Gearbox Repairs in South Brent

South Brent is a Dartmoor-edge village beside the A38 and the River Avon, a natural stopping point between Exeter and Plymouth, with hills climbing towards the moor. Cars here often do sustained A38 running plus short hilly trips, which suits a gearbox until a worn part begins to complain.

Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes. We repair manual gearboxes, fit replacement units where needed and deal with CV joints, driveshafts and differentials. Here is how we approach a gearbox complaint and what helps us quote accurately.

Is my gearbox noise serious after long A38 journeys?

A whine that appears after a long run at speed can mean the oil is overheating or the bearings are wearing. Because you are mostly in top gear on a dual carriageway, a noise there points to different parts than one heard in town.

Tell us whether the noise changes with speed, load or gear.

What can I do about a stiff or notchy gear lever?

A lever that resists or feels rough can come from a stretched cable, worn linkage bushes, a clutch that is not releasing or worn synchromesh inside the gearbox. Some of these are quick fixes; others need the gearbox out.

That is the reason we diagnose first. Starting with the linkage and clutch is sensible, because they are simpler to put right than internal gearbox work.

Why do I hear clicking or feel vibration through the wheels?

Clicking as you turn at a junction points to a worn outer CV joint. Vibration that builds as you accelerate, perhaps joining the A38 slip road, can come from an inner joint or a damaged driveshaft.

We check the gaiters, the joint play and the shaft. Fitting a new joint is often enough, but a bent shaft or a failed inner joint may need more.

• Clicking on turns
• Vibration when accelerating
• Grease around the wheel

Do you cover South Brent and where do I find the garage?

Yes. Automaster is at Longcombe Cross near Totnes, and drivers from South Brent, Ivybridge, Buckfastleigh and Modbury use us for gearbox work.

If you pass through South Brent regularly on the A38, you can arrange an inspection around your journey. Describe the fault and ask for a quote so we can plan the work.

Gearbox repair or replacement: how is it decided?

Repair suits leaks, linkage wear and some mechanical faults. Replacement becomes sensible when the internals or casing are badly damaged. A gearbox service with the right oil, where the vehicle allows, can reduce future wear.

What you pay depends on the fault, parts, labour and whether the clutch is renewed together. We cannot promise a repair until we have inspected, and we will tell you plainly what we find.