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28 September 2023 Gearbox: replacement cost and symptoms
Is your transmission acting up? This guide will give you the lowdown on what costs and symptoms to expect when your gearbox fails.
How does a gearbox work?
The way the mechanism operates will mostly depend on the type of transmission. However the main parts of a gearbox in a manual transmission generally include three shafts, i.e. the clutch shaft, the main shaft and counter shaft, a series of gears, and the bearings.
The gears are arranged in a particular order along the shafts and are different sizes. Each gear ratio provides a different balance between engine power and vehicle speed. Lower gears provide more torque and are used for starting the vehicle or climbing steep hills, while higher gears offer higher speeds and less torque. The driver is able to change gears using the clutch pedal and car gear shifter.
Article number: 023000037010
£ 181,44
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 462 0055 10
£ 160,42
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: 8131300306
£ 17,97
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Article number: 462 0195 10
£ 194,12
price incl. 20% VAT, free delivery
Article number: FT62005
£ 28,96
price incl. 20% VAT, excl. delivery costs
Automatic assemblies operate similarly but without driver input. They use a torque converter or dual clutch system and hydraulic fluid to transfer power from the engine to the transmission.
What are the signs of a broken gearbox?
Transmission components are usually expected to last around 150,000 to 200,000 miles. However, there are factors and habits that can reduce the lifespan of the gearbox. For example, if it is exposed to other fluids or moisture, the metal parts can begin to corrode. Overloading the assembly due to excess weight or pressure is one of the main causes of premature wear.
A common gear killer is a lack of lubrication. Make sure to check the fluid levels regularly and add new manual or automatic gearbox oil on time and when required.
Symptoms of faulty gearbox:
- Slipping gears
- A grinding noise or shaky car when changing gears
- Transmission fluid leaks
- A clunking noise when shifting gears or accelerating
- Abnormally noisy when in neutral
- A loss of power
- A burning smell
- Inability to shift gears
How much does a gearbox replacement cost?
In the UK, the cost of a manual gearbox replacement typically ranges from £500 to more than £3000, while normal gearbox repairs cost between £200 and £500. An automatic gearbox replacement can cost anywhere between £1000 and £5000.
Moreover, these prices can vary significantly based on factors such as the make, model and age of the vehicle, the type of gearbox and the extent of the damage. You should also take into account the labour rates of the garage or mechanic.
If you decide to buy aftermarket parts yourself to save money, we recommend that you compare prices online. To find compatible products, simply use relevant keywords, e.g. “Nissan Qashqai gearbox” or, for more accurate results, search using the OE part number or VIN.
