SHOULD I REPLACE MY TRANSMISSION WITH A NEW ONE?
Depending on your vehicle’s age, the type of warranty you get when purchasing a new or remanufactured one a new transmission maybe your best option. Buying a new transmission gives your vehicle a part that should last longer than a rebuilt or remanufactured one. This includes a better or longer warranty on the part’s quality.
The trade-off is the price. You will pay more for a new part. but you should be aware that many “new” transmissions come from the manufacturer as new rebuilds. Very few car makers offer a truly new transmission so when you ask for a new part as a replacement, you should ask whether it is a new transmission (with any and all relevant updates for your vehicle) or a new rebuilt.
TRANSMISSION TYPES
Rebuilt. A rebuilt transmission is one that consists of new and older parts, which may be manufactured in a factory or an auto repair shop. The rebuilt may consist of the old housing for your existing transmission and a replacement of the components that are worn, damaged, or no longer working properly.
Remanufactured. A remanufactured transmission the same as a rebuilt except for the fact that it is manufactured in a factory. Its design and construction are based on the original manufacturing requirements for the part. It may be put together using parts that have been rebuilt, reused, repaired, or any combination of the three. Remanufactured transmissions are built based on the original specifications for your vehicle. As a result, t may cost more than a rebuilt one since it does not have to adhere to the original specifications and may be modified. This is important to understand because any changes to the original specifications could cause your warranty to become void.
New transmission. A new transmission is fresh from the factory and should ideally be the same type as the original one. However, if the model is flawed, defective, or problematic it would make more sense for your mechanic to install a different but compatible, new transmission.
More Involved Transmission Repairs
There are other transmission repairs too that, like most shifting issues, can be remedied without too much of a headache. Reseal jobs are important if you notice blobs of red oil underneath your parked car. You want to keep your transmission sealed up properly, so a reseal might be required (Replacing accessible parts is also a common type of transmission repair that we can in relatively short order in most cases).
But there are, of course, instances, when transmission repair can take a great deal longer. For example, complete overhauls, also known as rebuilding transmissions. These jobs tend to take longer because they require that we remove the transmission from the vehicle and disassemble it. We will examine every part for wear and tear and replace those parts that need it, whether it be a torque converter or the bands and clutches.
What are signs of a bad transmission?
Transmission slipping: whether you have an automatic or manual transmission they both have a clutch system that will separate and engage new gears. With time this system will wear down and your transmission system will literally start to slip while changing into the next gear. Another cause of a slipping transmission is low fluid pressure which is caused by a low level of fluid, clogged filters or a bad pump. These issues will get worse over time to the point where the transmission seizes and will not engage.
Strange Smells: A transmission has its own designated fluid. It’s designed to lubricate and make sure all the gears are spinning smoothly and synchronized. After a vehicle reaches high mileage this fluid can either start to leak out or burn inside the transmission. If you see any RED fluid leaking from under your car or smell any unusual smell from under your car, then your transmission is in need of fluid service. Failure to either change the fluid may lead to blown transmission.
Transmission warning light: Most of the new cars today have sensors all over the place to make sure you don’t harm the car. Keep an eye out for any check engine lights that turn on as it could be that your transmission fluid is either running low or its burnt out causing the temperature in your transmission to rise exponentially. This will lead to it either seizing up or blowing.
Grinding or odd sounds: Automatic and manual transmission both make unique sounds when they start to go bad. On an automatic transmission, you may hear humming, whining or a buzzing sound. You’ll also feel as if every gear is wobbling into place. With a manual transmission, you will hear and feel it grind into every gear. Whether you have an auto or manual transmission.
How long does it take to replace a transmission?
Even the sound of it makes you shake your head with worry. How can you go days without a car? What are your options while your car is in the shop?
The good news is quite often, it doesn’t take more than a day or two to replace a transmission. Of course, it depends on the model and make of your car, and the type of transmission it is. If you have a rear-wheel drive vehicle that’s commonplace on the road, plan on being without your vehicle at least a day or two. If you have a front-wheel drive, the process can take longer as it’s quite labor-intensive. Estimate up to three to four days to ensure you give yourself plenty of time.
Better yet, stop by. The best way to get an estimate of how long it will take to replace a transmission is for us to see what type of vehicle you’re driving. Only then can we give you an accurate picture of how long it will take.
Options for Transmission Fixes
Transmission Repairs
When repairing a transmission you are replacing the bare minimum amount of parts to bring your transmission back into working order.
Often with a transmission repair, you are only fixing one specific part of the transmission. This repair can take place without having to rebuild the entire transmission. This option typically costs less than a rebuild or a replacement. However, this option is often not available as there may be too much damage done to your transmission.
Transmission Rebuilds
A transmission rebuild is where the entire transmission is taken apart and inspected.
Any worn, failed, or damaged parts are then replaced and the transmission is reassembled and replaced into your car. Transmission rebuilds are custom processes for each individual car and require a transmission specialist.
Transmission Replacements
A transmission replacement means that you are replacing your entire transmission.
Sometimes this option is called having your transmission “re-manufactured”. Often there are not brand new transmissions available on the market, so you will be purchasing a refurbished transmission.
When you replace your transmission, all of the parts of your transmission are replaced not just the parts that have failed or worn out. This is an option for transmissions that cannot be rebuilt because they are too damaged.
Transmission replacements are done in a controlled, factory setting. When you replace your transmission your transmission will be updated to the pre-built factory settings. This is often the most expensive transmission fix.