are a very successful, family run business that provides MOT, servicing, fuel sales and a shop for everyday essentials. Our mechanics are fully qualified and committed to providing a high quality service at reasonable prices on all makes and models of cars and vans.
The Causeway, Great Horkesley, CO64EJ

City Electric Vehicle Engineering

High level vehicle diagnostics (electrical & mechanical) with 10 years worth of extensive Hybrid / electric vehicle experience - whether its a normal petrol, diesel vehicle or a modern day electric / hybrid vehicle we can solve most issues that other garages can't.
Unit 15 Oyster Place, Montrose Road, Chelmsford, CM26TX

Saltmarsh Automotive LTD

BMW/Mini/German car specialists, repairs offered on all makes and models. IMI & EV qualified Free collection & delivery offered to all customers in the local area, please call to check collection is offered for you however our radius if from Bradwell-On-Sea to Southend then up to Kelvedon area
Unit L The Mayflower, Mill Road, Mayland, CM36EQ

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.