Common Problems with Your Manual Transmission
Periodically, you may run into issues with your manual transmission. When this occurs, it is nice to have an idea of what has gone wrong and what you can expect when you take your vehicle to a mechanic for repairs. In many cases, the repairs that are needed are quite simple and will not cost you musch. In more severe situations, however, you could end up paying a great deal to get your car back on the road. By knowing what each transmission problems means, you will have a better idea of what to expect when taking your car to the shop.
The Clutch
When driving a manual transmission vehicle, you could run into problems with your clutch. Generally, your clutch should get you through about 40,000 miles, and sometimes more. If you are having to replace your clutch more frequently than that, your driving style could be a factor. When you switch gears too quickly or use the clutch to decelerate the vehicle while driving down hills, you could wear it out rapidly. When the clutch starts to go, you will notice that you barely have to push the pedal down to engage it. You might also notice a burning smell, which could signal that something is wrong with the clutch.
Transmission Leaks
Just like with automatic transmissions, manuals tend to get leaks. This occurs when the transmission case becomes cracked or when pieces start to loosen over time. Since these leaks can occur in a variety of different locations, it is a good idea to take it to a certified mechanic to have it looked at. This mechanic can identify where the leaks is originating and repair the damage before this turns into a much larger problem that could cost you thousands of additional dollars.
Strange Noises
Always listen for strange noises when driving a manual transmission, as they can be a sign of a serious problem. If the noise is only present in one gear, it could mean that you have worn bearings. If you believe that your drive train is making the noise, get the car to a mechanic immediately. Sometimes this problem is simply a worn wheel bearing, but it could be something much more serious.
At Trans Works Transmissions, you can expect to receive great service and leave with a fully functioning rebuilt, repaired, or brand new transmission.
- Published in Transmission
Rebuild Transmission – Top Reasons to Go this Route
When you run into problems with your transmission, you might be persuaded to just have the entire thing replaced. This is especially true when the damage is severe enough that you would have to go through with a rebuild, rather than just repairing your current transmission. If you find yourself in this situation, ask your mechanic about the possibility of having a rebuild transmission job performed, as going with this option could save you both time and money.
The Cost
The main reason to have your mechanic do a rebuild is the cost. It is less expensive to have a rebuild transmission job completed than it is to purchase a new transmission for your vehicle. In some cases, this could save you thousands of dollars, making it well worth an inquiry. Make sure that the shop that you choose has experience with this type of project and has mechanics that are comfortable doing a rebuild, as this eliminates many of the problems that you could encounter.
Time
Surprisingly, it is actually faster to have your transmission rebuilt than it would be to install a new transmission. Generally, it will take a mechanic close to a week to install a brand new transmission in your vehicle, while most can complete a rebuild in about three days, depending on the works that needs to be done. If you need your vehicle to get back and forth to work, the speed at which your rebuild is completed is very important.
Weigh Your Options
Always consider all of your options when you run into any transmission problems. Your first step should be to visit a certified mechanic to have your car looked at. This mechanic will be able to diagnose the problem and provide you with an estimate on the damage. If the mechanic recommends that you replace your transmission, make sure that you ask about a rebuild before committing to anything. When a mechanic does not provide this as an option, your best option is to visit a shop that specializes in transmission problems, as they are sure to provide this service and will have all of the latest equipment to get the job done the right way.
We provides certified transmission repairs and installs in Portage, Wisconsin.
- Published in Transmission
How You Know It’s Time to Look at Remanufactured Automatic Transmissions
Transmission problems are relatively easy to spot because there is such a small range of things that can go wrong with them. Generally, you will know if you have a transmission problem right away because the car will behave differently and, in some cases, will not run at all. Before taking your vehicle into a shop to browse their selection of remanufactured automatic transmissions, which, by the way, will save you money over purchasing a brand new one, make sure that your vehicle is exhibiting one of the following behaviors.
Delayed Reaction
When your vehicle delays when selecting a gear, there could be a problem with the automatic transmission. In some cases, the transmission is controlled by a computer and the problem could be there, rather than with the actual transmission. In other cases, the transmission could be having some difficulties and might need to be replaced. Your best option is to take your vehicle to a licensed transmission shop to figure out the problem.
Slipping Transmission
One of the most common problems with transmissions is that they can slip when you push down on the gas. When this starts occurring, it could be a simple maintenance issue. Take your car to a mechanic right away to have the problem diagnosed. The worst-case scenario is that damage has been done to the transmission and it will need to be replaced. In these cases, look at some remanufactured automatic transmissions to help save yourself some money. These remanufactured units are as good as new as long as they have been built by a transmissions specialist who knows what he or she is doing, so you should not run into any problems in the near future.
Choosing a Shop
If it turns out that you do need a new transmission and you choose to go with a remanufactured unit, make sure that you find a reputable shop. Ask about the testing procedures and the parts that were used to remanufacture the part before making any purchase. As long as you do your homework, you should be able to find a high quality remanufactured part at a fair price.
Many in Portage, Wisconsin and beyond have trusted the folks at Trans Works Transmission with their transmission problems for over 30 years. For more information on this family-run business, go to https://trannyman.net/blog.
- Published in Transmission
Finding the Best Deal on Remanufactured Manual Transmissions
Over the course of your vehicle’s life, your transmission should be one of the longest lasting parts. The reason for this is that transmissions are very expensive to replace or repair, so you should get a fair number of miles out of them. When something goes wrong with your transmission, however, it is a good idea to look at remanufactured manual transmissions, since they allow you to save money in comparison to purchasing a brand new one. At the same time, however, you will want to research the company that you are buying from, as this gives you the best chance of getting the most for your money.
Deal with Ethical Shops
The first thing to remember when shopping for remanufactured manual transmissions is that not all shops are the same. Some shops with mark the product up considerably, even when they did minimal work on the transmission in the first place. Other shops will not test the transmission before attempting to sell it, which puts all of the risk on your shoulders. Ask the shop if the transmission has been tested and how it was repaired before making a purchase, as this will tell you a lot about the company. You should also read some online reviews to see how others have liked their experienced with that particular shop.
Qualified Mechanics
Another thing to consider is the experience level and certifications of the mechanics who remanufactured the transmission. These qualifications should be displayed within the shop and if they are not, you should be able to ask about them. Many transmission shops are affiliated with professional organizations like the ATRA and ASE, which will put your mind at ease when making this purchase.
Turnaround Time
Although you probably want your vehicle back on the road as quickly as possible, do not let this be the sole determining factor when choosing a transmission specialist. Getting the job done right might take some time, but it is well worth it if you get additional years out of your car and do not have to be concerned about your transmission breaking down again in the near future. Of course, if you can find a reputable shop that will install your transmission within a day or two, jump all over the opportunity.
Trans Works Transmission is a licensed and certified transmission shop that can handle every aspect of your tranny troubles. The shop’s website, which is found at https://trannyman.net/blog, can answer any questions that you might have about their products and services.
- Published in Transmission
How to Find a Wholesale Transmission Shop
Running a business can be extremely difficult, especially if you have a fleet of vehicles that you have to keep on the road. Vehicles require a great deal of maintenance to operate efficiently and when parts start to break down, you could find yourself struggling to keep up with the needed repairs. One way to save money on these repairs is to find a wholesale transmission shop in your area and work out a deal. High mileage vehicles run into transmission problems occasionally, but by developing a relationship with a transmission shop in your area, you have the potential pay less when these issues occur.
Call Around
Many shops will not advertise that they have wholesale transmission offerings, since it is such a small part of their business. Other shops might not have considered operating in this manner, but might be open to the idea if you ask. Either way, it is a good idea to call some reputable shops in your area to see what they can do for you. Make sure that the shop has the ability to keep up with your needs before agreeing to anything and work out a price that both parties find acceptable.
Ask About the Quality
Of course, you will want to make sure that the shop that you are dealing with only carries transmissions that will last. In some cases, you might purchase rebuilt transmissions for your fleet. While this can save you money, it is very important that you learn about the process that the shop uses to rebuild these units and make sure that they only use high-end parts. In addition, you should ask if the rebuilt transmissions will be tested before they are installed in your vehicles, since ending up with a poorly functioning transmission will cost you time and money going forward.
Delivery Options
Finally, you should find out if the shop will deliver the transmissions to you as they are needed or if you will have to work out another type of arrangement. Since you might not need all of the transmissions that you have ordered at once, you should see if you can have them delivered to your door as you need them. Many shops will be as accommodating as possible, especially if you are placing a large order.
Trans Works Transmission offers wholesale transmissions to businesses in the Portage, Wisconsin area and will ship these items directly to you. The company’s website at https://trannyman.net/blog has much more information on their transmission offerings.
- Published in Transmission
How to Find Used Transmissions for Sale
When the transmission on your vehicle stops working, the least expensive option is to find some used transmissions for sale. As long as you can find a transmission that is in good shape, your vehicle should run for years to come on this used part. Make sure that the transmission that you find is in good condition before making the purchase, as you do not want to buy someone else’s problem. Your best option is to buy from a junk yard or a shop in your area that specializes in transmissions, since this gives you the best chance of finding one that still works.
Browse Your Area
Although it might seem like an outdated method, looking through the phone book is a great way to find used transmissions for sale. This is because all of the shops that work on transmissions in your city can be found in this one, convenient location. Then, all you have to do is start calling these shops until you find one that carries the type of transmission that you need. It might also be a good idea to research each shop online before making a commitment, just to make sure that you are dealing with a reputable company.
Check the Mileage
Unfortunately, some customers get so excited when they find a used transmission that will fit their vehicle that they forget to learn about the condition of the unit. Remember that the lower the mileage on a transmission, the more life it has left. While it is great if you can find a transmission at a low cost, it does not make much sense to purchase one that you will have to replace again very shortly. To get the mileage, you might have to ask for the VIN of the vehicle that the transmission came from and then ask for a verification report.
Trans Works Transmission is a Portage, Wisconsin based transmission shop that can get your car back out on the road in no time at all. For more information on the services that they can provide, visit the company’s website at https://trannyman.net/blog.
- Published in Transmission
Common Automatic Transmission Problems
Generally speaking, it is more expensive to repair an automatic transmission that it is to repair a manual one. This is because automatics are more complex and there is a chance that the mechanic will have to open the gearbox to fix the issue. All of this takes time, so you will have to pay more in labor costs. The parts needed to fix an automatic are also more expensive, so make sure that you have an idea of what is wrong before visiting the mechanic, so that you know what to expect.
Overheating
If you do not replace your transmission fluid frequently, you run the risk of it overheating and needing a repair. Have your fluid flushed every 60,000 miles to avoid this problem because once you run out of fluid, your transmission can break down very quickly. In fact, failure to keep transmission fluid level high enough could even lead to you having to replace your transmission, which will cost you thousands of dollars. It is much less expensive to simply have a mechanic handle the required maintenance, as this can save you money over the life of your vehicle.
Leaking
As with other types of transmissions, your automatic transmission might start leaking. You will see a red puddle in your driveway if this has occurred and you should take your vehicle to mechanic right away. The amount of money that this problem will take to repair depends on where the leak originates. The best case scenario is simply your fluid being filled up too much and it leaking out the top, while one of the worst case scenarios is finding transmission fluid inside of your radiator.
Filters
Like other parts of your vehicle, a clogged filter can cause problems with how your transmission functions. Having a clean filter keeps debris away from your transmission fluid, which is important to how it functions overall. After checking for leaks and finding a clog, your mechanic may want to replace the filter; it should probably be replaced several times over the life of your vehicle. You should have your filters checked as part of your regularly scheduled vehicle maintenance.
We provides expert transmission services that include a satisfaction guarantee. To see what they can do for your car, head to our shop.
- Published in Transmission
Questions to Ask Before Buying a Used Transmission
Buying a used transmission can be risky, as you never know what type of shape it will be in. If you choose to buy a used unit from a transmission shop, make sure that you ask a few questions about the quality of the parts and the experience of the technicians who worked on it. The more questions you ask, the better chance you give yourself of purchasing a transmission that will work well into the future.
Warranty
The absolute first thing you should ask about a used Transmission is if there is any sort of warranty. In most cases, these warranties will be extremely limited, but you do not want to end up paying for a transmission that does not even work. This is one way in which buying the Transmission from a transmission shop is a good idea, as these shops have likely tested the unit and will even install it for you.
Certification
Before purchasing a used transmission, you should also ask if the mechanics who worked on it are ASE-certified. ASE stands for automotive service excellence and basically ensures that the technicians who are handling the transmission have been trained to the highest standards. While there is a chance that a mechanic who is not certified could do a good job repairing a used Transmission, you stand a much better chance if you find a certified technician.
Technology
One of the largest problems involved with buying a used Transmission is that there could be undiagnosed issues. This is where the Transmission shop comes into play, as they should run all kinds of tests on it before they sell it to you. Make sure that the transmission has been tested on the most up to date equipment and that the shop is aware of the latest car technology trends. Otherwise, you could end up with a transmission that gives out soon after you have it installed.
A List of Customers
Some shops will provide you with a list of satisfied customers if you ask. This gives you a chance to see how others have fared when dealing with that particular company, which allows you to purchase your used Transmission with 100 percent confidence.
We are a Portage, Wisconsin based company that road tests all vehicles after providing a service to ensure that everything works properly.
- Published in Transmission
Common Misconceptions that Can Cost You Extra on Your Transmission Repair
Getting a transmission repair can be a costly venture, especially if you end up replacing the entire unit. With that being said, there are a few steps that you can take to save yourself some money. Just because the transmission is a vital piece of your automobile does not mean that you have to accept exactly what the mechanic says the first time around. Learn about the transmission process beforehand, so that you do not end up paying more than you have to for this service.
Transmission Replacement
Of course, the most expensive thing that a transmission repair shop could tell you is that you need an entirely new transmission. In many cases, a shop might tell you that this is required because they are unaware that a sensor has malfunctioned. If a shop ever tells you that your transmission must be replaced, take it to another location for another opinion before agreeing to anything.
Quality of the Shop
Transmission shops come in all shapes and sizes, making it quite difficult to select the best one. You do not have to go to a large shop to receive the best service, as it comes down to the staff that the shop has employed and the equipment that they will use on your vehicle. Remember that just because the shop is not large or new does not mean that it does not have transmission experts working there. Ask about the staff’s experience and training before choosing a particular place to have your transmission fixed.
Finding a Low Price
Some vehicle owners mistakenly start calling around and asking about prices. While this can give you a starting point, it is impossible to receive a true estimate unless the mechanic has a look at your vehicle. This is because there are many different things that can go wrong with your transmission and some of them have similar symptoms. If you choose not to bring your car into a transmission repair shop, do not be surprised if you end up paying more than you had predicted because there is no way of knowing what is actually wrong.
Serving the entire region between Green Bay and Janesville in Wisconsin, We have ASE certified technicians who provides quality service.
- Published in Transmission
Common Things That Can Go Wrong with a Transmission
The transmission is a vital piece of equipment in your car. If it fails, your car quickly becomes completely useless until you get it fixed, so it is vital that you are able to identify any problems immediately. Your tranny takes power from the engine and delivers it to the driveshaft, which is what allows your wheels to turn. Proper maintenance from a trained mechanic is important when keeping your tranny healthy, so make sure that you receive the help that you need.
Fluid Leaks
One of the most common tranny issues is a fluid leak. When this occurs, the mechanic will replace a transmission gasket, fix the seals, or flush the tranny fluid if it has become contaminated. You can tell that you have low fluid levels if your shifting slows or you feel gear slippage. The good news is that a mechanic can repair these issues quite quickly, as they happen often.
Clutch Problems
Another common problem that affects your tranny is a jammed clutch. When the clutch jams, it can lock the solenoid, which can lead to your fluid not making it to the torque converter. This might seem similar to simply having low fluid levels, but it is a much more serious problem. For that reason, it is a good idea to take your vehicle to a professional if you feel the gears slipping, as it could be the sign of a complex issue.
Torque Converter
When the torque converter starts to break down, it can lead to a number of different tranny problems. The most serious issues can lead to the entire transmission system breaking down, which could be a major expense. In many cases, torque converter issues arise from damaged needle-bearings. This is one of the simplest issues to fix, but it can get worse if you do not have it attended to immediately.
Solenoid Problems
In your tranny system, the solenoid controls how fluid travels. When you let your fluid levels get too low, it can damage the solenoid. Basically, if your mechanic does not find a leak in your tranny system, the next step is to check the solenoid for damage.
We are a full service transmission shop that has served the Portage, Wisconsin and its surrounding areas since 1981. To contact us regarding your tranny problems, visit our shop.
- Published in Transmission