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

Gearbox repair for your Volkswagen

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 for Volkswagen

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

Auto-Line MOT Centre

5.0/5

Here at Auto-Line M O T we offer high quality servicing and mechanical repairs. We carry out any repairs to industry standard service manual labor times. We also offer a free collection and delivery service and vehicle movement services, which are subject to availability. We are a small close-knit team of two technicians with over 30 years of experience between us. We have a real passion for what we do and carry out every single job, no matter how big or small, to the highest standards. Owner Oliver is fully licensed, insured and qualified in the following; DVSA registered Authorised Examiner and mot tester Automotive Refrigerant Handling (EC Level 3 Award (IMI Awards Ltd) Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence, Level 3 Diploma (IMI Awards Ltd) Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Principles, Level 2 Diploma (IMI Awards Ltd). Numerous product courses with Ford Numerous product course with jaguar land rover Numerous product courses with BMW Luke is a landrover master technician Very experienced with all makes and models as comes from and aftermarket background. Light Vehicle Maintenance and Repair Competence, Level 3 Diploma (IMI Awards Ltd)
Unit 17 British Waterways Yard, Shardlow, Derby, DE722HL

Awan Auto Tec

4.7/5

Awan Auto Tec are an independently run garage based in Ardwick, Manchester, which has been established since 2016. We have a team of three very experienced, fully qualified City & Guilds and IMI approved technicians, who are also VOSA approved MOT testers. We carry out class 4 MOT’s in house as well as all forms of mechanical repairs, MOT repairs, maintenance work and servicing. We undertake work on all makes and models of vehicles, with no job being too big or too small. Our standard opening hours are 9-5 Monday to Friday and 9-2 on Saturday. With prior booking, Sunday appointments MAY be available. We also offer our customers a recovery at a reasonable price, with distance being no issue. We pride ourselves on the quality of our work and we use good quality original equipment parts, and we guarantee all of our work. Extra 10 % discount available upon proof of ID for; NHS staff Charity organisations Motor traders Armed forces members
Unit 1 Millgreen Street, Ardwick, Manchester, M126FB

Lushington Motors Ltd

4.8/5

Lushington Motors are an established local independent family run garage and are proud to be members of the LKQ-ECP 1 Tec Network. For your added peace of mind, we are members of the Motor Ombudsman service which is approved by The Trading Standards Institute. We are also members of the Independant Garage Association (IGA) and Trust My Garage network. In short, we are a local garage you can trust offering you the support and service guarantees of a national network, giving you complete peace of mind. We cover Hailsham, Polegate and surrounding Eastbourne area. We will only supply and fit quality O.E parts, so parts with the same quality, that were originally fitted to your vehicle at the factory. For added piece of mind we only use Shell engine oil.
Unit 10 Westham Business Park, Eastbourne Road, Westham, BN24 5NP

Master MOT and Service Centre

4.0/5

We offer car and van Mot service six days a week from 9 am to 6pm.we offer car servicing brakes exhausts diagnostics Tyres replacement free pre mot checks
Unit3 Woodland Mill Hazelbottom Road M8 0Gq, Behind To Express Car Wash, Manchester, M80GQ

Darlington Mot Centre

4.9/5

Darlington Mot Centre Mot cars, vans , motor homes , motorbikes , trikes ,quads • Comfortable reception to wait in • Motorcycle class 1 and 2 only £25 • Class 4 cars and vans only £45 • Class 7 & motor homes up to 3.5ton only £50 • MOT's carried out up to 28 days before expiry - keep your original expiry date • Post card reminder service so you never forget your MOT again • Free re-test within 10 working days • No charge for head light adjustments We service and repair all makes of vehicles All makes serviced and repaired • Full and Interim service • Body shop repairs for those little scrapes, dings and re-sprays • Air-con new and old gasses repairs • Timing belts and engine repairs • Brake disks and pads • Exhaust and suspension • Tracking 4 wheel alignment • Tyres new and part worn • Batteries, starters and alternators • Diagnostics and engine management systems • Clutches and gear boxes
Darlington Mot Centre, 410 Whessoe Road, Darlington, DL3 0RP

Frequently asked questions about a 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.