When it comes to transmission repairs, service repair types will differ depending on your vehicle’s needs. While some problems can be solved with a simple transmission repair, others may mean the system needs to be rebuilt or replaced. Knowing the signs of worn components or other issues in the transmission can help prevent more serious repairs like a rebuild service, though over time it can become unavoidable.
If your vehicle needs a transmission rebuild, what can you expect before, during, and after this service? Let’s take a closer look.
Catch Signs of Transmission Trouble Early
Aside from understanding which repairs may be necessary and what’s involved in a transmission rebuild, it’s important to know the signs of trouble. Not only can catching these signs early help prevent more serious repairs, but it can also help point your mechanic in the right direction for any services your vehicle needs.
Look out for changes in your car’s performance, including difficulty shifting gears, hesitation during acceleration, delayed gear engagement, sounds like grinding or whining, or a burning smell.
What’s Involved in a Transmission Rebuild?
Determining whether a transmission rebuild is necessary and then carrying out the service comes with several key steps. Once you drop off your vehicle, your mechanic will inspect key systems, perform diagnostic tests, and come back to you with options for how to move forward. From there, the rebuild service itself will be completed and your vehicle tested before being returned to you.
Full Inspection & Diagnostics
To understand what’s happening inside your car’s transmission, as well as other related systems, your mechanic will perform an in-depth inspection and run diagnostic tests. This process helps determine how extensive any issues are, what services or repairs may be necessary, how long it may take, and the cost involved.
Discussion of Options
Once problems in the transmission and other systems are diagnosed, your mechanic will come back to you with a full report of their findings and recommendations. For less important services or repairs, you may be able to wait before having them handled. However, in the case of a transmission rebuild being necessary, it’s likely your mechanic will recommend you have it done as soon as possible. At this point, you can ask questions, discuss the timeframe, and figure out cost and financing options.
Full Disassembly of the Transmission
During a transmission rebuild, unless worn parts are easily accessed, your mechanic will remove the entire system from your vehicle and take it apart. Because the transmission is a complex system, being able to thoroughly inspect parts and replace any that are faulty requires full disassembly. From here, a transmission expert will be tasked with a full, in-depth inspection of the inside of the system so that each worn part is located and replaced.
Replacement of Any Worn or Damaged Parts
Once the transmission is removed from your vehicle and disassembled, your mechanic will begin the process of replacing all bad components. To do this well, your mechanic must have in-depth knowledge of each component in the transmission, how they all work together, and where to find any parts that may be worn or damaged.
Re-Assembly & Installation of the Transmission
After replacing all worn or faulty components, your mechanic will re-assemble the system and reinstall it in your vehicle, if it is necessary to have it removed. This re-assembly is also a process that requires precision to ensure each component is where it should be.
Testing to Ensure All Issues are Fixed
Before returning your vehicle to you, your mechanic will run tests, including driving it, to make sure all issues are repaired and no new problems have appeared. This is an important step in making sure all repairs were done properly before completing the service and letting you drive away again. If any issues are found, they’ll be handled before your vehicle is returned to you.
Rebuild vs Replacement: Which Should You Choose?
Problems with your transmission come in a variety of shapes and sizes. If a simple transmission repair won’t cut it, you may find yourself choosing between a rebuild or replacement — both of which can be costly repair services. A transmission rebuild allows your mechanic to choose the best parts on the market to replace any that are worn or damaged. However, if damage in the transmission is extensive, it may be cheaper and simpler to have the whole system replaced.
The Right Mechanic Can Help Explain Your Options
You don’t have to make the right decision alone — the transmission experts at your local AAMCO Chester can help you choose the right service for your circumstances. We’ll help with thorough diagnostics and educated recommendations based on your vehicle’s condition and needs. Give us a call today or schedule an appointment with us online.