Car Gearbox & Transmission Repair

Watch for these warning signs: Slipping gears — engine revs but vehicle doesn't accelerate properly. Delayed or harsh shifting — noticeable delay when shifting or rough gear changes. Grinding or shaking — unusual vibrations or grinding noises during shifts. Fluid leaks — red or brown fluid puddles under your vehicle. Warning lights — check engine or transmission warning light illuminated. Burning smell — overheating transmission fluid produces a burning odor. Won't engage — difficulty getting into gear or vehicle won't move. Strange noises — whining, humming, or clunking sounds. If you notice any of these symptoms, have your transmission inspected promptly — early detection can prevent major damage.

Transmission repair costs vary significantly based on the problem and transmission type: Fluid service and filter: AED 300-800. Solenoid replacement: AED 500-1,500. Valve body repair: AED 1,500-4,000. Clutch replacement (manual): AED 1,500-4,000. Torque converter replacement: AED 2,000-5,000. Transmission rebuild: AED 5,000-15,000. Transmission replacement: AED 8,000-25,000+. CVT and DCT transmissions typically cost more due to specialized parts. European luxury vehicles are generally more expensive than Japanese or American vehicles. We provide detailed written estimates after diagnosis.

This depends on several factors: Vehicle age and value — if repair costs exceed 50-75% of vehicle value, replacement may make more sense. Extent of damage — minor issues favor repair; catastrophic internal failure may require replacement. Transmission type — some modern transmissions (CVT, DCT) may be more cost-effective to replace. Your plans — if you're keeping the vehicle long-term, quality rebuild can be excellent value. A professional rebuild with quality parts can deliver performance equal to new at 40-60% of replacement cost. We'll provide honest recommendations based on your specific situation, never pushing unnecessary work.

Transmission fluid change intervals vary by vehicle and transmission type: Conventional automatic: Every 50,000-100,000 km or as manufacturer specifies. CVT transmissions: Every 40,000-80,000 km (CVTs are sensitive to fluid condition). Manual transmissions: Every 50,000-100,000 km. Dual-clutch (DCT): Every 40,000-60,000 km. "Lifetime" fluid claims should be viewed skeptically — in Dubai's heat, more frequent changes extend transmission life. Many transmission failures result from neglected fluid maintenance. We recommend checking fluid condition during every major service and changing it if it shows signs of degradation.

Common causes of transmission failure include: Neglected maintenance — old, degraded fluid loses its protective properties. Overheating — Dubai's extreme heat accelerates fluid breakdown and component wear. Low fluid level — leaks leading to inadequate lubrication and hydraulic pressure. Wrong fluid type — using incorrect fluid can damage seals and friction materials. Towing overload — exceeding towing capacity or improper towing. Aggressive driving — hard acceleration and frequent stop-and-go stress components. Manufacturing defects — some transmissions have known weakness issues. Ignored warning signs — continuing to drive with symptoms causes escalating damage. Regular maintenance and addressing problems early are key to prevention.

Yes, we specialize in CVT (Continuously Variable Transmission) repair. CVTs are common in Nissan, Toyota, Honda, Subaru, and other brands. Our CVT services include: Complete diagnostic testing and fluid analysis. Fluid flush with manufacturer-specified CVT fluid (critical — CVTs require specific fluid). Belt and pulley inspection and replacement. Valve body and solenoid repair. TCM reprogramming and adaptation reset. Complete CVT rebuild when necessary. CVTs require specialized knowledge and tools. Many shops avoid them, but our transmission specialists have extensive CVT experience. Early intervention is especially important with CVTs — don't ignore symptoms.

A transmission rebuild involves: Removing and completely disassembling your existing transmission. Inspecting every component for wear and damage. Replacing all worn parts including clutches, bands, seals, bearings, and gaskets. Machining or replacing hard parts as needed. Reassembling to factory specifications. Testing before and after installation. A replacement installs a different transmission — either new, remanufactured, or used. Rebuild advantages: Uses your original case (maintains VIN matching), all wear items replaced, often more economical than new. We typically recommend rebuild for most situations, as it provides essentially a new transmission at lower cost.

Transmission slipping occurs when the engine revs but the vehicle doesn't accelerate proportionally. Common causes include: Low fluid level — leaks or neglected maintenance. Worn clutches or bands — friction materials wear over time. Faulty solenoids — electronic controls not engaging properly. Valve body problems — hydraulic pressure issues affecting gear engagement. Worn torque converter — not transferring power efficiently. Linkage problems — shifter not properly engaging gears. TCM issues — computer problems affecting shift commands. Slipping causes overheating and accelerates wear. Continuing to drive with a slipping transmission causes rapidly escalating damage. Have it inspected immediately if you notice slipping.

Yes, we service all transmission types across all vehicle makes: Transmission types: Conventional automatic, manual/standard, CVT (Continuously Variable), DCT/DSG (Dual-Clutch), AMT (Automated Manual), and hybrid vehicle transmissions. Vehicle brands: European (Mercedes, BMW, Audi, VW, Porsche, Land Rover), Japanese (Toyota, Lexus, Honda, Nissan, Infiniti, Mazda, Subaru), American (Ford, Chevrolet, Jeep, Dodge), Korean (Hyundai, Kia, Genesis), and others. We have the diagnostic tools, technical data, and parts access to properly service transmissions from any manufacturer.

Repair time varies by the work required: Fluid service: 1-2 hours. Sensor or solenoid replacement: 2-4 hours. Valve body repair/replacement: 4-8 hours. Clutch replacement (manual): 4-8 hours. Torque converter replacement: 1-2 days. Complete transmission rebuild: 3-5 days. Transmission replacement: 1-2 days. Complex repairs may take longer if parts must be ordered or unexpected damage is discovered during disassembly. We provide estimated completion time during diagnosis and keep you informed throughout the repair process. For extended repairs, we can discuss rental car arrangements.