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

Gearbox repair in Watford

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 Watford

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

ACS Autowerks Limited

5.0/5

ACS AUTOWERKS first began in 1991 in West Drayton at a basic but functional workshop site. Many of you reading this may have been to see us at the original site and we thank you for your continued custom. For 17 years the company grew in knowledge, expertise and experience. Specialising in German Vehicles enabled our team to gain extensive knowledge in all areas of the German motor vehicle. Specialising heavily in BMW, Mercedes and Porsche has pushed ACS AUTOWERKS to the forefront of vehicle technology.Our bodyshop works to the highest standard and will treat every vehicle with the same respect and care as we do our own. We are able to offer repairs of any nature including insurance work. We also specialise in non fault accident claims and can assist you every step of the way to get your vehicle back on the road.
Unit 2 Chancerygate Industrial Centre, Horton Close, West Drayton, UB7 8EB

Hertfordshire Vehicle Services

4.7/5

Fast, professional and reliable service for the motorists of Hatfield, Welwyn Garden City and surrounding areas. Mechanical repairs and servicing undertaken on all makes & models of cars and light commercials. Diagnostics services also available, with the latest up to date equipment on the market alongside the general services we also specialise in DPF. WE WELCOME PRIVATE, FLEETS, TAXIS AND TRADE CUSTOMERS When it comes to looking after your car, look no further than HVS - our commitment to customer service makes us the obvious choice.
21 Fiddle Bridge Lane, Hatfield, AL100SP

RSC Ltd.

4.5/5

We have on site a fully equipped three ramp workshop. Our work shop philosophy is very old school, we will never carry out any work to your vehicle unless it is needed, always ask your permission to carry out any work up and above what has been agreed and do our utmost to give a fair and reasonable cost service at all times. As a result of this we have a loyal database of customers from Rickmansworth, Watford, Northwood, Hatch end, Bushy and surrounding area. We offer a wide variety of services at an extremely competitive rate especially when compared to the main dealers, these include: servicing, repairs, bodywork, tracking, tyres, air conditioning re gasses, clutches, brakes, exhausts, car audio and alarms.
Oxhey Drive, South Oxhey, Watford, WD197SE

Nash Mills MOT & Service Centre

3.8/5

At Nash Mills we are a young and progressive company located on the boundaries of Hemel Hempstead and further afield, such as in - St. Albans - Watford - Hatfield - Berkhamsted -Kings Langley We've been trading in the local Hertfordshire area since September 2013 and we have an excellent reputation for being one of the friendliest and most reliable garages in the county. Our, team combines 60 years of trade experience to deliver a complete range of repair and services for all make cars and vans. We carry all the latest diagnostics equipment, so we're able to diagnose all sorts of faults, as well as carrying out the more common repair types, such as: - Servicing - Mots - Engine diagnostics - Repairs When you need reliable commercial and regular vehicle services in and around Hertfordshire get in touch with Nash Mills MOT & Service centre on whocanfixmycar.com! At Eurorepar Car Service, we’re all about keeping you and your car moving with confidence. As a trusted network of local garages, we provide high-quality car maintenance and repairs tailored to your needs – all at competitive prices. With our exclusive Brakes for Life program and a 2-year parts and labour warranty, you can drive away knowing you’re covered for the long haul.* Ask your Eurorepar Car Service Centre to fit Eurorepar branded parts to qualify. Claims under the 2-year parts and labour warranty must be made at a Eurorepar Car Service Centre. Discover expert care, unbeatable value, and peace of mind – all under one roof. Ready to experience the Eurorepar difference? Request a quote or give us a call today! *Terms and conditions apply.
Nash Mills Mot And Service Centre, Rear Of - 194A Belswains Lane, Hemel Hempstead, HP39XA

Halt Motor Company

3.6/5

David Bux started Halt Motor Company in 1979 and it is now a well-established family business, with sons James and Charles now running the workshop full-time.  HMC has been specialising in quality used cars since 1984 and all aspects of after-sales, including servicing, repairs and MOTs.  As a proffesional car care centre, we have the latest equipment, which allows our qualified mechanics to diagnose any problems quickly. We have recently invested in more diagnostic equipment that will help us to rectify any problems you may have with your car more efficiently.
Unit 1, Hurricane Trading Estate, London, NW9 5QW

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.