Our services
Manual Transmission
Manual Gearbox and Transmission Repairs
Fleet Services Autocare Limited diagnoses and repairs manual gearboxes at customer premises across Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey, using genuine manufacturer parts. Gearbox problems - crunching into gear, whining, jumping out of gear - tend to worsen over time and are often cheaper to address early. We diagnose the cause on site and advise honestly on the right repair.
Manual Gearbox Faults We Diagnose and Repair
Difficulty selecting gears - gears that are hard to engage, notchy, or crunch going in
Jumping out of gear - the box slipping out of a selected gear under load or on the overrun
Gearbox noise - whine, rumble or bearing noise that changes with speed or gear
Worn synchromesh - crunching on a particular gear, often most noticeable on a cold box or a quick change
Gear linkage and selector faults - a vague, sloppy or obstructed gearchange
Gearbox oil leaks - from seals and gaskets, which can lead to oil starvation and damage if left
Clutch-related symptoms - where the cause of a gear-selection problem turns out to be the clutch rather than the gearbox itself
Get In Touch
We're trusted by businesses and drivers across Berkshire, Hampshire and Surrey to keep their vehicles serviced, maintained and on the road.
Phone: 0118 973 0157
Email: Online Contact Form
Getting the Diagnosis Right First
Gearbox symptoms are frequently misread, which is what makes accurate diagnosis worth so much here. Difficulty selecting gears, for instance, is often not a gearbox fault at all - it can be a clutch that isn't fully disengaging, a worn linkage, or low or degraded gearbox oil. Replacing or rebuilding a gearbox that was never the problem is one of the most expensive mistakes in this area.
We diagnose the actual cause before recommending any work - checking the clutch, linkage, oil and the box itself - so the fix addresses the real fault rather than the most obvious symptom. Often the cause is far less serious, and far less costly, than the noise or the symptom first suggests.
Gearbox Oil - Easily Overlooked, Genuinely Important
Manual gearbox oil is one of the most overlooked fluids on a vehicle, but it does a hard job - lubricating gears and bearings under load and heat. Over time it degrades, and a leak can quietly drop the level until the box is running short. Low or worn gearbox oil causes notchy changes, whine and accelerated wear, and in the worst case oil starvation can damage the gearbox internally.
We replace gearbox oil to the correct specification for your transmission, and check for leaks as part of diagnosing any gearbox complaint. On higher-mileage vehicles and hard-worked vans, a gearbox oil change is inexpensive insurance against far costlier wear.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my gearbox hard to get into gear?
It can be a clutch not fully disengaging, a worn gear linkage, low or degraded gearbox oil, or wear within the gearbox itself such as worn synchromesh. Because the causes are so different - and so different in cost - we diagnose the actual fault rather than assuming the gearbox needs replacing.
What does a whining gearbox mean?
A whine that changes with road speed or gear usually points to worn bearings or gears, often related to age, mileage or a history of low oil. It's worth diagnosing early - caught soon, it may be manageable; left to worsen, it can lead to a larger repair.
Is crunching when I change gear serious?
Crunching often indicates worn synchromesh on the affected gear, or a clutch not fully releasing. It tends to worsen over time. We diagnose which it is - the clutch-related cause is frequently the cheaper fix.
Should I just replace the whole gearbox?
Not necessarily. Many faults are straightforward repairs - linkage, seals, oil-related issues. Only more serious internal wear calls for a reconditioned or replacement box, and even then there are options depending on the vehicle. We give you an honest assessment before any major work.
How often should gearbox oil be changed?
It varies by vehicle - some manufacturers specify a "lifetime" fill, others a set interval - but on higher-mileage vehicles and hard-worked vans, a change is inexpensive insurance against wear. We'll advise the right approach for your transmission.
