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

Gearbox repair in Chichester

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 Chichester

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

Swanmore Car Repair Centre

4.8/5

Swanmore Car Repair Centre is an independent repair garage established in 2008. We offer a wide range of services and commend ourselves by providing the best quality and efficiency on every single job we undertake. Our clean, modern and well-equipt premises allow us to welcome any repair and rectify it. We cover anything from a simple service, right through to a full engine rebuild. On-site we have a vast range of different diagnostics equipment from a range of leading suppliers. We can facilitate diagnostics to complete vehicle reprogramming depending on individual need. We can accommodate all vehicle make's and models and are happy to be able to provide you with a reputable dealer level of service, all for the price of an independent garage. Our team specialise in Clutch, Cambelt and Brake repairs and are proud to be rated a national top performer. We are members of the approved garage network This ensures you have peace of mind and confidence when repairing with us. All of our team here at Swanmore Car Repair Centre are fully qualified and trained to the highest standard. We strive in making sure we deliver professional work with results, always put the customer's needs first. Customer satisfaction is essential on each and every job, no matter how big or small. We are very pleased to be able to provide both a collection and delivery service within 10 miles, or a courtesy car subject to availability. Of course, however, you may just prefer to wait in our comfortable waiting room, with free Wi-Fi and refreshments on offer.
Unit 7 Swanmore Business Centre, Lower Chase Road, Swanmore, Southampton, SO32 2PB

Ian Bright Motor Engineer

4.7/5

Ian Bright Motor Engineers is a friendly independent garage situated in a beautiful countryside location in Halnaker, Chichester. Established since 2013, our small team are dedicated to delivering you the highest levels of customer service. Our workshop is fully equipped and we cater for all makes and models of vehicles, offering our customers a comprehensive range of repairs, maintenance work, servicing and MOT’s. Owner Ian has over 47 years of experience, having started his 5 year City & Guilds apprenticeship back in the 70’s. City and Guilds qualifications are a lot more intense and labour intensive compared to the more modern qualifications available to mechanics nowadays, and we were taught how to fix and repair parts as opposed to simply replacing them, which is standard practice in most places today. I have experience working with older classic cars, alongside newer more modern ones too, and no job is too big or too small for us to take on! Most of my customers have been with me for years and know that by choosing my company to undertake works on their pride and joy, they will receive fantastic workmanship alongside a personalised service. We would never advise you doing anything to your vehicle which was unnecessary as some garages do purely for profit, priding ourselves on our honest core values. My son, who was trained in-house alongside me, has branched out into classic and vintage race cars and is fast gaining a fantastic reputation for his first-class trimming, and my eldest grandson Lewis is now working with me and is undergoing his apprenticeship too. Three more grandsons are also looking to come on board and keep this garage running with a strong family presence.
Unit 2 The Workshops, Thicket Lane, Halnaker, PO180QS

LMC Auto Services Ltd

4.0/5

Our owner Lee Cripps set up LMC Auto Services in 2001 with just £150 and a Ford Escort van, and we have been serving customers in Pulborough and the wider community ever since! The business grew quickly and the garage opened in 2005. We now have a team of six dedicated, loyal and highly qualified employees who work on approximately 300 cars a month. From the outset Lee wanted to provide an honest and reliable service, ensuring that excellent customer service was given at all times – something that continues to be extremely important to all members of the team to this day. Since opening we have worked hard to build a reputation of offering value for money to the Pulborough community and the large amount of repeat custom we receive is testament to this. We are Members of: Checkatrade.com The good garage scheme Trading standards buy with confidence RMI Trust my garage RAC Approved garage
7 And 8 Station Approach, Pulborough, RH201AQ

Hilsea Tyres

3.5/5

At Hilsea Tyres, we provide you with specialised advice and solutions for all garage services. We supply and fit new and part worn tyres, at competitive prices, in Portsmouth and it’s surrounding areas. With over 15 years experience we pride ourselves on our commitment to outstanding tyre fitting services. Whether it’s a single replacement or full-set, our services cater to a wide range of needs, so we can get your car up and running as quick as possible. As true specialists in the motor industry, our services don’t just stop at expertly fitted tyres. We also offer and perform an extensive set of mechanical and car maintenance services within our Portsmouth based auto centre.
Unit 21 Gunners Buildings, Limberline Road, PO3 5BJ

MSC Wisborough Limited

3.0/5

WE ARE OPEN, BUSINESS AS USUAL. We are an honest, friendly and reliable independently run business. We specialize in Servicing, MOT's and all repairs on vehicles. We have a brilliant team of technicians whom are hardworking and honest. We are located in Wisborough Green. During COVID-19 we are following all guidelines put in place by the health of England. We are offering free collection and delivery for anyone within a 15 mile radius. At MSC Mot and service centre we believe that customer service and satisfaction is our number one priority. We are part of the Good Garage Scheme, and the RAC. We take pride in our reputation and helping others. We wish you all the best during COVID-19.
Msc Newpound Service Station, Wisborough Green, RH140AZ

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.