When a gearbox is too worn or damaged for a simple repair, you usually have two routes, replace it or recondition it, and MTS Garage Services in Hayes will explain both.
Most gearbox problems do not end in a full replacement. A leak, a worn selector or a low oil level can often be dealt with on its own. But some faults go deeper: broken teeth, failed bearings, a cracked casing, or metal debris all through the oil. At that point repairing the individual fault stops making sense.
Gearbox replacement Hayes drivers face is a big decision, so we try to make it a clear one. We find out what has failed, why it failed, and which route suits your vehicle and your plans for it. Gearbox reconditioning Hayes customers ask about is a genuine alternative that we can talk through as well.
Grinding or whining that gets louder with speed, gears that jump out or refuse to engage, a lever that feels notchy, slipping under load, or a burning smell from an automatic all deserve attention. Metal particles on a drain plug magnet are a bad sign. So is a warning light together with the car going into limp mode. None of these automatically mean a new gearbox, since the cause may be low fluid, a sensor, a linkage or a clutch problem. We check the simple things first so you do not pay for a big job that a smaller one would have fixed. If the unit really has failed, we show you the evidence and explain why.
There are broadly three routes, and the right one depends on the vehicle.
Availability matters first. Some gearboxes are easy to source and others are rare. The type of transmission changes things too: a straightforward manual is not the same task as a modern automatic or twin clutch unit that needs coding or adaptation after fitting. The value and condition of the car should weigh in, along with how long you plan to keep it. We will also look at what else is attached, because the clutch, flywheel, mounts and seals are usually accessible at the same time and cheaper to renew while the gearbox is out. We do not give rebuild times or figures until we have seen the vehicle, and we will explain the estimate before work begins.
Phone or get in touch with the make, model and the symptoms, and we will arrange for the car to come in. If it cannot be driven, ask us about recovery to the workshop. We inspect, explain the fault in plain language and recommend the work, then give you a clear estimate before any repairs start. We handle cars and vans of all makes and models for drivers in Hayes, Southall, Uxbridge, Hounslow and West Drayton. Where the problem turns out to be smaller than feared, we will tell you, even if that means less work for us.
Call us on 0208 843 9091 or send the form below and tell us about your vehicle.
Pictures are for illustration purposes only.
“Thank you MTS you have ensured you fixed my car straight away. Diagnosed the problem straight away, fixed efficiently. Friendly staff. I highly recommend MTS.”
“Always my go to, reliable, friendly”
“Great garage, really helped me with my car. Got a clutch done and they picked it up for me as I didn't have a way to get it to them. really nice people to deal with. Thank you”
Sometimes, sometimes not. It depends on the overall condition of the car, rust, the engine and what the vehicle is worth to you. We will be honest if the cost of the work looks out of proportion to the vehicle.
Reconditioning means your own gearbox is stripped down and the worn or damaged parts are renewed, then it is refitted. Replacement means swapping the whole unit for another one. Which is practical depends on the damage and on parts supply.
A small amount of extra noise may be tolerable for a short time, but damage tends to spread, and a failing gearbox can lock up or leave you stranded. If it is grinding, slipping or jumping out of gear, stop driving and call us.
Often it makes sense, because the gearbox must come off to reach it and the labour overlaps. We check the clutch and flywheel while the gearbox is out and tell you what we find, so you can decide with the facts.
Tell us about your vehicle and we will be in touch.
Prefer to talk? Call 0208 843 9091. Opening hours: Monday to Friday 8:30AM - 5:30PM, Saturday 9:00AM - 1:00PM, Sunday closed.
MTS Garage Services, 5 Chesterfield Way, Hayes, Middlesex, UB3 3NW