Clutch & gearbox — manual and automatic
Clutch slipping, gears grinding or an automatic that shifts with a jolt? We diagnose clutch and gearbox faults properly before anything is stripped, then give you honest advice on whether to repair or replace. Clutch replacement and gearbox repairs at our Wonderboom South workshop.
Diagnose first
The clutch and gearbox work as a team, and a fault in one can feel like the other. A grinding gear change might be wear inside the gearbox, or a clutch that is not releasing fully. A judder when pulling away could be the clutch, an engine mounting or a driveshaft. Getting that right before the gearbox comes out is what saves money.
So we start with a road test where it is safe, a check of fluid levels and leaks, and a look at the clutch hydraulics and mountings. On automatics we also read stored fault codes with our diagnostic equipment. Only then do we explain what we think is wrong and quote. We repair both manual and automatic gearboxes.
Symptoms
Engine revs rise but the car does not speed up to match, especially on hills or when overtaking.
The clutch only grips right at the top of the pedal travel, a common sign the friction plate is worn.
A shudder through the car as the clutch engages can point to a worn or contaminated clutch, or tired mountings.
Gears that crunch or resist going in may mean the clutch is not releasing fully, or there is wear inside the gearbox.
A whine or hum that changes with road speed, or oil spots under the gearbox, are worth catching early.
An automatic that hesitates, slips or bangs into gear should be checked before the fault gets worse.
WhatsApp us what the car is doing, with your make, model and year.
WhatsApp the workshop →Repair or replace
A clutch is a wear item, much like brake pads, and when it is finished it is replaced. We normally fit a complete clutch kit, which typically includes the pressure plate, friction plate and release bearing, and we check the flywheel and clutch hydraulics while the gearbox is out.
Gearboxes are different. Many faults, such as a leaking seal, a worn linkage, a faulty sensor or old oil, can be fixed without major work. Internal wear can sometimes be repaired, and sometimes a replacement gearbox is the more sensible option. We explain the choice, and our reasons, before you commit.
A gearbox service, where the oil is changed to the manufacturer's specification, is part of looking after a gearbox too. Your service booklet shows when one is due.
Our process
Careful diagnosis first, because gearbox work is too costly to guess at.
We hear and feel the symptom for ourselves where it is safe, noting when it happens and in which gears.
We check gearbox oil and clutch fluid, look for leaks, test the clutch hydraulics and mountings, and read fault codes on automatics.
We explain whether the fault is in the clutch, the gearbox or elsewhere, and whether repair or replacement makes sense, then quote before any work starts.
With your go-ahead, we fit the clutch kit or carry out the agreed gearbox repair, and check related parts while everything is apart.
We road test the car through every gear and talk you through how the new clutch should feel.
A judder can also come from the driveshafts. See our CV joint repair page for those symptoms.
Find the workshop
Our workshop is at 880 Steve Biko Road, Wonderboom South, Pretoria, 0182. We do clutch and gearbox repairs for drivers from:
If the car will not go into gear, call us before driving in. Directions are on our contact page.
Questions
It depends on the vehicle, the clutch kit it needs, whether the flywheel also needs attention, and the labour involved in removing the gearbox. We inspect the car and quote after inspection, before any work starts.
It depends on the vehicle and how it is driven. Heavy stop-start traffic, towing, carrying loads and resting a foot on the pedal all shorten its life, so the signs of wear tell you more than the kilometres.
Grinding or difficulty selecting gears, whining or humming that changes with speed, oil leaks, a burning smell and, in automatics, delayed, jerky or slipping gear changes.
We repair both manual and automatic gearboxes. For an automatic gearbox service, call or WhatsApp us with your make, model and year and we will confirm what we can do for your vehicle.
It is best to have it checked soon. A slipping clutch wears faster, can overheat and may eventually leave the car unable to pull away, often at an inconvenient moment.
Our Wonderboom South workshop at 880 Steve Biko Road takes clutch and gearbox work from Pretoria North, Wonderboom South, Gezina, Silverton, Akasia, Montana and Waverley.
More from the workshop
Call or WhatsApp us and describe what the car is doing. 880 Steve Biko Road, Wonderboom South, Pretoria, 0182. Open Monday to Friday, 07:30 to 17:30.
