Transmissions take power from the engine and use it to propel the motion of a car. Without a work transition, the car will not move. Many transmissions are neglected, although replacing or rebuilding a transmission is one of the most expensive auto repair services. Simply following the manufacturer’s or dealer’s service recommendations for changing your transmission fluid can save you thousands of dollars in repairs.
Symptoms of a problem
It is important to be alert to the first signs of a transmission disorder. Early intervention with transmission problems can mean minor and inexpensive repairs. Delaying maintenance can cause mechanical failure. In the case of transmissions, this means that the engine is completely shut off. So the only solution is to replace the transmission or rebuild it. Have the car inspected at the first sign of a problem.
- Transmission slips between gears while driving or returns to neutral
- Grinding, buzzing, or clicking sounds from the engine, especially in neutral
- Dark transmission fluid with a burning smell
- Clutch stays engaged and squeaks when trying to shift, also called clutch drag
- Delays or lags between gear changes
- Bumps or squeaks during gear changes instead of smooth transitions
- Higher than normal RPM for a speed or gear change
- Delays when leaving the park
- It takes more than a second to engage gear or reverse
Rebuilding a transmission
If a transmission fails completely or has major problems, the usual solutions are to rebuild it, replace it, or (hopefully) do smaller repairs that will solve the problem.
Rebuilding transmissions is a long and laborious process. Before any rebuild begins, the mechanic should look for easier solutions.
- Change the transmission fluid.
- Check the car’s computer system that controls the automatic transmission. Replace sensors if necessary
If these processes do not resolve the problem, rebuilding or replacing the transmission is the only option available.
- Remove the transmission and open the case.
- Inspect and clean all components
- Replacement of damaged or worn “soft” parts such as seals, o-rings, packings, bands, valves, filters, and clutch components.
- Inspect “hard” parts like shafts, pumps, converters, housings, and gears for damage.
- Test and repair the electrical system.
- Reassemble the transmission and reinstall it.
- Test drive to ensure repairs are completed
Transmission repair costs
The costs of rebuilding a transmission can be less or greater than the cost of replacing it. It depends on the complexity of the repairs required on the existing transmission.
- A full transmission overhaul can cost more than buying and installing a new transmission.
- Replacements can cost $ 2,000 to $ 4,000 or more, depending on the make and model of the vehicle.
- Complete transmission overhauls and rebuilds can cost as much as the highest replacement costs.
- Basic transmission repairs, like replacing the clutch on a manual transmission car, can cost an average of $ 1,000 to $ 2,000.
Other Factors Influencing Transmission Repair Costs:
- Domestic cars generally cost less to repair than imported or high-end cars.
- Transmission damage extent
- Newer, better-maintained cars cost less to repair
- It is more difficult and more expensive to find parts for old or rare cars.
- Standard transmissions are cheaper to repair or replace than automatics
- Regional, state, and municipal differences in repair and replacement costs