Service, Repairs & MOT

Gearbox repair in Plymouth

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

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

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 Plymouth

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.

Try one of our RAC Approved Garages

Heywoods Recovery and Repairs

5.0/5

Heywoods Recovery and Repairs are a family run business located on the outskirts of Tavistock in West Devon. We offer a Nationwide Recovery service and have a fully equipped workshop. Our team of Technicians are equipped to deal with any issues that may arise from a mechanical failure. We have the latest Diagnostic equipment and Specialist tools to undertake those jobs that may have otherwise needed to go to the Main Dealer. We are able to work on the Latest EV and Plug In Hybrid vehicles. We are also able to cater for LCV and HGV repairs. All general mechanical work undertaken at reasonable rates.
Heywoods Recovery Unit 8, Pitts Cleave Ind Est, Tavistock, PL190NT

Polyne Garage.

4.8/5

Here at Polyne Garage we are a small local, independent, family run business and have been serving Saltash, Liskeard and the surrounding area for over 60 years. We offer a genuinely friendly and personal service and as a Unipart Car Care Centre, as well as first class mechanics and workshops, we offer top quality parts at competitive prices. We provide a unique 12 month / 12,000 mile warranty on parts and labour, which is honoured at over 2000 Car Care Centres nationwide. We also understand that dropping off and collecting your vehicle is not always convenient so we offer a collection and delivery service, please feel free to contact us for more information on this. We can estimate all jobs and will advise you in advance if any variation is necessary. Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8:00AM - 5:00PM. From all of us here at Polyne Garage we look forward to hearing from you.
Trerulefoot, Saltash, Cornwall, PL125DA

Marshall Motors SW Ltd

4.0/5

Marshall Motors SW LTD is an independently run business that prides itself on offering unrivaled sales, services, MOTs and mechanical repairs to its customers in the local area and further afield.We offer a comprehensive range of services so whether you need to book an MOT, have your car inspected for its annual check over, or if you have an urgent problem that needs attention, our team of highly specialised mechanics are on hand to fulfill your requirements. RAC ApprovedRMI ApprovedTrust My Garage ApprovedMotor Codes ApprovedTrading Standards Approved
26 Valley Road, Plymouth, PL71RF

W G Friend & Son Ltd

4.0/5

W G Friend & Son Ltd
Units 8-10 Stowford Business Park, Ivybridge, Plymouth, PL21 0BE

Roundabout & Moxham Garage

3.9/5

We are a well known independent garage situated in the heart of Yelverton. We are extremely easy to find and have many amenities local to us. RAC trading standards approved. FREE COURTESY CAR AVAILABLE !!
Moorland Villas, Yelverton, PL206DT

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.