How Much Does It Cost To Replace a Gearbox?

Typically, a gearbox replacement costs between £500 and £2,800.

The gearbox is one of the most important parts of any vehicle, transferring power from the engine to the wheels. Many cars use a simple 5 or 6-speed manual gearbox, while newer or luxury models often have automatic gearboxes with up to 8 gears. 

But how much does it cost to replace a gearbox, and does the price vary between manual and automatic? Keep reading to find out.

Key takeaways

1. How much does a manual gearbox replacement cost?
2. Manual gearbox replacement costs by manufacturer
3. Gearbox replacement cost by vehicle type
4. How much does an automatic gearbox replacement cost?
5. Labour costs to repair a gearbox
6. Gearbox replacement cost and parts availability
7. How long should a gearbox last?
8. Gearbox repairs vs replacements
9. Typical costs to repair gearboxes
10. Is it worth replacing a gearbox?
11. How does a gearbox work?
12. What makes a gearbox go bad?
13. How does a gearbox get damaged?
14. How do I know if my gearbox needs replacing?
15. Can you repair your gearbox without a mechanic?
16. How do I protect my gearbox?
17. What to do if your gearbox breaks?
18. How long does it take to replace a gearbox?
19. What’s more expensive, a clutch or a gearbox replacement?
20. How do you maintain a gearbox?
21. Can I drive with a damaged gearbox?
22. How to get a good deal on a gearbox repair

How much does a manual gearbox replacement cost?

Replacement manual gearboxes typically cost between £500 and £2,800, depending on the car.

Family cars, city cars, and hatchbacks with engines up to 2.0L usually cost around £200 to £3,000. Whereas, luxury, sports, and performance cars with larger engines can range from £6,000 to £7,000. 

Because gearboxes need precision and quality materials to efficiently transfer engine power, they can be expensive to produce, repair, and replace. Car repair finance can help you split the costs into interest-free repayments.

Manual gearbox replacement costs by manufacturer

Here’s a breakdown of common brands and their lowest gearbox repair costs, without any labour costs:

Gearbox replacement cost by vehicle type

Alongside manufacturers, gearbox replacement costs vary depending on the type of vehicle. Small cars and vans have very different parts!

The table below provides estimated price ranges for manual gearboxes, including labour, to give you a clear idea of what to expect.

How much does an automatic gearbox replacement cost?

The average cost to replace an automatic gearbox ranges from £600 to £2,300. 

Traditional 5 or 6-speed automatic replacements cost between £600 and £1,200, while twin clutch or DSG gearboxes range from £1,100 to £2,300. 

Whilst automatic gearboxes often involve fewer components in the car, they can be much more complicated and difficult to work on than their manual counterparts. 

Labour costs to repair a gearbox 

Gearbox labour costs average around £400 to £600.

This is because it would take roughly 8 to 10 hours to remove the damaged gearbox, repair it, and reinstall it. Mechanics' cost, on average, £40-60 per hour in the UK. 

Gearbox replacement cost and parts availability 

Successful gearbox repairs depend on having the right components. You can’t put any old gearbox in your car!

Part availability varies, so vehicles with easily accessible components experience faster, smoother repairs with minimal downtime. In contrast, unique or luxury car gearboxes can take longer to fix, as replacement parts are harder to source.

How long should a gearbox last?

A gearbox should last the engine’s lifetime, typically over 100,000 miles.

Rare or expensive cars may need more frequent replacements. However, poor use by previous owners is the main cause of gearbox problems, which can reduce the overall life of the car.

Gearbox repairs vs replacements

Gearbox repairs suit minor problems, but complete replacements are best for major damage.

Gearbox repairs in the UK usually cost between £300 and £1,200 and fix specific issues, offering a cheaper but sometimes temporary solution.

Replacements range from £600 to over £3,000, depending on the vehicle and gearbox type, offering a more reliable and long-term solution.

Typical costs to repair gearboxes 

Because gearboxes are such complicated parts, there are a few different failure modes. Here’s a breakdown of typical gearbox repair costs: 

1. Popping out of gear  

Popping out of gear repairs usually cost between £350 and £600 and involve removing the gearbox to replace worn parts, often for all gears.

This issue, often caused by a worn synchromesh or a poorly adjusted gear linkage, causes the gears to slip out while driving. Synchromesh helps gears mesh smoothly, but when worn, the gear stick can jump out of gear. 

2. One gear not driving  

If you can select a gear but the car doesn’t move, a broken or stripped gear cog inside the gearbox is likely the cause, often accompanied by grinding noises.

Repair costs range from £400 to £700 and require removing the gearbox to replace the damaged gear, often due to defects or harsh use.

3. The car won't go into gear 

When no gears can be selected, the problem is usually with the gear selector linkage, which connects the gear stick to the gearbox. 

Repairs generally cost between £100 and £300 and often involve replacing or repairing accessible parts, such as cables or joints. Sometimes a loose clip or bolt is the simple fix.

4. Noisy gearbox

Noises can come from worn shaft bearings, gears, or low gearbox oil. 

Repairing these issues typically costs between £100 and £600 and may require reconditioning of the gearbox. Checking and topping up gearbox oil early can prevent costly damage.

Is it worth replacing a gearbox?

Yes, many broken gearboxes can be repaired, but it’s not always straightforward. 

Repairs depend on the specific issue and time available, and most garages won’t fix internal gearbox problems. Specialists can handle these repairs, but it takes time and leaves your car undrivable.

For rare or performance cars, repairing may be more cost-effective than replacing the entire gearbox.

How does a gearbox work?

A gearbox converts the engine’s torque to usable power for all speeds, like a bicycle but more complex. 

 The four main components are:

• Input shaft
• Lay or counter-shaft
• Output shaft
• Gears

The selector fork, linked to the gear stick, moves gears to change speed. Power flows from the clutch to the input shaft. When the clutch is pressed, the input shaft stops, allowing gear changes without grinding. 

Releasing the clutch spins the input shaft, transmitting power through the lay shaft to the output shaft and wheels at the chosen gear.

What makes a gearbox go bad?

There’s no one easy answer if your gearbox has gone kaput. 

Gearboxes can fail when drivers neglect maintenance, overheat the transmission, fail to change the fluid, or drive aggressively. They can also just ‘go bad’ after years of use. 

If you’re worried about your gearbox’s life span, note that worn bearings and low lubrication can cause the part to fail sooner.

How does a gearbox get damaged?

Like most things, automotive parts need servicing, maintenance, and mechanical care. If a gearbox is run without oil, it will wear much faster than if used properly.

Common causes of gearbox issues are:

• Towing heavy loads
• Driving in a very hilly area
• Aggressive driving
• Poor maintenance
• Manufacturing weaknesses/faults

Things like towing heavy loads or racing will shorten the lifespan of your gearbox, so be wary of a car with a towbar (unless you need it) and clues of an aggressive owner.

How do I know if my gearbox needs replacing?

If your gearbox makes odd noises or pops out of gear, it may need replacing.

Book a service to diagnose the issue, as only an internal check can confirm this. Vague gear selection might mean a simple linkage fix, but lost drive or bad noises often signal the need for a new gearbox.

Can you repair your gearbox without a mechanic?

Only if you have experience working on vehicles. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to leave the gearbox DIY to qualified mechanics.

Experienced enough to give gearbox removal a go? Replacing a gearbox demands caution and the right tools. If you want to attempt it yourself, follow these key steps:

• Secure the car with jack stands and wheel chocks
• Disconnect the battery
• Drain gearbox fluid
• Remove driveshaft, clutch, and electrical links
• Lower the gearbox carefully with a transmission jack
• Lift and align the new gearbox
• Reconnect components
• Test shifts safely, and you’re done!

Again, it’s critical that you only work on the gearbox if you have proficient mechanical experience. Don’t tamper with your car, as you could cause further damage or injure yourself.

Otherwise, seek out a professional who can handle removal safely and prevent extra damage.

How do I protect my gearbox?

Knowing how to protect your gearbox saves you from problems and big costs.

Follow these tips and you should be able to sleep easily knowing you are caring for your gearbox.  

1. Keep up with servicing

Keep your gearbox well-maintained by following the manufacturer’s service schedule and using the correct oil.

Even if some gearboxes are labelled “sealed for life,” experts recommend regular oil changes to prevent long-term damage.

2. Don’t mistreat your gearbox

Avoid harsh driving habits, such as aggressive gear changes or high-acceleration launches, which can strain the gearbox.

Always use the clutch to change gears to protect internal components.

3. Don’t try to force the gearstick

Never try to force the gearstick into reverse or first gear. 

If it’s stiff, release the clutch fully and shift back to neutral before trying again to help the gears mesh smoothly.

What to do if your gearbox breaks?

If possible, drive your car to a safe spot and call for recovery. If you have lost just one gear, you might be able to drive a short distance using the other gears.

However, if your gearbox makes noise in every gear, stop driving immediately to avoid worsening the damage and increasing repair costs.

How long does it take to replace a gearbox?

Replacing a gearbox in the UK typically takes between 6 and 12 hours, depending on the car’s make and model.

As with any repairs, complex or performance vehicles may require more time. Additional delays can occur if parts need to be ordered or if specialists are involved.

In short, expect the process to span one to two full working days.

What’s more expensive, a clutch or a gearbox replacement?

A gearbox replacement is generally more expensive than a clutch replacement in the UK.

Clutch repairs usually cost between £300 and £600, while gearbox replacements can range from £600 to over £2,000, depending on the car.

Gearboxes are more complex and costly to repair or replace than clutches, which are simpler components.

How do you maintain a gearbox?

The best way to prevent a gearbox replacement is through proper care. Regular preventative maintenance keeps your gearbox running smoothly and helps prevent future costs. 

To extend its lifespan, add these practices to your calendar:

• Check and replace transmission fluid on schedule
• Listen for unusual noises
• Avoid aggressive driving
• Schedule professional inspections regularly

You may also want to consult your vehicle manual or look at manufacturer forums for advice tailored to your car’s make and model.

Can I drive with a damaged gearbox?

You shouldn’t drive with a damaged gearbox. It’s risky because it can worsen the damage and reduce your driving performance. You’ll also be at risk of sudden breakdowns. 

You may be able to manage short distances with a damaged gearbox, but ignoring gearbox issues can quickly lead to expensive repairs and safety hazards. Only drive short distances (e.g., to the mechanic!) if necessary.

How to get a good deal on a gearbox repair

No one likes paying for gearbox repairs, but when replacing a gearbox, smart choices can save you time and money. Consider these key tips:

• Compare quotes: Get multiple mechanic estimates to find the best price
• Manual vs. automatic: Manual gearboxes usually cost less due to simpler parts and labour
  Refurbished options: Use reputable suppliers for used or refurbished gearboxes
  Car repair finance: Bumper offer car repair loans that let you split the costs into interest-free repayments
• Maintenance matters: Schedule regular inspections and oil changes to extend gearbox life

The takeaway

Maintaining your gearbox is crucial, but frustratingly, issues can still arise unexpectedly. 

Understanding the potential costs will help you prepare for any surprises. We hope this guide has given you a clear overview of average UK gearbox replacement costs and what to expect for your car’s needs.

Split the cost with Bumper

Gearbox gone kaputt last-minute? 

With Bumper's car repair finance, you can split the cost of repairs into monthly payments at no extra cost. 

Apply online for up to £5,000 and choose from 1,000s of trusted repairers.