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

Gearbox repair in Cardiff

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.

Whether you're near Roath, Pontcanna, Canton or Llandaff in Cardiff, 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 Cardiff

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

Town Garage.

4.5/5

We 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. We are a independent family run business established in 1976. We are proud members of CVTS & Good Garage Scheme. We are based at old Town Llantrisant. We have vast experience in most aspects of vehicle maintenance and repairs. We work on anything from a classic Ford Escort and Mini to modern vehicles and vans. We have 2 MOT bays. We have modern technology to be able to repair newest vehicle, reset service lights, diagnostics to traditional techniques that sometimes a old fashioned approach may be required. Whatever your needs we hope that Town Garage of Llantrisant will be able to sort.
Newbridge Road, Llantrisant, CF728EX

IN'n'OUT Autocentres Cardiff

4.3/5

At IN’n’OUT Autocentres we offer fixed prices MOTs and Servicing for any make and model of car with no hidden extras. We are proud to be a ‘Which? Trusted Trader’ so we are really a garage you can trust. We also have a 5 Star Trustpilot reviews rating. We provide OEM parts and 12 months warranty on all parts and servicing. We only use premium Castrol oils in all servicing. Our services are all completed ‘while-u-wait’ so you have never have the inconvenience of losing your car for the day. You can watch your car as it is being worked on through the viewing window or sit back and relax in our clean and comfortable customer lounges with FREE Wi-Fi and coffee and read the latest magazines. Check out our latest reviews and BOOK NOW!!
499 Cowbridge Rd W, Cardiff, CF5 5TG

Cardiff MOT Centre

3.3/5

Are you looking for a friendly, family-run independent garage dedicated to the drivers of Cardiff, then you’ve come to the right place. We have over forty years’ experience in the motoring industry and are committed to delivering quality repair work at the most affordable prices. We are proud to offer a wide range of dealership-standard services at much more affordable prices. So, if your vehicle needs an MOT test or service, a diagnostic test, tyre repairs or replacements, brake inspections or a general repair, book an appointment with Cardiff MOT & Service Centre today.
13 Ipswich Road, Cardiff, CF239AQ

Fairwater Garages

2.6/5

We are a family business with over 40 years experience in the motor trade. We believe in a totally transparent service and we regularly welcome customers into our workshop to show them exactly the fault their vehicle has. It is very important to us that you understand, in the case of a repair, what has gone wrong and how we intend to fix it. If you stand still in this industry then you get left behind. That is why we have invested heavily in the specialist equipment and training now required to repair modern vehicles. We have, in the case of all the main manufacturers, the same diagnostic equipment used by them, giving us a true dealer level capability.
Norbury Road, Fairwater, CF5 3AT

Roy Hart Motors Limited

Established in 1968 Roy Hart Motors Limited has always been a family-run garage which prides itself on a high standard of work, friendly customer service and approachable expert advice. We are an RAC-approved garage and are audited every year to ensure our standards remain in line with RAC standards. If you would like to book an appointment for your vehicle, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us on
Winterstoke Road, Weston Super Mare, BS233YS

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.