How to Remove a Car Gearbox

If you are having problems with your vehicle's transmission, you may have to remove the car gearbox in order to correct the situation. So, you will need to know how to properly remove the transmission (gearbox) in order to make needed repairs. This simple how-to guide will show you everything you need to know.

Step 1 - Prepare the Vehicle

Find a flat, dry place to work, and then remove the negative battery cable from the terminal post on the battery.

Step 2 - Remove the Gear Shifter Handle or Knob

Twist the gear shifter handle or knob counterclockwise until it comes off.

Step 3 - Remove Trim Plate or Console

Some vehicles come equipped with a shifter trim plate or console. If your car has either one, you'll need to remove it before you can proceed.

Step 4 - Jack Up the Vehicle

Using the floor jack, jack up your vehicle and place it securely on jack stands.

Step 5 - Remove Cables and Wiring

You'll need to remove the speedometer cable as well as any electrical wire harnesses or other wires that may be attached to car's gearbox. When removing these items, always label them with masking tape and a ballpoint pen, so that you'll know what they are when you re-install the transmission.

Step 6 - Remove Transfer Case

Remove driveshaft (rear wheel drive) or axle shafts (front wheel drive). If your vehicle has four-wheel-drive, you will need to remove the transfer case by loosening the bolts that attach it to the transmission.

Step 7 - Remove Shifter or Shift Levers

If your vehicle comes equipped with shifters or shift levers that are attached to the transmission, remove the nuts and bolts that hold them in place, and the shifter or lever and put it in a safe place.

Step 8 - Remove Transmission Mount

Remove the bolts that hold the main transmission mount in place, and then remove the mount and set it aside.

Step 9 - Remove the Crossmember

There will usually be four bolts that hold the crossmember securely to the frame. Remove them and then remove the crossmember.

Step 10 - Place Jack Under Transmission

Before you can actually remove the transmission in your vehicle, you'll need to place the transmission jack directly under the transmission. A regular floor jack will not usually provide lateral support for your car's transmission, so don't attempt to use it for that purpose.

Step 11 - Remove the Gearbox

Only when the transmission jack is in place, can you begin removing the gearbox itself. Locate the bolts that hold the transmission in place and then use a breaker bar to loosen them slightly. Then, adjust your transmission jack so that it is touching the bottom of the transmission, and then finish removing the bolts. Don't attempt to remove the bolts unless the transmission jack is placed in contact with the transmission as it may fall and cause damage to the transmission or injury to you.