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How expensive is it to rebuild a manual transmission?

Rebuilding a manual transmission can be a significant expense, with costs ranging from a few hundred dollars to over a thousand, depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the extent of the damage, and the labor required. In this article, we'll explore the factors that influence the cost of a manual transmission rebuild and provide a general overview of what you can expect to pay.


Factors Affecting the Cost of a Manual Transmission Rebuild


The cost of a manual transmission rebuild can vary widely due to several factors:



  • Make and Model of the Vehicle: The make and model of the vehicle can significantly impact the cost of a manual transmission rebuild. Luxury and high-performance vehicles often have more complex and expensive transmissions, leading to higher rebuild costs.

  • Extent of Damage: The extent of the damage to the transmission will also affect the cost. If the damage is limited to a few components, the rebuild may be less expensive. However, if the transmission requires a complete overhaul, the cost can be significantly higher.

  • Labor Costs: The labor required to disassemble, inspect, and reassemble the transmission can be a significant portion of the overall cost. Hourly labor rates can vary widely depending on the location and the mechanic's expertise.

  • Parts Replacement: In addition to the labor, the cost of replacement parts can also add to the overall expense. Transmission components such as bearings, gears, and synchronizers can be expensive, especially for high-performance or luxury vehicles.


It's important to note that the cost of a manual transmission rebuild can also be influenced by the complexity of the transmission, the availability of parts, and the mechanic's experience and expertise.


Estimated Costs for a Manual Transmission Rebuild


According to the information gathered from various sources, the typical cost of a manual transmission rebuild can range from $500 to $2,000 or more. Here's a more detailed breakdown:



  • Basic Rebuild: For a basic rebuild of a standard manual transmission, the cost can range from $500 to $1,000. This may include replacing worn-out components and performing a thorough inspection and cleaning.

  • Extensive Rebuild: For a more extensive rebuild, where the transmission requires a complete overhaul or replacement of major components, the cost can range from $1,000 to $2,000 or more. This is common for high-performance or luxury vehicles.

  • Labor Costs: Labor costs can vary significantly, ranging from $50 to $150 per hour, depending on the mechanic's expertise and the location of the repair shop.

  • Parts Replacement: The cost of replacement parts can range from a few hundred dollars for basic components to over $1,000 for more specialized or high-performance parts.


It's important to note that these are just general estimates, and the actual cost of a manual transmission rebuild can vary greatly depending on the specific circumstances of your vehicle and the repair shop you choose.

How much does a manual transmission repair cost?


Average transmission repair costs range from $300 to $1,400. For example, if your manual transmission needs a new clutch, you can reasonably expect to pay around $800 to $1,500. On the other hand, transmission replacement is one of the most expensive repairs you can get. Replacements can range from $1,800 to $3,400.



How long does a rebuilt manual transmission last?


If all the above factors are considered, and the work is done perfectly, a rebuilt transmission can last as long as a brand-new one. However, if even one of the contributing factors is neglected, the transmission's life will significantly decrease. An average rebuild will usually last about 50,000 miles.



How much does it cost to rebuild a manual gearbox?


On average, costs can run from $1200 for minor repairs to upwards of $3500 for a complete rebuild. Replacement costs are similar but sometimes fall lower depending on the make and model of your vehicle. The larger the vehicle, the more expensive the transmission will be.



Are rebuilt transmissions worth it?


A transmission rebuild is a cost effective way to get your car back on the road with optimal results and performance, and everything old is new again for you and your rebuilt transmission.



Is manual transmission easy to fix?


Easier to Maintain – With fewer moving parts, a stick shift has the advantage of being easy to maintain. Manual transmissions require less servicing to remain functional and don't need the same type of oil as an automatic transmission.



What lasts longer, manual or automatic?


manual transmission
Various factors affect the life of a vehicle's transmission, but the short answer is that yes, a manual transmission tends to last longer than an automatic.



Is it cheaper to rebuild a manual transmission?


CARS.COM — Manual transmissions are usually cheaper to maintain and repair than automatics because the latter are far more complex and have more parts and functions that can fail, but it may depend on your driving style.



How much is a rebuilt manual transmission?


During a transmission rebuild, a mechanic removes the transmission from your car. Then they inspect, clean and repair all the parts before reassembling and reinstalling the transmission. A rebuild costs about half the price of a transmission replacement—about $2,000 to $3,500.



What is the life expectancy of a manual transmission?


Lifespan of a Manual Transmission. With the right driver and maintenance, a manual transmission could last up to 120,000 miles before requiring significant repairs or replacement.



Which is cheaper to repair, manual or automatic?


manual transmission
Cheaper to Maintain
On the other hand, manual transmission cars require very little maintenance, and repairs can cost significantly less. An exception to this rule is if the clutch pedal stops working, this can be very costly to repair.


Kevin's Auto

Kevin Bennett

Company Owner

Kevin Bennet is the founder and owner of Kevin's Autos, a leading automotive service provider in Australia. With a deep commitment to customer satisfaction and years of industry expertise, Kevin uses his blog to answer the most common questions posed by his customers. From maintenance tips to troubleshooting advice, Kevin's articles are designed to empower drivers with the knowledge they need to keep their vehicles running smoothly and safely.