No doubt, a transmission is a crucial part of your vehicle. And it plays an essential role in car’s regular operations. That’s why taking care of it is incredibly important.
Some factors affect the functionality of your transmission, such as running low on transmission fluid, towing beyond your car’s ability, or using the wrong fluid type, etc.
That’s why maintaining a proper maintenance routine is necessary, as it lowers the chances of a transmission rebuild.
The process can involve significant hauls, such as replacing parts, or even simple processes, such as extensive cleaning. But whatever direction you choose, it’s essential to understand what’s happening or how much it will cost.
What is a Transmission Rebuild?
When rebuilding a transmission, the process includes disassembling it. In this process, each part is inspected to find damage or excessive wear.
If there are parts in good condition, they get a good cleanse to be used in reassembled transmission. This step also takes care of the parts that are needed to be replaced.
Remember, gaskets, seals, clutches, and other items can be replaced in the process.
How to Rebuild a Transmission?
The repair facilities are equipped with transmission rebuild tools. With the help of the right equipment, the mechanic will tackle transmission rebuild work with ease.
The transmission rebuild shops own powerful hardware to handle various projects, including redoing transmissions, from flywheel handlers to pressurized drain tools.
If you’re curious about the process, know that it determines the cause of the problem, allowing you to decide whether or not you should continue with the transmission rebuild.
The entire process includes:
- Separating the transmission from your car and dismantling its parts.
- Running it through the part’s washer to chemically clean it.
- Transmission parts, such as gaskets or seals, are replaced with new ones.
- Electrical repairs are performed if required.
- If your advances were made in your transmission parts since its purchase, these parts may be updated to enhance your transmission’s performance and increase its longevity.
- Reinstalling your rebuilt transmission.
What to Expect After a Transmission Rebuild?
A transmission rebuild can add years to your car’s lifespan. However, when considering your options after a transmission failure, it makes sense to buy a used transmission to avoid the cost of a new one.
You can undoubtedly opt for the option, but investing in a used transmission is a hassle, and it can be time-consuming.
Moreover, there’s no guarantee that your used transmission will last for a long time. Chances are your used transmission won’t come with a worthy warranty either.
That’s why rebuilding your transmission is seen as a reliable option. It also replaces the worn parts and revamps your transmission entirely.
On the other hand, when you decide to trade your vehicle, chances are you will get a higher price if your transmission is in excellent condition.
The Cost of Transmission Rebuild
Rebuilding your transmission involves several things. It ranges from replacing a single part to a series of different components.
Moreover, there are components, such as solenoids and input shafts, that are easier to replace. The best part is you can save time and money over a complete transmission rebuild.
If the fluid in your transmission is leaking, you might need to replace seals and gaskets. In the instances like these, chances are your manufacturer’s warranty may cover the specific part.
However, if it doesn’t or your mechanic finds more parts to be fixed, you might need to go for a complete transmission rebuild.
This is the point where the process may get expensive. General mechanics don’t always handle extensive transmission work, which means you need to see a transmission specialist.
Rebuilding a transmission may fall somewhere $2800 to $3800 depending on the parts, unforeseen circumstances, and labor.
The estimate is still affordable than installing a new transmission, which could cost between $4000 to $8000 depending on the make and model of your car.
Transmission Rebuild Vs. Transmission Replace
You have options to either rebuild or replace your transmission.
But still, it’s better to do your search, understand the problem and ensure to consult with an expert. You can do that by searching transmission rebuild near me.
Let’s talk about the options in detail.
Transmission Replace
Replacing your transmission is expensive. It is often referred to as “remanufactured.” It means the manufacturer will replace the worn parts with the modified ones.
You can opt for the option if the transmission is too damaged. Moreover, in this option, the transmission is redone in a factory setting.
The positive point about opting for transmission replacement is that people working on it will be skilled in tackling that particular transmission.
The transmission you’re replacing with will be updated to the pre-built factory specs. This part can also be beneficial depending on your overall goal and how terribly your transmission has failed.
Transmission Rebuild
In most cases, a transmission rebuild is a great option. The process involves replacing the failed parts. Similar to replace, it will fix particular parts, but not in a factory setting.
Plus, you need to seek the guidance of an expert to do a flawless job. Choosing to rebuild over replacing can cost less because it isn’t done on the factory level.
Moreover, experts will put parts in transmission rebuilding, such as gaskets, bands, clutch, seals, gaskets, etc.
These parts are often found most worn out when a transmission is taken out. Your mechanic will disassemble and clean the parts as a first step of the process.
A new torque converter is used, and solenoids will be replaced. Once the mechanic is done with these steps, the transmission will be reassembled and put back into your car.
That’s why choosing an expert who knows what they are doing at each step of the transmission rebuild process is essential.
Difference Between a Transmission Rebuild and Overhaul
There’s no difference between the two terms. However, people have started to use them interchangeably over time.
But when rebuilding your transmission, ensure that your repair expert understands the services you’re willing to receive and doesn’t allow these terms to confuse you.
Important Transmission Terms to Remember
It’s time to know transmission terms and get educated.
Let’s begin.
Automatic Transmission
It’s a multi-gear transmission that doesn’t require the driver to change the gears.
Manual Transmission
In this transmission type, the driver needs to change the gears while driving the car.
Gears
Gears are given to slow engine output speed and elevate torque. In most modern transmissions, you can see the numbers of gears ranging from five to ten.
Clutch
The clutch is given to engage or disengage the powertrain from turning the drive shaft. It enables the driver to shift the gears before disengaging the clutch to continue forward motion.
Remanufactured
Remanufactured parts are the ones that have been torn down completely and rebuilt. Any damaged components are replaced. The process enables remanufactured parts to become as reliable as a new one.
Do you Need to A Rebuild – Find it Out First
Before opting for a rebuild at a repair shop, you need to know whether or not you need the service. For example, when you develop an engine problem, you don’t decide to rebuild or replace it immediately.
However, it’s different with the transmission. If it encounters a problem, initial diagnoses suggest having it replaced or rebuild.
Remember, in many cases, replacement or rebuilding isn’t required. Detecting a correct transmission problem isn’t an easy process. This is because transmission problems have similar symptoms.
Suppose your transmission is slipping. It might require rebuilding your transmission because the clutches have worn out.
Apart from that, low fluid levels, hard or erratic shifts, a faulty shit solenoid can also be the indication of a transmission rebuild.
Therefore, it’s essential to rule out things before opting for rebuilding or replacing your transmission.
Contaminated Fluid
When your transmission fluid gets old or dirty, it causes symptoms similar to having low fluid levels.
Dirty fluid can also clog the filter, leading to shit problems as the required pressure to make shifts get insufficient.
The transmission oil pump has to work hard to pump the fluid through the transmission with a clogged filter, but it fails.
The solution to this problem is fluid or filter change or fluid flush.
Faulty Transmission Control Module (TCM) or Powertrain Control Module (PCM)
With a faulty powertrain control module PCM or transmission control module TCM, you can experience erratic shifts, hard shifts, delays between gear shifts, hard downshifts, and taking longer than normal to go into Reverse or Drive.
Your transmission may fail to engage in any gear. To solve this problem, you can test TCM or PCM to replace if found faulty.
Transmission Fluid Levels
The fluid in your transmission doesn’t only lubricate, but it helps cool down the internal function.
It also provides the pressure required to shift the gears. Therefore, when the fluid levels are low, your transmission slips shift erratically or don’t shift at all.
Low fluid levels also delay gear engagement and lead to transmission or transaxle to overheat.
The best way to deal with this problem is to incorporate the correct type of transmission fluid. It should be in “full range,” as the dipstick will show.
Out of Order Shifter Linkage
When shifter linkage is out of order, it shows signs similar to worn or frayed shifter cable. With a worn shifter cable, you may feel looseness in the shifter level when moving the shifter lever.
In this case, you might not feel any difference in the shifter’s lever movement. An out-of-order shifter linkage can put your transmission in a different gear than what is shown in the shifter lever.
“Burnt” Transmission Fluid
Burnt or oxidized transmission fluid means internal transmission damage has occurred. However, you need to have it rebuilt is still questionable.
As a solution, you need to change the fluid and filter or flush the fluid depending on your car’s mileage. If changing the fluid and filter or flushing the fluid doesn’t resolve the problem, you need to rebuild a transmission.
Valve Body Problem
Your transmission’s valve body controls shift by controlling or directing the transmission fluid into the suitable passageways to activate gear shifts.
Over time, the metal debris can scratch the aluminum passages leading to a change in pressure. This change can cause a series of shift problems, such as delayed or jerky shifts.
Be it a manual or automatic transmission; it won’t shift in the right gear if it gets blocked by debris. You can replace the valve body to solve the problem, which can be done without removing your transmission.
Frequently Asked Question (FAQs)
- How much does it cost to rebuild a transmission?
The average cost of transmission replacement ranges from $1800 to $3400. On the other hand, a used transmission ranges from $1300 to $3400.
- How much does it cost to rebuild a transmission?
Rebuilding a transmission can help save a lot of money over the short term, keeping vehicle payments separate from the monthly budget. For many cars, rebuilding the transmission is worth the starting cost. It may cost you $2500 or more.
- Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a transmission?
It might not be done on the factory level, but transmission rebuild is inexpensive and reliable. The repair shop will put new parts, such as clutch, bands, seals, gaskets, etc. The mechanic will disassemble the transmission component and clean the parts before putting them back.
- Is it wrong to rebuild or replace a transmission?
The process is labor-intensive and requires attention to detail. In some cases, the transmission has many damages; therefore, rebuilding it is no longer viable. If your transmission is found with a lot of damages, you have no choice but to replace it.
Conclusion
No doubt, problems with your transmission can bring additional stress and costs. Since it’s an essential component of your car, you can’t ignore it. It’s best to develop a proper maintenance routine and follow it.
With regular inspection, you’re likely to detect transmission problems or factors that could lead to faults in transmission at the earliest and fix them.
However, when deciding to go for a transmission rebuild, rule out the symptoms to identify the correct problem and find a suitable solution. We at Eagle Transmission & Automotive will make sure your transmission is properly structured. Having worked on vehicles of all makes and models for over 30 years, we’re experts in all types of rebuilds and repairs. Please contact us today to learn how we can assist you with your repair or maintenance needs!
