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 Hove, Rottingdean, Preston Park or Kemptown in Brighton, 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 Brighton

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

WHEELBASE

5.0/5

Wheelbase are an established local independent garage and are proud to be members of 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. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind. We cover Basingstoke and surrounding areas and offer courtesy cars as well as a free collection and delivery service.
24B Victoria Way, Burgess Hill, RH15 9NF

Bayley's vehicle locksmiths ltd

4.9/5

Bayleys Vehicle Locksmiths are an experienced, reliable and skilled local business based in Hove, East Sussex. We cover the whole of Sussex, Surrey and Kent and offer a 24 hour emergency response. VEHICLE LOCKSMITHS – VEHICLE REPAIR – MOT AND SERVICING WE OFFER COMPLETE KEY CUTTING AND CODING FOR MOST VEHICLES, INCLUDING HGVS & LGVS. HAVE YOU LOST YOUR HGV KEY OR NEED A SPARE ONE? WE COVER THE WHOLE OF SUSSEX, SURREY, AND KENT AND OFFER A 24-HOUR EMERGENCY RESPONSE. WE PROVIDE A FULL CODING SERVICE– ECU CODING – BSI UNITS AND CIM UNITS. ALL DONE AT OUR WORKSHOP OR WE CAN COME TO YOU. We offer complete Key cutting and coding for most vehicles, including HGVs & LGVs. Our team of experts can get your car fixed up in no time, so you can get back to your busy schedule. We also offer MOT and servicing services, so if your vehicle is due for its annual check-up, give us a call! Our expert technicians are only a phone call away when you need them!
Unit 1 D, Cambridge Grove, Hove, BN33ED

CENTRAL AUTO REPAIRS LTD

4.4/5

Central Auto Repair Services is a place where we repair cars with the utmost care and attention. While you can go to several other garages for the same work, we give you plenty of reasons for why should you rather visit us. Since its establishment, Central Auto Repair Services has never stopped evolving and upgrading its facilities and services. We want to make sure that we take care of your vehicles in the best possible way, as it is something that you treasure so much. Over the years, word of mouth has been our biggest advertisement method. We have made sure that we provide our customers with nothing less than satisfaction, while they let others know about our standards as well. From a small garage run by a family to being one of the best garages in the city, Central Auto Repair Services has a story of its own. While the first technicians were none other than the family members, we now take pride in our extended family of experts. Over time, we have trained our technicians extensively to make sure that they deliver nothing less than quality services. We also make sure to help them gain confidence and fluency with their work, which is helpful when someone asks for advice related to their cars. They are now some of the best technicians in the city which is all thanks to their years of hard work and dedication. While our experts have contributed so much time in making themselves better and more efficient, we considered it our duty to help them as well. We make sure that the latest pieces of equipment are available at Central Auto Repair Services. This helps them enhance their work quality even more while being able to satisfy our customers with more efficiency. Our customers have never had to complain about an issue that wasn’t dealt with properly, and neither about some issue which could be the result of our carelessness. We know that your time is precious, and so are you for us. We offer a wide range of best in class services for your car. We can efficiently deal with all the parts of your car like brakes, clutches, cambelts, wheel balancing and alignment, diagnostics, etc. We make sure that all of these services are dealt with the greatest care and no scope of error is left. As part of our efficient servicing system, all the cars undergo a complete check-up to ensure that the work done is proper and effective. Central Auto Repair Services are not only known for their diagnostic services, but also for providing our customers with quality products. In case you are looking for a new set of tyres for your car, you can get some of the best ones from us. We have a wide range of latest tyres from top manufacturers like Bridgestone, Continental, Dunlop, Michelin, and Yokohama. We have a collection of all the types of tyres that they manufacture. From budget tyres to performance tyres, Central Auto Repair Services is a hub for all types of tyres. We work for your satisfaction and to gain your trust through our work. We promise to deliver nothing but top-notch quality services to our customers and never let them be in trouble due to our ignorance. Being a family-led business, we know what safety of your loved ones means and we make sure to never compromise it. Visit us at Central Auto Repair Services and you’ll never have to give it a second thought to visit us again. We believe that the only hard work that you should do is pay the bills, the rest is our stuff to take care of, and we do that damn well.
Central Auto Repair Services, Bridge Road Garage, Worthing, BN147BU

Ron Young Motors Ltd

3.8/5

Established in 1981, Ron Young Motors Ltd is a long running independent garage located in Peacehaven. Comprised of a tight-knit group of 6 passionate mechanics, with 130 years’ worth of experience racked up, we are ready to tackle any issue you bring to us. We offer a flexible service, with warranties offered on labour and parts. In addition to this we can provide collection and delivery for your vehicle (up to 3 miles), or a courtesy car if that is necessary. If you have an issue with your vehicle, please don't hesitate to give us a call, we're always happy to help.
Units E4 And E5 Hoyle Rd, Peacehaven, BN108LW

Newhaven Auto Centre Ltd

3.0/5

If you’re looking for a trustworthy Automobile Repair Shop, look no further than Newhaven Auto Centre. We’ve been servicing the Newhaven area since 2015 and pride ourselves on our transparency, professionalism and attention to detail. Newhaven Auto Centre treats each client with attentiveness and care, providing comprehensive service for you and your car. We save you valuable time and money by running a thorough examination to locate the source of the problem. It's our responsibility to update and advise you on the process beforehand and to make sure that the work we do meets your standards and needs
Unit 3, Robinson Road, Newhaven, BN99BL

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.