Repairing Guides

how to repair a transmission

by Marc Balistreri IV Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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The following is a list of typical repairs:

  • Transmission Leak: Common causes include cracked fluid lines, leaky seals, a bad gasket, a broken drain plug, damaged torque converter pump or faulty transmission pan.
  • Transmission Fluid Flush: Replaces old transmission fluid with new fluid. ...
  • Transmission Solenoid Replacement: Solenoids control the fluid in the transmission. ...

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Full Answer

How much does it cost to rebuild a transmission?

Unfortunately, the transmission can eventually stop working, which must be solved by either rebuilding it or replacing it with a new one. Rebuilding a transmission will cost around $1500 to $3000 depending on the condition, labor, and more. In this guide, we will look specifically at the cost to rebuild a transmission.

How long should a transmission repair take Me?

Usually, a transmission rebuild takes 3 to 4 days. The average transmission can last for about 30,000 to 40,000 miles. It is wise that you take care of your transmission problem early.

Should I replace or rebuild my transmission?

Why Choose to Rebuild over Replace. A transmission rebuild is a great option in most cases. This means you are only replacing the parts that have failed. Unlike the transmission replacement, the cost of rebuilding your transmission is a lot easier on your wallet.

How can we know if transmission needs repairing?

What Does the Transmission Do?

  • The fluid emits a “burned” smell
  • Unusual humming, grinding or clunking sounds, especially when the vehicle is in neutral
  • When trying to shift, the clutch stays engaged, causes grinding noises
  • Instead of smooth transitions when the gear changes, you’ll hear and often feel a thumping or grinding sensation

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Can you fix a transmission without replacing it?

So, yes, there are some car repairs that can be done without replacing the part in question, like electrical components of your transmission, or the external components like bushings and shifter cables. Some bad news for you: everything with your car's transmission cannot be fixed from the outside.

Can I fix my transmission myself?

Again, as long as you have a place for every part and a way to clean them, the process can be completed by an amateur mechanic. While some heavier tools may be required to disassemble and reassemble, it is doable.

Is it worth fixing a transmission?

Rebuilding a transmission can save you a lot of money over the short-term, while keeping car payments out of your monthly budget. For many, rebuilding their transmission is worth the initial cost. Rebuilding a transmission may cost you twenty-five hundred dollars or more, which is a significant chunk of change.

Is it cheaper to rebuild a transmission or replace it?

A transmission replace is the most expensive option when fixing your transmission. In many cases you will hear this referred to as “re-manufactured.” Basically, the manufacturer will replace parts that have gone bad with modified parts. This is an option if the transmission is too damaged to even consider a rebuild.

How do you save a failing transmission?

Here are our top 5 tips that can help you preserve your transmission.Check Your Transmission Fluid Regularly. ... Avoid Heat Damage By Following The “Severe Use” Replacement Schedule. ... Keep Your Engine's Cooling System In Good Shape. ... Be Careful About Changing Gears (And Use That Parking Brake)More items...•

How long will a repaired transmission last?

On average, a rebuilt transmission is expected to last between 30,000 – 50,000 miles. If the work is done extremely well and regular maintenance is performed, a transmission rebuild can last as long as the original transmission (120,000 – 200,000 miles on average).

Can I drive with a transmission problem?

Is driving with a faulty transmission okay? Short answer: no! The only thing you should do if you think you have a faulty transmission is go for a quick jaunt to your local mechanic. If you have a bad transmission it's only a matter of time before your vehicle literally won't be able to drive anywhere.

What happens when your transmission blows while driving?

You drop the gearshift in drive and hit the accelerator, but your car doesn't move. The engine revs up but you're going nowhere. Try as you might, you can't get your car to go.

What are the signs your transmission is going out?

Nine Signs Your Transmission Is Going OutWon't Shift Gears. Another sign of a dying transmission is a refusal to shift gears. ... The Gears Slip. The scenario we described in the introduction is the gears slipping. ... Noise When Shifting. ... Neutral Noises. ... Shaking or Vibrating. ... Burning Smells. ... Fluid Leaks. ... Pink Fluid.More items...•

How many hours does it take to rebuild a transmission?

Rebuilding a transmission can take anywhere from one to three days, depending on the type and model of your vehicle. Rebuilding a transmission can take several hours to complete, and it can even take an entire day. The labor required can vary, but most auto shops can complete a common rebuild in an hour or two.

What else should I replace when replacing a transmission?

If you do replace the transmission:Resurface or replace the flywheel, clutch, throw-out bearing.Like cano said, replace the rear main.

How much is a rebuilt transmission?

Here's a quick overview of the average transmission replacement cost: Remanufactured transmission – $1,300 to $3,400. Used/Salvage – $800 to $1,500. Rebuilt – $1,100 to $2,800.

Can a transmission be fixed if its slipping?

Transmission bands can wear out and cause slipping. To fix this problem, the defective bands should be replaced. Sometimes the bands are fine and only need adjustment. The clutch plates might also need to be replaced or adjusted.

How do you know if you have a transmission problem?

What Are the Transmission Failure Symptoms?Refusal to Switch Gears. If your vehicle refuses or struggles to change gears, you are more than likely facing a problem with your transmission system. ... Burning Smell. ... Noises When in Neutral. ... Slipping Gears. ... Dragging Clutch. ... Leaking Fluid. ... Check Engine Light. ... Grinding or Shaking.More items...•

Can I drive with a slipping transmission?

To put it briefly, no you should never drive your vehicle if you believe there to be an issue with your transmission in any case. Once a transmission starts slipping it needs to immediately be repaired. Every time you drive it after you feel your transmission slip, it is a risk.

What does a slipping transmission feel like?

A slipping transmission tends to feel like your car is jerking or surging. You might even notice that the engine revs to a high RPM between gear changes. As you are driving, the transmission should be providing constant power to the wheels.

How to check if transmission is leaking?

If your transmission has a problem of leaking fluid, it likely will require a reseal job. To check a transmission for leaks, we need to put your vehicle on a lift so we can see underneath it to look for signs of leaks. If we can’t find a leak in any of the external seals or gaskets and the transmission otherwise performs well, it is often the best course of action to have the transmission resealed. The majority of external seals can be replaced while the transmission is still in the car, except the front seal. If the front seal requires replacing, the transmission must be removed from the vehicle.

What is a complete overhaul of a transmission?

A complete overhaul requires the removal and disassembly of the entire transmission. This is a major transmission repair. We will inspect every part for wear and damage and then clean them all in a special cleaning solution or replace them with another part depending on its condition. Again, it should be stressed that this would be for a major transmission problem or a transmission problem with an unknown cause. If the transmission’s problem is caused by an easily accessible part, we can merely replace that specific part.

Can a transmission be repaired?

Many transmission problems can be rectified with relatively minor adjustments or in-car repairs. Most minor repairs do not require the removal of the transmission from the vehicle. With a computer-controlled transmission, if you are experiencing problems shifting properly, it’s usually the result of the computer sending incorrect signals due to a faulty sensor or perhaps the transmission is not reacting to the command because of a bad connection or defective solenoid pack.

Is transmission repair a complicated process?

The transmission consists of a variety of different parts itself. That is why transmission repair can be such a complicated process. There any number of different parts of the transmission that can be having problems, and the way to fix one of them is different from the way to fix another.

How do you Rebuild the Transmission?

As mentioned early, the Transmission is a complex component than any other part in a vehicle.

How do you know that your Transmission Needs a Rebuild?

Certain things can state to you that your transmission system needs an overhaul.

What is transmission in a car?

Transmission is a mechanism contained in the engine of a vehicle. The responsibility to change the gears of the vehicle solely falls on it. This engine energy is, in turn, transferred to the wheels to enable the car to move. In simple terms, It is the mechanism that converts the engine power into a force.

Why is transmission important?

It is important because it converts the engine force into power that enables the vehicle to move. Without Transmission, engine power cannot reach the wheels of your car. Simply put, the transmission system is a link between the engine and the wheels. Another aspect that you should understand is the RPM.

Why do you pour transmission fluid through a funnel?

Transmission fluid. Hand pouring transmission fluid through funnel as for the good car maintenance. Transmission fluid plays the role of lubricating the engine parts. The fluid ensures the proper functioning of the transmission system. Also, it helps to lower the engine’s heating, which ensures the engine stays cool.

How to tell if transmission fluid is leaking?

Another visible sign is the leaking transmission fluid. When you park your vehicle at one point for some time, you notice colored fluids on the ground. It is an indicator of a faulty transmission system. Remember, the transmission fluid comes in different colors.

What is automatic transmission?

There are two types of Transmission. The Automatic Transmission. It is where the vehicle shifts the gears on its own without the input of the driver.

What are the problems with a transmission?

The most common transmission problems are leaking seals, a worn-out clutch, or old transmission fluid. Faulty components inside the transmission like bad shift solenoids, bad transmission bands or a faulty torque converter are also very common.

Why can't I get my transmission out of gear?

When your transmission can’t get into or out of a specific gear, it can be a litany of problems. Start by hooking up an OBD II reader to your vehicle and seeing if the TCM generates any codes. If this is the case, your problem might be as simple as a faulty sensor or solenoid.

Why is my transmission overheating?

Overheating Transmission. While an overheating transmission is a sign of a deeper problem, it might be the only thing you notice. There are tons of reasons your transmission might overheat. From jammed gears to old transmission fluid, you’ll need to thoroughly troubleshoot your transmission to find out what’s going on.

What happens when transmission bands break?

But when these bands start to break, you’ll find that your transmission simply doesn’t have gears that it should.

How to tell if a transmission leak is coming from the bottom?

If it’s coming from the bottom, it’s likely the transmission pan, but it’s likely a front main if it’s coming from the front.

What happens when oil leaks in transmission?

Just like your engine, oil fills your transmission to keep everything running smoothly. That transmission fluid is held inside through gaskets and seals, and as your transmission ages, those gaskets and seals can wear out. If this happens you’ll get a leak, and you’ll need to make repairs.

What are the most common transmission problems?

The most common transmission problems are leaking seals , a worn-out clutch, or old transmission fluid. But while these are the most common problems, they aren’t the only ones you need to keep an eye out for. We’ll give you an in-depth dive into each issue below. 1. Leaking Seals.

How much does it cost to fix a transmission?

A transmission repair usually costs you between $1200 to $5000. Learn what you can expect to pay to fix your transmission, whether manual or automatic.

How does a transmission work?

While an engine creates power, a transmission controls how much of it actually reaches the wheels at any given speed. Using the gears of a bike as an example. When you shift between one to the other, the chain is temporarily lifted off, then put back in place. This is similar to how a manual transmission works.

What Does A Transmission Do?

While an engine creates power, a transmission controls how much of it actually reaches the wheels at any given speed.

What is low transmission fluid?

Low Transmission Fluid. Just like an engine, a transmission requires fluid to function, which in this case is called transmission fluid. It not only acts as a lubricant but as a hydraulic fluid as well. This keeps it within a safe operating temp, facilitates gear shifts, and lubricates the moving parts.

What does it mean when your transmission is leaking?

Transmission Fluid Leak. This one is similar to the last in that it means your transmission doesn’t receive the essential fluid it needs. However, if your transmission is leaking fluid, you can’t simply add more, you need to fix the issue.

What happens if your transmission fluid filter is clogged?

If you didn’t know, your tranny has a filter that screens out harmful debris like dirt, dust, and metallic flakes before they continue on to wreak havoc. However, once the filter screens out enough debris, it can become clogged, rendering it useless.

How much does transmission fluid replacement cost?

Depending on where you take your vehicle, the cost can range from $80-$250. Thankfully, it’s also something you can do at home to cut these costs in half.

What is transmission repair?

Transmission repairs are reserved for smaller issues. It can be done if the part needing replacement is on the surface of the transmission. Rebuilding the transmission involves replacing all of the worn-out parts, while replacement entails swapping it out for a new or used transmission.

What do you need to replace when rebuilding a transmission?

Both options are often quite expensive. When rebuilding the transmission, you need to replace the clutch, seals, gaskets, sealing rings, and bands.

How to tell if a car has fluid leaks?

Look under the vehicle to see if there is any fluid leaking. Without the proper amount of fluid, the gears will overheat and more friction will occur.

How much does it cost to repair a transmission?

You might spend between $300 and $1,500. If the transmission needs to be rebuilt, the cost can be anywhere from $1,400 to $3,500.

How to tell transmission fluid from other fluids?

You can distinguish the transmission fluid from other car fluids by its red color and sweet smell. If you notice that it has a darker color with a burning odor, you must rinse it out and replace it . Unlike the engine oil that is consumed by the car, the transmission oil should never get too low.

Why does my transmission light come on?

The onboard computer detects problems using sensors connected to the transmission and other engine parts. If the transmission has a lot of shocks, the light will come on.

Why is transmission important?

The transmission helps to change the gear system. If you are driving your car and suddenly the gears are delayed, you have a problem with the transmission. If you drive a manual car, you will have difficulty shifting the car into the correct gear.

What is CVT transmission?

CVT Transmissions. “CVT” stands for “ Continuously Variable Transmission ”. So, before we go any further, let us admit that “CVT transmission” is redundant; just like “ATM machine”. But it is how people often refer to CVTs. CVTs are a newer type of transmission, though the concept is old.

Why do you need a CVT?

CVTs can provide better fuel economy and more efficient power usage because they permit the engine to operate at optimum power, regardless of how fast the vehicle is traveling.

What is a pulley based CVT?

Pulley-based CVTs use a complex pulley system, as opposed to gears, in order to provide seamless gear transitions. Toroidal CVT – This type of CVT system utilizes rotating discs and power rollers to achieve the function of the pulley system from a pulley-based CVT.

What is CVT in cars?

A CVT is a type of automatic transmission, but it’s different than traditional automatic transmissions.

Do CVTs need to be repaired?

However, CVTs will idle in any gear and, because the sounds of regulation are often similar to that of a slipping or clunking transmission, people can get confused. Sometimes CVT transmission repair consists of simply reassuring new drivers of CVT vehicles that their transmission doesn’t need to be repaired at all. Though, at Mister Transmission, we always conduct our Multi-Check Inspection, just to make sure.

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