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

Gearbox repair in Preston

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 Preston

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

Ace Elite Autos LTD

HERE AT ACE ELITE AUTOS LTD, WE TAKE PRIDE IN ALL WORK CARRIED OUT. WITH OUR IN-HOUSE QUALITY CONTROL, WE ENSURE EACH AND EVERY VEHICLE LEAVES TO A SATISFACTORY STANDARD AND ENSURING ALL WORK IS CARRIED OUT WITHIN MANUFACTURERS SPECIFICATIONS. WITH ALMOST 85% OF INBOUND VEHICLES OF GERMAN ORIGIN, YOU CAN BE ASSURED WE HAVE THE BEST KNOWLEDGE, TOOLS, AND DIAGNOSTIC EQUIPMENT TO CARRY OUT YOUR REPAIRS. WITH CUSTOMER SATISFACTION AT THE HEART OF OUR BUSINESS, IF THERE ARE ANY QUESTIONS OR REQUESTS PRIOR TO OR POST-BOOKING, PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US. THANK YOU
Patten Street 1, Garage, Preston, PR12HA

Eldon Street Garage Ltd

Eldon Street Garage has been established for over 40 years, we are a medium sized business with a large local customer base. We provide a friendly and personal service which has earned us an outstanding reputation in and around Preston. All of our work is guaranteed and we have a fixed labour charge, which means that you don't have to worry about any hidden charges. We provide a wide range of garage services for any make or model and we are Citroen specialists.
174 Eldon Street, Ashton-On-Ribble, Preston, PR2 2AY

CKE Commercials/Fleet Services Limited

LGV & HGV Roadside Assistance in Lancashire Our trained experts pride themselves on efficiency, accuracy and a 5* level of service! We price our work competitively, and put a lot of work into preparing your quotes so that they are as accurate as possible, and without surprise costs! We can provide an expert roadside assistance service that is tailored to your needs. We work in partnership with your business, and we understand the need to keep efficiency up and cost down, whilst ensuring to keep your vehicles moving!
453A Carr Place, Walton Summit Ind, Preston, PR58AU

Woods Fleet Support Ltd

Operating in Preston, Lancashire, Woods Fleet Support not only provides vehicle breakdown assistance and recovery locally, but nationwide, due to a widespread network of trusted sub-contractors who are individually vetted to ensure they provide the best service possible for our customers. With an ETA of 60-90 minutes, our main aim is to have your vehicles operating and back on the road with as little down time as possible, therefore, any possible roadside repairs will be completed before deployment of a recovery vehicle. With a fully equipped and PAS43 & ISO9001 accredited workshop based in Preston, Lancashire, we provide full fleet maintenance, repair, breakdown, and MOT packages which is scheduled on our professional, fleet maintenance system meaning you can trust us to take care of your fleet whatever the needs.
Cuerdon Farm Liverpool Road Tarleton, Preston, PR46HN

Auto Technics Southport

Southport MOT's Managing Director, Chris Cross, discovered his passion for mechanics at the tender age of four years old. He would follow his father “like a shadow”, watching and learning while he tinkered with motorbikes and cars. By the age of 14, Chris was such a competent car mechanic that he removed his first engine from the chassis of an original Fiat 500. When Chris left school, aged 16, he was only out of work for a week before he went to work for Jack Hodson Ltd; a well-established garage in Bootle. At the same time he attended Riversdale Technical College, in Liverpool, gaining his City and Guilds Motor Vehicle Technicians Part 1, 2 and 3 qualifications. At the age of 21, Chris launched his own business, starting as a mobile mechanic before moving to a workshop in Formby. He finally settled the business at its current location, at 71 London Street, Southport, twelve years ago. All of which means that Chris has been a top flight car mechanic for more than 33 years. Chris constantly seeks to upgrade his skills and knowledge to remain at the top of his game. He has gained just about all the relevant qualifications possible and is a member of the Institute of Road Transport Engineers and Institute of the Motor Industry (IMI). Southport MOT is also an accredited Which? Trusted Trader, Unipart Car Car Centre and part of the Approved Garages network – so you can always be sure of the highest standards of customer service. Right-hand man, Mike, has been with the business for more than 25 years. His knowledge and expertise are second to none. While Chris' son, Tom, has followed in his father's footsteps to become a fully qualified technician at the garage and has been with the company for 15 years. “I'd like to think that people come to us because of what we can do. We tend to get a lot of problems that other car garages can't rectify because we've got a serious amount of experience in the motor trade. I've always liked cars and I take pride in doing a good job more than anything.” – Chris Cross, Managing Director, Southport MOT Talk to us today about our services onor email [email protected].
Autotechnics, 71 London Street, Southport, PR90TX

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.