Gearbox Replacement in Tyne and Wear

Gearbox replacement is what happens when repair is not sensible: the casing is cracked, internal damage is widespread, parts are unobtainable, or the cost of repairing would outweigh the benefit.

We treat it as a decision, not a default. At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we want you to know why replacement is recommended before you commit.

When replacement makes sense

Metal in the oil, a seized or broken internal part, or repeated failures after repair can all point towards replacement. For automatic gearboxes, damage to the valve body or clutch packs can be hard to put right.

If the gearbox has been driven after a warning, secondary damage is common. Early diagnosis improves the choice of options.

• Cracked or damaged casing
• Widespread internal damage
• Parts not available
• Repeat faults after earlier repair
• Cost of repair approaching that of a replacement

Options and matching

A replacement may be a used unit, a reconditioned one, or a new one, each with different supply, condition and history. Quality varies, so we ask where the unit has come from and check what we can before fitting.

Matching matters. Gearboxes differ by engine, ratios and sometimes by year, and the wrong one may not fit or work with the control system. Automatics may also need adapting or coding to the car so they shift properly.

What the job involves

The gearbox is supported and disconnected from the engine, driveshafts, linkage or electrics and mountings. It is lowered out, the new one is prepared, and the process is reversed. Fluid is filled to the correct level using the right specification.

Related parts are checked while access is open. Seals, mountings and driveline parts that look tired are discussed with you rather than quietly added. Afterwards we road test and check for leaks.

• Support and remove the old unit
• Check mating surfaces and related parts
• Fit the replacement and correct fluid
• Code or adapt where required
• Road test and recheck

What affects the cost and how to prepare

Cost depends on the type of unit, its source, and the labour to remove and fit it, which varies greatly between cars. We explain this at the estimate rather than quoting off the cuff.

Bring any service history and tell us what happened when it failed. If the car was driven with a warning, say so. Avoid moving it far; recovery may be wiser.