Receiving Helpdesk

can you rebuild your own transmission

by Katrine Swaniawski Published 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago

While the process can seem like solving a complex puzzle, rebuilding your own transmission can be a worthwhile experience. Best of all, if you do decide the process is too advanced, or find yourself “in over your head” after attempting to rebuild, you can always call a professional.Sep 30, 2016

Should I buy a car with a rebuild transmission?

“If the car is 15 years old with 180,000 miles and needs other repairs, it may not make sense. But if the car is 8 years old and otherwise in good condition, you could save a lot of money in the long run by having a remanufactured transmission put in.

Is a rebuilt transmission as good as a new one?

You may even purchase a used one online or from a junkyard. However, the third and most reliable option is a transmission rebuild. When your transmission is rebuilt, the entire transmission is disassembled and each part checked for wear. The worn-out parts are then replaced with new ones and the transmission is made as good as new.

Is rebuilding a transmission worth it?

Yes, a transmission rebuild is worth it if its done properly. Some transmission repair shops do crappy work by not replacing most parts that need to be replaced. Example: they my reuse some rubber washer, burnt metal gears, or re using the torque converter that was questionable in the first place.

How many times should a transmission be rebuilt?

How many times can you rebuild a transmission? A great starting benchmark for rebuilt transmission success is the 30,000 to 40,000 mile mark. At the very least, a rebuilt unit should last this long.

Can I rebuild a transmission myself?

If you choose to do it yourself, a transmission rebuild can cost much less, and all you need is a rebuild kit and some automotive tools. Rebuild kits are usually priced around $50 to $300, depending on what parts are included and the quality of them.

How difficult is it to rebuild a transmission?

Difficulty Level Rebuilding an automatic transmission is generally regarded as a difficult undertaking because the repair shop must be familiar with your specific type of transmission. Automatic transmissions vary widely from one vehicle to the next and each requires totally different parts and tools to rebuild.

How much does it cost to rebuild a transmission?

When the replacement is needed or wanted, then expect to pay an average $3000 or up to $8000 or more. Transmission Rebuild – when the car's transmission will be rebuilt instead of completely replaced then this can range from $1100 to $2800.Dec 28, 2020

Is it cheaper to rebuild or replace a transmission?

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.Feb 28, 2019

How long does it take to rebuild a transmission?

3 to 5 daysIn a rebuild situation, the transmission must be removed, disassembled, parts purchased, reassembled, and installed back in your vehicle. All of this can take 3 to 5 days.Jul 23, 2018

How long do rebuilt transmissions 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).

What are the signs your transmission is going out?

10 Symptoms of a Bad TransmissionLack of Response. Hesitation, or outright refusal, to shift into the proper gear is a telltale sign of transmission trouble. ... Odd Sounds. ... Leaking Fluid. ... Grinding, Jerking, or Shaking. ... Burning Smell. ... Won't Go into Gear. ... Service Engine Soon. ... Noisy Transmission in Neutral.More items...•Oct 7, 2019

How do you rebuild a transmission?

The transmission rebuild process typically includes:Removing the transmission from your vehicle and dismantling it.Chemically cleaning the transmission by running it through a parts washer.Any wonky transmission parts, plus all seals and gaskets, are replaced with new ones.Any required electrical repairs are performed.More items...

What parts are replaced in a transmission rebuild?

An automatic transmission rebuild kit contains all the parts that, by design are going to eventually wear out, and consist mainly of new clutches, bands, seals, gaskets, bushings, bearings and internal transmission sealing rings along with a new transmission filter.

Can my transmission Be Saved?

As any car owner will agree, saving a transmission and avoiding major transmission service or car repair costs are very worthwhile goals. Indeed, some transmission shops and dealerships are quite expensive and lack experience with today's complex transmissions, so it's not just a about saving money.

How much does it cost to rebuild a transmission?

A rebuilt transmission, on the other hand, is from $1100 to $2800 and a remanufactured one from $1300 to $3400. (Source: Transmission Repair Cost Guide readers). Now that you know how much the cost of rebuilding, repairing and replacing transmission you can now decide which option should you go for.

Why is it important to know the mechanism behind a transmission?

Whether you are doing it yourself or asking help from a professional mechanic it is very important that you know the mechanism behind it to have an idea of what is happening and how much it will cost. A vehicle’s transmission, being a major part of the vehicle’s operation, constantly needs to be in a good running condition.

What is torque converter?

Torque converter – a hydraulic fluid coupling connecting the engine to the transmission. It consists of a stator, impeller, and turbine, which combined forces produce torque that the transmission uses by way of fluid pressure.

What is automatic transmission?

For a vehicle with automatic transmission, the vehicle shifts the gears on its own. It doesn’t need input from the driver. In short, the driver does not change the gears of the car.

What does it mean when your car has bad gears?

Driving around with bad gears is inviting trouble for other parts of your car. In some cases, a rebuild is needed, which means repairing and replacing parts of transmission for it to be able to operate as new again. In some cases, a major overhaul is needed but there are also times when only a simple process is needed with just a few replacements and some cleaning.

Where is the pump located in a torque converter?

Pump – Found at the center of the torque converter and the planetary gear set, it is the pump that draws transmission fluid in and pressurizes it for the torque converter and transmission. The fluid pressure is what an automatic transmission heavily relies on for its components to function.

What is the transmission system?

The transmission system is found on a vehicle’s engine which is responsible for changing gears. It converts the engine's combustion power to the momentum that turns the wheels. In short, the transmission system enables the vehicle to move forward.

How long does it take to rebuild a transmission?

But, if the person is an experienced mechanic, it should not take longer than expected. Usually, a transmission rebuild takes 3 to 4 days. It will depend on where you have taken the Transmission for a rebuild.

How do you know if your transmission needs a rebuild?

When you step on the accelerating pedal, the engine makes loud and unpleasant noise. There and then, you will know that the Transmission has a problem and needs a rebuild.

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 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.

What to consider when replacing a transmission?

Here are some things you should consider. 1. Frequent breakdowns. If you spend many hours in the garage to replace transmission parts, then it is time to replace them. Long-term repairs are expensive, especially ...

Why won't my car engage after the clutch is depressed?

There are several possible reasons for this. The first is that the transmission fluid is leaking. If you have bought and installed a fluid with the wrong viscosity , you will have problems engaging the gears.

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 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.

How much does it cost to replace a transmission?

The purchase of a new transmission costs between $1,300 and $3,400, depending on the vehicle model. You will then have to spend $500 to $800 in labor costs to install a new transmission. However, if you replace a lot of transmission parts, the repairs can be more expensive than buying a new transmission.

Why does my transmission make a rattling noise?

You must eliminate these before you commit yourself to the transmission. It could be that your drive axle bearings or brake pads are worn out. A well-running transmission is often quiet, but the rattling noise is more pronounced in vehicles with manual transmission than in automatic vehicles.

What is a transmission rebuild?

Rebuilding a transmission involves replacing damaged or worn-out transmission components without replacing the whole system. In most cases, the parts include bands, clutches, gaskets, and seals.

When is it worth rebuilding a transmission?

Admittedly, if the transmission suffers from wear and tear to components such as gaskets, bands, clutches, and seals that you can easily replace, it can be cost-effective to rebuild it. The rebuilt transmission price can range between $1000 to $4000 depending on the vehicle.

What is transmission replacement?

Transmission replacement encompasses removing and replacing the whole system with a new one. Generally, it is expensive to buy a new transmission because its costs range between $2000 to $5000 .

When to replace a transmission?

In some cases, transmission rebuild can be impractical because it is beyond repair. This is popular with more complex and newer CVT transmissions, but it can happen to others.

Do you need a repair, remanufactured, or new transmission

Transmission slipping is associated with regular and sudden changes of car gears. The features can make a humming noise, signaling that your transmission has a problem. It can happen because of lower fluid levels or lack of maintenance.

Should You Rebuild, Repair, or Replace Your Transmission?

When transmission problems arise, vehicle owners have no choice but to confront them. Simply ignoring the problem and hoping that it will go away just doesn’t fly when it comes to one of the most important components of your vehicle. As such, it’s important to take immediate action at the first sign of trouble.

What Is a Transmission Rebuild?

Rebuilding a transmission refers to the process of conducting a major mechanical overhaul to the transmission in order to replace any worn or damaged components—typically seals, clutches, bands, and gaskets—without replacing the entire system.

When To Rebuild Your Transmission

In many cases, the cost to rebuild an existing transmission is less than the price of a brand new transmission. As such, many people prefer to rebuild their transmissions rather than replace them when possible.

What Is a Transmission Repair?

Repairing one's transmission is far less intensive than a complete rebuild. Rather than fully dismantling the transmission, inspecting it, cleaning the parts, replacing damaged components, and putting it back together, repairing a transmission simply involves repairing any damaged components.

When To Repair Your Transmission

A transmission repair is generally far more inexpensive than a rebuild or a total replacement. As such, if your transmission issue can be resolved by simply repairing a damaged component, doing so is often the best course of action.

What Is a Transmission Replacement?

A transmission replacement involves completely removing and replacing the entire existing transmission with a new one. Because a new transmission typically costs between $1,000 and $3,000, a complete transmission replacement is generally the most expensive solution to a transmission problem.

When To Replace Your Transmission

As previously stated, a transmission replacement is often considerably more expensive than a repair or a rebuild. For this reason, many people often only opt for a transmission replacement as a worst-case scenario.

How to save money when rebuilding a transmission?

The best way to “save money” when rebuilding a transmission is to prevent the need to rebuild in the first place. Regular maintenance and inspections of your transmission and related components will save you big headaches down the road. If you’re thinking about cheaping out on the rebuild itself, think again.

What is remanufactured transmission?

Remanufactured. Remanufactured parts are used parts that have been completely torn down and rebuilt. Any worn or damaged parts are replaced. This process should allow remanufactured parts to be as reliable as a new one. Depositphotos. You'll need to drain the transmission fluid before performing repairs.

Why do you need to face your transmission demons?

Even so, you’ll need to face your transmission demons head-on so that you don’t kill another part of your car by driving around with bad gears. In some cases, this means a rebuild which, as the name suggests, is the process of repairing and replacing parts of transmission to make it operate as new again.

What parts are cleaned for reassembled transmission?

Parts that are in good shape will be cleaned for use in the reassembled transmission, while any parts that need to be replaced will be taken care of at this point. Clutches, seals, gaskets, and any other wear items will be replaced as well.

Can a transmission be a bummer?

A failing transmission can be a real bummer. And because it’s such a vital part of your vehicle’s regular operation, you can’t ignore the problem. There’s also a great chance that the repairs are going to cost some serious coin.

Does the drive want to overload you with sales pitches?

You’ve got plenty of choices when it comes to products to help you understand your transmission’s condition. Because of that, The Drive doesn't want to overload you with sales pitches for every product under the sun.

Can you repair a transmission without dropping it out?

Some parts of your transmission can be repaired without dropping it out of your vehicle, but not all parts are as easily accessible. If a component needs repair that cannot be accessed from the vehicle’s underside, the transmission will need to be removed. Some damage goes beyond the repair of a single component, however.

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