Gearbox Servicing in Tyne and Wear

The oil inside a gearbox lubricates gears and bearings, carries away heat and, in an automatic, also works the clutches and torque converter. Over time it degrades and collects fine wear material.

Servicing is the cheap end of keeping a gearbox healthy compared with repair. What is right for your car depends on the manufacturer's guidance.

Why servicing is not always obvious

Some makers describe gearbox oil as filled for life. That often means the intended life of the car under typical use, not that the oil never ages. Towing, short trips, hard driving and heat all work against it.

We would sooner check the current recommendation for your model than guess. Ask us, and look at your handbook.

• Hesitant or harsh gear changes
• Whining that was not there before
• Slipping on an automatic
• Dark or burnt-smelling fluid
• Leaks around the casing

What a service involves

For a manual, the oil is drained and refilled with the specified grade, and the plugs and seals are checked. For an automatic, the level must be set at the right temperature using the manufacturer's procedure, and the fluid is exchanged, sometimes with a filter or pan gasket.

At Banks of the Tyne in Hebburn we check for leaks, mountings and breather problems at the same time. Using the correct fluid matters more than anything: the wrong specification can cause shifting problems.

What affects how it goes

Condition matters. Fresh fluid in a healthy box is routine. In a high-mileage box that has never been serviced, old fluid may be holding worn parts together in a way that changes once replaced. We will explain the risks plainly.

Design matters too: some automatics are easy to service and others need specific tools or procedures. Cost depends on fluid volume, filter, and the design.

• Gearbox type and design
• Fluid specification
• Service history
• Existing symptoms or leaks

When servicing will not fix it

If the box already slips, judders or whines, a service may not cure it and could reveal wear. In those cases a diagnosis is the better first step.

Tell us about driving habits, towing and any symptoms. If a warning light is on, mention it.