Ford Mondeo, Transit & Galaxy Gearbox Replacement Cost in South Africa (2026 Guide)

Replacing a Ford Mondeo or Galaxy MPS6 PowerShift gearbox in South Africa costs R32,000–R60,000 fitted; the Transit’s MT82 six-speed manual runs R16,000–R28,000 fitted; and a Ford Ka iB5 five-speed starts from R5,500 all-in at an independent gearbox specialist.

Key Takeaways

• Ford Ka (iB5 5-speed): R5,500–R14,000 all-in (most affordable in the range)
• Ford Mondeo Mk1/Mk2 (MTX-75 manual): R7,500–R21,000 all-in
• Ford Mondeo Mk4 / Galaxy / S-Max (MPS6 PowerShift): R12,000–R25,000 for clutch service; R32,000–R60,000 for full unit replacement fitted
• Ford Transit (MT82 6-speed manual): R16,000–R36,000 all-in
• Ford Transit (6R80 6-speed automatic): R20,000–R42,000 all-in
• Labour runs 4–6 hours for FWD passenger cars; 5–8 hours for the Transit depending on van variant
• MPS6 fluid service every 30,000 km is the single most effective way to avoid a R40,000+ rebuild

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Ford Mondeo, Transit & Galaxy Gearbox Replacement Cost by Model (SA 2026)

Prices below are supply + fitting using used or reconditioned units from SA suppliers. Labour rates reflect independent gearbox specialists in Gauteng, Western Cape, and KZN. Franchise workshops charge 20–35% more.

Vehicle / Gearbox	Gearbox Code	Used Unit (supply)	Recon Unit (supply)	Fitted Total (used)	Fitted Total (recon)
Ford Ka 1.3 / 1.6	iB5 (5-speed)	R3,000–R6,500	R5,500–R10,000	R5,500–R10,500	R8,500–R14,000
Ford Mondeo Mk1/Mk2 — manual	MTX-75 (5-speed)	R4,500–R9,500	R8,000–R15,000	R7,500–R15,000	R12,000–R21,000
Ford Mondeo Mk4 2.0 TDCi — clutch service only	6DCT450 / MPS6	—	—	R12,000–R25,000	—
Ford Mondeo Mk4 / Galaxy / S-Max — full unit	6DCT450 / MPS6	R20,000–R38,000	R28,000–R48,000	R32,000–R52,000	R38,000–R60,000
Ford Transit 2.0 / 2.2 TDCi — manual	MT82 (6-speed)	R12,000–R20,000	R18,000–R28,000	R16,000–R28,000	R22,000–R36,000
Ford Transit 2.0 EcoBlue / Custom — automatic	6R80 (6-speed)	R16,000–R25,000	R22,000–R35,000	R20,000–R32,000	R26,000–R42,000

Unit prices sourced from the Engine Finder verified-supplier network (July 2026) and cross-referenced with SA independent gearbox specialists. Fitted totals include gearbox specialist labour at R450–R750/hr.

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Gearbox Codes — Which Box Is in Your Ford?

Make / Model	Gearbox Code	Type	Speeds	Notes
Ford Ka (1996–2008)	iB5	5-speed manual FWD	5	Also fitted in Fiesta, Puma, early Focus; 20 mm × 17-spline input shaft
Ford Mondeo Mk1 / Mk2 (1993–2007)	MTX-75	5-speed manual FWD	5	”75” = main/layshaft centre distance in mm; equal-length driveshafts
Ford Galaxy Mk1 (1995–2006)	VXT75	5-speed manual FWD	5	Modified MTX-75 variant adapted for Galaxy’s transverse layout
Ford Mondeo Mk4 (2010–2014)	6DCT450 / MPS6	6-speed wet dual-clutch	6	PowerShift — wet multi-plate clutches submerged in oil
Ford Galaxy Mk2 / S-Max (2010–2015)	6DCT450 / MPS6	6-speed wet dual-clutch	6	Same unit as Mondeo Mk4; also used in Kuga Mk1/Mk2 diesel
Ford Transit 2.2 TDCi / 2.0 EcoBlue	MT82	6-speed manual RWD	6	BorgWarner design; same family as Ranger MT82 but heavier-duty
Ford Transit (2015+) automatic	6R80	6-speed torque-converter automatic	6	Also used in Ranger 3.2 TDCi; built under ZF 6HP26 licence

The MTX-75 and its VXT75 variant are confirmed in Ford’s MTX-75 specification documentation. The 6DCT450 (MPS6) is a Getrag-designed wet dual-clutch unit — its vehicle applications, including the Galaxy Mk2 (2010–2015), S-Max, Kuga, and Mondeo Mk4, are listed in the Getrag 6DCT450 specification database. The Transit’s 6R80 six-speed automatic is a Ford/ZF joint-development unit confirmed in Ford’s 6R series documentation.

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6 Warning Signs Your Ford Gearbox Needs Attention

Catching gearbox trouble early can prevent a R5,000 service escalating into a R55,000 rebuild.

1. Shudder When Moving Off from a Standstill (MPS6)

The single most common MPS6 complaint on SA roads: a pronounced shudder, judder, or “bucking” sensation when pulling away in first gear — especially in slow traffic. This is clutch-pack slippage, accelerated by overdue fluid. A fresh fluid and filter change resolves it in many cases.

2. “Transmission Malfunction — Service Now” Warning Light (MPS6)

On Mondeo Mk4, Galaxy Mk2, and S-Max, this warning typically points to solenoid wear or clutch debris contaminating the valve body. Diagnostic scan first; do not drive long distances with this warning active.

3. Hard or Delayed Gear Engagement (MPS6 / 6R80)

A long pause before the gearbox selects a gear — or a hard “clunk” into Drive — signals hydraulic pressure issues. On the MPS6, it’s usually solenoids; on the 6R80 (Transit), it’s often the TCC solenoid or valve body wear.

4. Jumping Out of Gear Under Load (MT82 — Transit)

Transit drivers towing or carrying heavy loads often report 5th or 6th gear popping out under sustained load. This is selector fork wear — a gradual deterioration that worsens rapidly if ignored.

5. Grinding on 2nd or 3rd Gear (MTX-75 / iB5 — Mondeo / Ka)

The classic synchro complaint: a grinding or grating sound when selecting 2nd or 3rd gear, especially when cold or when rushing a gear change. On the MTX-75, 2nd-gear synchro wear is the most common failure after 100,000 km.

6. Vibration or Noise at Motorway Speed (6R80 — Transit)

A shudder or rumble at 100–120 km/h that fluctuates with throttle load usually points to TCC (torque converter clutch) shudder on the 6R80. A fluid change resolves mild cases; persistent shudder means the converter needs replacing.

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Ford MPS6 PowerShift — Why It Fails and What It Costs to Fix

The 6DCT450 MPS6 is a wet dual-clutch — both clutch packs run submerged in transmission fluid, unlike the dry-clutch DPS6 (6DCT250) used in Fiesta and Focus. In theory, wet clutches are more robust. In practice, the MPS6 has a specific failure chain:

1. Plastic spring damper guides in the dual-clutch baskets fatigue and crack after 60,000–120,000 km, shedding debris into the fluid.
2. Debris circulates through the valve body solenoids, causing erratic hydraulic pressure.
3. Clutch slip and harsh shifts begin. The fluid turns dark and metallic.
4. If the fluid is not changed, debris accelerates clutch-pack wear until the clutch packs fail entirely.

The fix depends on how far the damage has progressed:

Stage	Symptom	Recommended Repair	Typical SA Cost (Fitted)
Early	Cold shudder, overdue fluid	Fluid + filter service	R3,500–R6,500
Moderate	Shudder + warning light	Clutch-pack service (dual clutches replaced)	R12,000–R25,000
Advanced	Loss of drive, hard shifts, slipping at speed	Full unit replacement	R32,000–R60,000

The critical maintenance interval for the 6DCT450 MPS6 is every 30,000 km for a fluid and filter change — Ford initially called this a “lifetime fill” but revised that guidance after widespread failures. Adhering to the 30,000 km interval is the single most effective way to avoid a five-figure repair.

Watch: Ford PowerShift Gearbox Service (DIY)

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Ford Transit MT82 Gearbox — What Goes Wrong

The MT82 in the Transit carries the same BorgWarner architecture as the Ranger’s MT82 but is tuned for commercial loads — sustained towing, high GVM payloads, and low-speed manoeuvrability in tight urban environments. Common failures differ slightly from the Ranger version:

• 5th and 6th gear selector fork wear: Heavy Transit loads cause premature selector fork wear, manifesting as pop-out in high gears under sustained load. Typically appears after 120,000–180,000 km on vans regularly near GVM.
• Input shaft bearing noise: A whining noise in all gears that disappears when the clutch pedal is depressed — input shaft bearing failure. Requires gearbox removal to address.
• Clutch disc wear: Not a gearbox fault per se, but Transit clutches wear faster than passenger-car units due to the constant load-and-stop cycle in commercial use. When fitting a replacement gearbox, always replace the clutch assembly simultaneously — labour is already included.

The Transit MT82 requires Ford MTF-LT-1 (Motorcraft SAE 75W-85 GL-4) transmission fluid. Using GL-5 lubricant attacks the brass synchromesh rings and accelerates wear.

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Used vs Reconditioned vs New — Which Is Right for Your Ford?

Option	Cost (supply only)	Warranty	Best For
Used / second-hand	R3,000–R38,000	30–90 days	Budget repairs; vehicle under R80,000 book value
Reconditioned (recon)	R5,500–R48,000	6–12 months	Daily drivers; financed vehicles; Transit on commercial duty
Exchange unit	— fitted price	12 months	Fast turnaround on common Mondeo MTX-75 and Ka iB5
New OEM	R35,000–R90,000+	2 years+	Near-new vehicles; warranty claims

For the MPS6 specifically: a reconditioned unit with a 12-month warranty makes sense if the vehicle is under 150,000 km and valued above R100,000. For a high-mileage Mondeo worth R60,000–R80,000, an inspection for a low-km used MPS6 from a late-model accident write-off (common in SA) can save R8,000–R20,000 over a recon unit.

For more on reconditioned gearbox prices across all types, see our Reconditioned Automatic Gearbox Prices guide.

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Gearbox Labour Costs in South Africa

Vehicle / Task	Labour Hours	Notes
Ford Ka (iB5 FWD)	2.5–4 hours	Engine tilts forward; compact engine bay access
Ford Mondeo (MTX-75 or MPS6)	4–6 hours	Complex cable-shift or mechatronic removal adds time
Ford Galaxy / S-Max (MPS6)	4–7 hours	Similar to Mondeo; subframe drop required on some variants
Ford Transit (MT82)	5–8 hours	Propshaft removal + crossmember; higher for hi-roof vans
Ford Transit (6R80 auto)	5–9 hours	Torque converter must be drained and secured; TCM reprogramming after

Labour rates in SA (July 2026):

• Independent gearbox specialist: R450–R750/hr
• National chain (e.g. Rex Diff & Gearbox, Mayfair Gearbox): R500–R800/hr
• Franchise Ford dealer: R750–R1,100/hr

A Mondeo MPS6 clutch service at an independent specialist: 5 hours × R600/hr = R3,000 labour on top of the clutch kit cost (R9,000–R22,000 in parts).

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Is Gearbox Replacement Worth It?

Situation	Recommendation
Vehicle value > R200,000 + MPS6 issue	Clutch service first; if full replace needed, recon unit with warranty
Vehicle value R120,000–R200,000 + MPS6	Clutch service; full replace only if failed clutch service
Vehicle value < R80,000 + MPS6 quote > R35,000	Get 3 quotes; consider trading — repair likely uneconomic
Transit still on commercial contract	Always repair — downtime cost exceeds gearbox cost
Ford Ka gearbox + car value < R50,000	iB5 used unit R3,000–R6,500; replace is almost always economic

The Transit is a special case: fleet operators should almost always repair rather than replace the vehicle, because a gearbox replacement at R16,000–R42,000 costs far less than a replacement vehicle. Even a R55,000 recon 6R80 makes sense on a Transit carrying R2M worth of contracts.

For a comparison of Ford-specific gearbox costs across all models, see our Ford PowerShift Gearbox Replacement Cost guide and our Ford Kuga Gearbox Replacement Cost guide.

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Get Free Quotes from Verified SA Gearbox Suppliers

Get Free Ford Gearbox Quotes →

Our verified supplier network covers all Ford gearbox types — MPS6, MTX-75, MT82, 6R80, and iB5 — with free nationwide delivery to your workshop or driveway. Compare 3–5 quotes in minutes at Engine Finder Gearboxes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Ford Mondeo gearbox cost to replace in South Africa?

It depends on the gearbox type. The MTX-75 5-speed manual (Mk1/Mk2) costs R7,500–R21,000 all-in. The MPS6 PowerShift (Mk4 2.0 TDCi): clutch service R12,000–R25,000 fitted; full unit R32,000–R60,000 fitted. Always try the clutch service first.

What gearbox does the Ford Transit use?

Manual Transit models use the MT82 6-speed (BorgWarner, shared with the Ranger). Automatic Transit models from 2015 onwards use the 6R80 6-speed SelectShift — the same automatic used in the Ranger 3.2 TDCi.

What is the MPS6 and which Fords have it?

The MPS6 (code: 6DCT450) is Ford’s 6-speed wet dual-clutch PowerShift gearbox, designed by Getrag. It was fitted to the Mondeo Mk4, Galaxy Mk2, S-Max, and Kuga diesel models from approximately 2010–2015. It uses wet multi-plate clutch packs and requires a fluid change every 30,000 km.

How much does a Ford Transit gearbox cost in SA?

MT82 manual: R16,000–R28,000 fitted (used unit); R22,000–R36,000 fitted (recon). 6R80 automatic: R20,000–R32,000 fitted (used); R26,000–R42,000 fitted (recon). Labour is 5–8 hours; the 6R80 requires a TCM reprogram after fitting.

How long does the MPS6 PowerShift last?

With a 30,000 km fluid-and-filter change, the MPS6 can last 200,000+ km. Without it, clutch debris builds up in the solenoids from 80,000–120,000 km. Most SA failures are on vehicles that have never had a fluid change — they are preventable.

Is the Ford Galaxy gearbox the same as the Mondeo’s?

Yes — the Galaxy Mk2 uses the same 6DCT450 MPS6 unit as the Mondeo Mk4. Replacement costs are identical. The Galaxy Mk1 (1995–2006) is different: it used the VXT75 5-speed manual or a VW AG4 automatic.