Ross White
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Your transmission is the part that turns engine power into actual movement, shifting through gears so your car pulls away smoothly and holds the right speed on the road. When it starts playing up, you'll usually feel it before you understand it. Transmission repair covers everything from rough or delayed gear changes to slipping, leaks, and warning lights, and getting it sorted early often saves you from a much bigger bill down the track. At our Kirrawee workshop, we look after both automatic and manual gearboxes across European, Japanese, and most other makes.
A healthy gearbox shifts quietly and predictably. When something's wrong, the symptoms are often hard to ignore. Catching them early is the difference between a minor fix and a full rebuild.
A slipping or shuddering transmission won't fix itself. If you notice any of these, it's worth getting it checked before a small issue becomes a breakdown on the way home.
We start by listening to what you've noticed and when, then back it up with proper testing. Guesswork on a transmission gets expensive fast, so we want a clear picture before we recommend anything.
Our process usually includes:
From there, we explain what we've found in plain language. Some issues are straightforward, like a fluid and filter service, a leaking seal, or a faulty sensor. Others, such as worn internal clutch packs or a damaged valve body, need more involved work. Either way, you'll know exactly what's needed and why before we start, with no surprise add-ons.
Transmission repair varies more than most jobs, because the term covers everything from a simple fluid service to a full rebuild. A few things shape the cost and turnaround:
We give honest, transparent pricing and talk you through your options. If repairing makes sense, we'll say so. If something isn't urgent, we'll tell you that too. Our pricing sits between dealership rates and the cheap-and-cheerful end, which means proper diagnostic capability without the upsell pressure.
Shire Tune & Service is an independent, owner-operated workshop with over 30 years' hands-on experience in the trade and more than 18 years serving the local area. We're European and Japanese specialists with the latest diagnostic equipment, but we service all makes and models, from daily commuters to family wagons.
Because we're a local business, not a franchise, you deal with the same people each time. We use genuine and quality-matched parts, carry out work that helps protect your manufacturer warranty, and back transmission repairs with the same honest advice we'd give a mate. Alongside gearbox work, we handle logbook servicing, diagnostics and fault-code scanning, clutch repairs, and performance tuning, so we can keep your whole car running well, not just patch one problem.
If your car is slipping, leaking, or shifting roughly, don't wait for it to leave you stranded. Call Us Today or Book Your Free Inspection online, and we'll get your transmission sorted right here in Kirrawee.
Whatever your needs we have you covered, see some similar services below or click “See All Services” to explore our full service offering.
Why Choose Us
We've been looking after cars in Kirrawee and the Sutherland Shire for over 18 years. Owner-operated, honest to the core, and equipped to handle European and Japanese vehicles properly.
Deep experience across European and Japanese makes means faster, more accurate diagnosis.
We tell you what's needed and what it costs before we start — no hidden extras.
We read fault codes and test before we quote, so repairs fix the root cause.
Whatever your needs chances are we have you covered, see other brands we service below or click “See All Brands” to see the full list of brands we service.
Transmission repair follows a clear four-step process, from initial diagnosis through to road-ready handover.
Book your free inspection online or call us today to describe your transmission symptoms and get started.
We scan for fault codes, check fluid condition, and test shift behaviour to pinpoint the root cause.
We replace worn components, seals, or solenoids to restore correct operation using quality matched parts.
We road test the vehicle to confirm smooth, correct shifting before contacting you to collect your car.
We source parts from reputable suppliers to keep your vehicle running reliably. Quality components, fitted right the first time.
Enter your rego and pick a time online, or drop by the workshop — we'll be in touch to confirm your booking.
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Browse the answers below to find what you need. If your question isn't listed, give us a call and we'll sort it out.
Common warning signs include delayed or rough gear changes, slipping out of gear while driving, a burning smell, unusual noises like whining or clunking, and a transmission warning light on your dash. Fluid leaks under the vehicle are another red flag. If you notice any of these symptoms, it's worth getting the transmission inspected sooner rather than later. Catching a problem early usually means simpler, less costly repairs compared to waiting until the transmission fails completely.
Generally, no. A slipping or failing transmission can leave you without drive or gear control unexpectedly, which creates a real safety risk, particularly in traffic or on busy roads. Beyond safety, continuing to drive with a known transmission fault often turns a manageable repair into a much more extensive one. If something feels wrong with your gearbox, get it looked at promptly rather than hoping it resolves itself.
Several factors influence the final cost: whether the fault is electrical, mechanical, or internal; how many components need replacing; the make and model of your vehicle; and whether the transmission can be repaired or needs a rebuild or replacement. Labour time also varies significantly depending on how accessible the transmission is in your particular vehicle. We'll diagnose the fault first and give you a clear explanation of what's needed before any work begins, so there are no surprises.
We start with a road test to replicate the symptoms you've described, then connect our diagnostic equipment to read any fault codes stored in the transmission control unit. From there we inspect the fluid condition, check for leaks, and assess the mechanical components. Once we've identified the root cause, we walk you through exactly what's required and what it will cost. Repairs can range from a fluid service and filter replacement through to component replacement or a full transmission rebuild, depending on what the inspection reveals.
Under ACCC guidance, Australian consumers are generally not required to have their vehicle serviced or repaired at a dealership to maintain their manufacturer warranty, provided the work is carried out to the manufacturer's specifications using appropriate parts. This is general information rather than legal advice, so we'd recommend checking your specific warranty terms if you're unsure. Our workshop in Kirrawee services transmissions across all makes and models, and we use quality parts suited to each vehicle.
It depends on what the diagnosis reveals. A transmission fluid and filter service can often be completed in a few hours. More involved work, like replacing a solenoid pack or resealing a unit, typically takes longer. A full transmission rebuild or replacement is a multi-day job. We'll give you a realistic timeframe once we've assessed your vehicle, so you can plan accordingly. We'll keep you updated throughout rather than leaving you guessing.
Most manufacturers recommend an automatic transmission fluid change somewhere between 60,000 and 100,000 kilometres, though some vehicles have longer or shorter intervals depending on design and use. If you do a lot of towing, drive in stop-start traffic regularly, or your vehicle is older, more frequent changes make sense. Old, degraded fluid is one of the most common causes of transmission wear we see at our Kirrawee workshop. Checking your logbook or asking us at your next service is the easiest way to stay on top of it.
Many manual gearbox faults can be repaired without a full replacement. Common issues we see include worn synchros (the components that allow smooth gear changes), clutch linkage problems, and bearing wear. Whether a repair or replacement is the better option depends on the extent of the damage and the age and value of the vehicle. We'll give you an honest assessment of both options so you can make the call that makes sense for your situation.