Used Transmissions: Are They Worth the Danger?
The transmission is one of the most vital components of any vehicle. An auto transmission can be tricky to maintain since it’s not treated as one part but as a network of interlocking components. It’s the same reason why transmissions can be expensive to purchase or repair.
For some, it seems that incorporating used transmissions is a viable alternative to getting a brand new one. However, there are a couple of risks that you will need to be aware of should you ever consider a secondhand transmission. Below are a few of the dangers that go with incorporating used transmission systems into your vehicle.
Potential Mechanical Problems
Used transmission systems do not function at the same level as new ones. There’s a lot of mechanical slack in them, and they generally don’t perform as smoothly. Some used transmissions tend to experience trouble on the road where the gears don’t shift, and the car suddenly stops moving. Random car breakdowns can be a hassle, especially if you’re far away from repair shops.
Lack of Information on the Transmission System
Some secondhand transmission systems tend to be pieces straight from a junkyard. Whoever sells a used transmission might not even know where the equipment has been and what kind of damages it has sustained. However, some sellers will be nice enough to test the transmission system if it still works. That may be a good sign to some but can still be risky.
It’s also impossible to tell how many miles are left in a used transmission. Used transmissions tend to be short-term solutions instead of getting a new unit that can benefit you better in the long run. A new one can be more expensive, but it’s safer. Getting your transmission remanufactured is another viable solution as well.
Residue From Old Transmission Fluid
Old transmission systems tend to have residual fluid on them. The residue can be dangerous and lead to different kinds of accidents. The fluid can end up combusting and injuring whoever is in the vehicle. This can also affect the other parts of the car and impair its overall performance, making repairs even more costly than they should be.
A Short Warranty
If you do take a chance on incorporating a used transmission system into your vehicle, there’s a chance that you might not get a warranty. If you do get one, it’ll only be for a short period. Some of these short warranties will only last for a few months – 12 months at best. However, this might not even be enough to cover for all of the technical difficulties that could come up.
Keep in mind that used transmission systems tend to be inactive for a long time. That usually causes some form of aging in the transmission, which will eventually affect the other components of the vehicle.
Hire a Reliable Team for Your Transmission Concerns
For excellent auto transmission services, hire our expert mechanics at Trans Works Transmissions in Portage, WI. We’ll cover everything you need for all your transmission-related concerns, from cars, light trucks, trucks, and even motorhomes. Contact us now for more information.
- Published in Transmission
Rebuild or Replace?
Need a New Transmission?
Rebuild or Replace?
Having to replace your transmission is news no car owner wants to hear. Transmissions are one of the most expensive auto services your car will require. They are incredibly complex machines and time-consuming to work on. Other than completely replacing your transmission with a new one, rebuilding your current transmission is another option. It isn’t always clear which option is the best option so here are a few things to consider when deciding to rebuild or replace your transmission (along with the advice of the transmission expert you work with).
Considering a Rebuild
Rebuilding a transmission means that your current transmission will be taken out of your car, taken apart completely, and thoroughly inspected to determine the damaged parts. Those parts are replaced, and the transmission is rebuilt with working parts. No small task for an amateur! Rebuilding a transmission is a complex process for any transmission specialist!
A rebuilt transmission has up-to-date parts that manufacturers designed to be safer for you and more efficient. It can be challenging to find a transmission specialist who has experience in rebuilding transmissions. Luckily, Transworks Transmissions are a team of transmission experienced professionals to give you automotive transmission advice, as well as the tools and skills to rebuild your current transmission. Give the transmission experts at Transworks Transmissions a call about rebuilding your transmission!
Installing a New Transmission
Replacing your current transmission with a new one is a bit misleading because most “new” transmissions are remanufactured ones. Choosing to buy a new transmission may not give you access to the most up-to-date parts as well as you will not get customize the rebuild process.
Work with Transmission Experts
Deciding on whether you need a new transmission or a rebuild one is usually based on the advice on transmission professionals. The cost and time to complete the repair are usually the biggest factors in this decision. A transmission expert can rebuild your transmission, but it may take a little longer than expected, based on the damage of your transmission that isn’t always seen until it is taken apart.
TransWorks Transmission
Installing a brand-new transmission may be costly, but it is also fast. Whichever way you are leaning with your transmission, discuss your thoughts with the experts at Transworks Transmission before making this big commitment!
- Published in Transmission
Questions to Ask a Mechanic Before a Transmission Rebuild
Transmission Rebuilds
It is important to shop around and compare different mechanic’s styles and pricing when needing a new transmission. When choosing the right one, it is okay to ask questions before you sign on the dotted line!
Are you rebuilding my existing transmission or replacing it with a new one?
A rebuilt transmission is a very complicated piece of machinery. It requires great workmanship. A new transmission that was rebuilt in a professional transmission shop is the most reliable! Ensure your rebuilt transmission goes through serious inspections and tests before you commit. Installing a re-manufactured transmission will reduce the cost of your transmission.
Does the rebuild include warranty?
Most auto shops will offer a quote for a transmission rebuild, replacement, repair or any other services. It is reassuring to know your transmission can be fixed or replaced for free if something goes wrong!
What does the warranty cover?
The terms of your warranty should be thoroughly explained in detail. The length of the warranty is another important aspect to consider. The most common warranty lengths are 30,000-50,000 miles in coverage. The best warranties extend to the life of your vehicle!
Do I have to get my transmission serviced here to use the warranty?
The fine print is important to pay attention to. Strange clauses could indicate the warranty is void if you service your car somewhere other than where you received your new transmission. If something goes wrong with your transmission on a long road trip, the cost of getting your car back to that original repair shop can get extreme!
- What do you recommend as preventative maintenance for my new/rebuilt transmission?
After your transmission is installed, it is imperative to maintain it properly. The factory where the transmission was built will have a list of recommendations to follow such as maintenance, service and inspections. If not available, ask for general guidelines to maximize the life of your transmission!
Ask Questions
It is vital to ask as many questions as you can when it comes to your new, rebuilt transmission. Even though a rebuilt transmission is new-to-you, that does not mean that it is brand new. Something could go wrong and it is important to know how to take care of your transmission and know where to get it serviced when your warranty is still in effect! The crew at Transworks Transmissions will work with you and make sure you feel nothing but comfort when it comes to your rebuilt transmission!
- Published in Transmission
5 Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
5 Symptoms of Low Transmission Fluid
Keeping an eye on your transmission fluid is vital to a well-maintained vehicle. Otherwise, you could end up paying for transmission shipping and replacement. If you notice any of the following signs when driving, it’s time to take a look under the hood.
Slipping
Transmission fluid is responsible for transferring engine power to the transmission, which means that if you’re low on fluid, you’re not going to be able to shift gears effectively. This can manifest as “slipping,” when your vehicle enters a higher gear, only to fall back out. Your shifts may also be erratic or accompanied by a grinding noise.
Overheating
The second purpose of transmission fluid is to absorb heat generated by your car’s moving parts. Low fluid means heat gets trapped in your car’s inner workings, which can result in damage such as the following:
- Hardened seals
- Varnish on metal parts
- Slipping transmission bands and clutches
- Transmission failure
Signs of overheating include smoke and a burnt smell. If you notice either of these signs, you need to pull over immediately. Continuing to drive can further the damage and have you considering rebuilt transmissions.
Delayed Gear Shifting
You may need to top off your fluid if you notice a distinct pause before gear transition when changing between Reverse and Drive. Hydraulic pressure is responsible for producing this shift and low fluid means low pressure.
You may also notice a “hard” shift when driving. This stems from the same issue, resulting in a lurching or rough gear engagement when changing speeds.
Leaks
If you have a leak, you may notice marks on your driveway. Transmission fluid should be a bright red color and usually smells sweet. However, if your levels are low, the remaining fluid may be dark or smell burnt as a consequence of absorbing heat. If you notice either of these signs, you need to have the issue addressed right away.
No Shifting
One of the worst scenarios you may encounter is your car simply refuses to shift gears. This indicates that there’s no fluid left and may be resolved by filling your reservoir. However, you should still have your vehicle checked, as it may have suffered internal damage.
If you’ve fixed any leaks and refilled your transmission fluid, but your car still exhibits these issues, it’s likely time for a replacement. Trans Work Transmission can help you get your vehicle back into shape by shipping a rebuilt, new or wholesale transmission to replace your failed machinery. Find out more by calling us at 608-742-5136 or going online.
- Published in Transmission
The Value of Rebuilding a Transmission
The transmission of your car is an important component. It’s what delivers the power generated by the engine to the wheels to make everything work. When the transmission doesn’t work, your car won’t work. Sometimes, you can repair the specific issue that isn’t working. Other times, the transmission may need to be replaced.
No one wants to think about a car transmission replacement, but when the transmission isn’t functioning right, your options are buying a new car, replacing your transmission or rebuilding it. Economically, you may not be ready to replace your car. Here are three reasons that rebuilding a transmission is a good choice.
Less Cash Outlay
Rebuilding a transmission is not cheap, but it is significantly cheaper than a new one and won’t cost as much as a new car. Most rebuilt transmissions come with a warranty, which should give you peace of mind that you’ll get your money’s worth. The cost savings puts less of a financial strain on you, because you won’t have higher insurance payments or take on a huge debt that you’ll being paying off for years to come with a new car.
Environmental Benefits
A rebuilt transmission extends the life of your vehicle, keeping it out of the landfill. You don’t get rid of parts that are working correctly. The parts that you do replace are often updated, making your transmission work more efficiently than before. It uses less energy than manufacturing an entirely new unit.
Make Your Car Last Longer
Making your used car last a little longer gives you more time to save up money for the car you really do want to purchase. Fixing the transmission can mean that you get more for your trade-in than you would if the transmission were faulty. Rebuilt transmissions from a reputable mechanic can be just as reliable as new ones.
Wholesale Transmission Services
Workshop owners and auto mechanics who can’t rebuild a transmission in their own shop should consider our wholesale transmissions services. Buying in bulk saves money, because we guarantee the best price when you buy several transmissions at once. We’ve got over 30 years of experience in the industry. Our name is our reputation. We rebuild transmissions from scratch, using recycled and old components. We know our prices are affordable and know that our products are reliable.
Need more information about a rebuilt transmission? Contact our team online or call our office at 608-742-5136.
- Published in Transmission
HOW MUCH WILL IT COST TO FIX MY TRANSMISSION?
No way to tell… at least, not yet. Not until the problem has been checked thoroughly by a qualified technician. After performing those tests, a technician will be able to tell you whether you’re dealing with a problem inside the transmission. Or a possible problem in the vehicle systems that control transmission operation.
But then he’ll be able to give you a price, right? Well, no… not completely. If the problem is in the computer system, the technician will probably have to perform additional diagnosis. This will identify the specific cause of the problem. That may take a half hour, or may take a few hours, depending on the problem. Once he’s identified the specific problem, the shop would be able to give you an accurate estimate of the cost to fix your car.
Rebuilt Transmission
If the problem is inside the transmission, the shop may be able to give you a rebuild price based on the type of transmission and the transmission repair option you choose. If your preference is a custom-rebuilt transmission they’ll need to disassemble and inspect the transmission in order to give you a firm price.
The good news is that the vast majority of transmission problems that come into the shop these days don’t actually end up needing a new transmission. The repairs may end up costing less than 25% of the price of a rebuilt transmission.
The important thing is to take your car to a qualified transmission repair shop. There they can diagnose your transmission problem accurately, so you don’t end up paying for work you don’t really need. The ATRA Code of Ethics — which all ATRA members are bound by — dictates that ATRA members provide competent, quality diagnosis and repairs at an honest price.
Source: www.atra.com
- Published in Transmission
