The gearbox is the part that transmits the power from the engine to the car’s wheels. It transforms the energy of engine rotation into mechanical energy to turn the wheels. The gearbox is a robust component, but it may show signs of wear over time or due to poor maintenance. In this case, you may need to drain the gearbox, repair it, or completely change the car’s gearbox. Let’s learn more about the cost of a gearbox.
How Much Does a Gearbox Drain Cost?
A gearbox oil change is an operation performed following a gearbox change. The process involves replacing used gearbox oil with new oil. The procedure and the cost of the oil change varies depending on whether it’s a manual or automatic gearbox:
For a manual gearbox: The operation lasts 30 minutes for labor costs ranging from $25 to $40. For an automatic gearbox: The oil change takes longer, up to 3 hours. The filter must also be replaced, and the gearbox reprogrammed. The labor cost is between $150 and $240.
In addition to this, you have to add the purchase price of a can of gearbox oil. A liter of oil for a manual gearbox costs between $6 and $8. Knowing that an oil change requires between 2 and 3.5 liters of oil, you have to count between $20 and $30 for oil.
Automatic gearbox oil costs more. It is sold between $10 and $15 per liter. In total, between 3 and 7 liters of gearbox oil are needed to drain an automatic gearbox. Therefore, you should count between $30 and $80 for automatic gearbox oil.
What is the Purchase Price of a Gearbox?
The gearbox is a part that is supposed to last the life of the vehicle. It’s not a wear part, but it can get damaged in case of poor maintenance. The price of a gearbox varies depending on its type and brand. However, it’s a very expensive part that costs between $600 and $3000 for the most efficient automatic gearboxes.
You can reduce the price of the gearbox by opting for a reconditioned part. It’s a refurbished part that costs 30% to 40% cheaper than a new gearbox.
What is the Labor Cost of a Gearbox Change?
The labor cost for a gearbox change is very high due to the complexity of the operation. The vehicle must be lifted, then the gearbox dismantled before replacing it with a new part. Thus, depending on the geographical area and the garage rates, the labor for a gearbox replacement can be several hundreds or even thousands of dollars.
That’s why it’s essential to take care of your gearbox by shifting gears at the right time and respecting the frequency of oil changes.
The cost of changing a gearbox is very high. Indeed, it costs between $600 and $3000, and sometimes it’s even more cost-effective to change the vehicle. However, you can avoid this by taking care of your gearbox. So, don’t hesitate to compare garages to drain your gearbox.
