How do Transmission Rebuilds Work?

June 19, 2019 | By Mister Transmission

How do Transmission Rebuilds Work?

Have you ever pondered the existence of transmission repair shops? Why are there entire shops devoted just to the transmission? Most auto shops focus on more than one component of the automobile. They can rotate tires and replace brakes. They can replace mufflers and gap spark plugs. They can install new headlights and new window washer blades. So, what makes the transmission so special?

The long and the short of it is that the transmission is not actually merely one component of your vehicle. The transmission is made up of many smaller components. And all of these parts need to work in conjunction in just the right way for your transmission to operate properly. Some transmission repairs simply require one of these constituent parts to be replaced. However, sometimes finding the problem part is difficult. And sometimes a transmission is so damaged that every part needs to be looked at. This involves a transmission rebuild.

Transmission rebuilds

A transmission rebuild is also known as a “complete overhaul”. Transmission rebuilds are required when the damage done to a transmission is not isolated to one part of the transmission. This can be caused by driving extensively with an insufficient amount of transmission fluid, damaged or old transmission fluid, overuse and overexertion of a transmission, and sometimes transmissions just get old and fail. Whatever the cause, transmission rebuilds are big jobs.

A transmission rebuild requires first that the transmission be removed from the body of the vehicle. Once removed, transmission technicians can then begin disassembling the transmission piece by piece. Every single piece is inspected for damage and just general wear. Those pieces that are deemed to still be in working condition are cleaned in a special solution. Those parts that are too far gone are replaced. In the end, you have a rebuilt transmission that will work properly.

Transmission replacements

An alternative to a transmission rebuilds is a transmission replacement. This involves replacing your existing transmission with another transmission that has already been rebuilt or remanufactured. This may sound like the better option because it should be an easier job, but it’s kind of a risky move. Used transmissions frequently have unknown or questionable histories and could carry problems with them that create a whole new set of challenges. “New transmissions”, on the other hand, are mostly aftermarket transmissions that are labeled as new but are actually rebuilt transmissions with new parts. When you choose a transmission rebuild, the technicians can say with confidence that every part within your transmission works properly.

Transmission rebuild costs

If you can’t tell from the description, transmission rebuilds are pretty labour intensive. These aren’t quick and easy jobs. They take time, knowhow, and a fair few new or refurbished parts in order to do properly. As such, transmission rebuilds are usually some of the most expensive transmission repairs that there are. And let’s be honest, there’s never a good time to need a transmission repair. Many motorists are concerned about the cost of a transmission rebuild. The cost varies for transmission rebuilds depending on a number of factors. At Mister transmission, we offer our customers flexible payment options.

Contact us

To learn more about transmission rebuilds, please contact us today.

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Customer Reviews
Jamie and the team at...
Ryan Boles
Jamie and the team at Mister transmission are awesome. They were super accommodating of me with a significant issue I had with my vehicle. I believe they went above and beyond the call of duty to help a customer. Highly recommend, I will be back.
Date: April 21, 2025
Website: Google
Thanks to Raman....i got my...
Oscar Castaneda
Thanks to Raman....i got my transmission on my civic rebuild.....he did an awsome job...was honest about it needed.....would recommend to anyone....thanks guys
Date: April 21, 2025
Website: Google
Gus was very professional and...
Mike Long
Gus was very professional and took the time to patiently review a number of documents that were provided by the dealership so that I fully understood all the codes being displayed with respect to recalls from Dodge. He was very approachable and forthcoming in answering all my questions.
Date: April 21, 2025
Website: Google
While on vacation our transmission...
David Janiszewski
While on vacation our transmission failed as soon as we arrived from Ohio. Ken and team sourced a transmission, stayed after hours and Ken himself came in on a holiday morning so we could drive our car home rather than me having to drive back 6 hours one way the following week.Communication throughout the process was excellent and the customer service was second to none. Highly recommend this shop. Excellent experience over all.
Date: April 20, 2025
Website: Google
Absolutely GREAT service. Honest and...
Paula Cziranka
Absolutely GREAT service. Honest and efficient- communicates exactly what is happening and your options. I can’t say enough about how much I appreciate their service.
Date: April 20, 2025
Website: Google
Brought my 06 mitsu lancer...
Isaiah Presingular
Brought my 06 mitsu lancer in with a 4th gear popout and slipping clutch, a mechanic took the car out for a test drive and diagnostic free of charge and the gentleman at the front desk went above and beyond to take care of me with part sourcing and extremely good pricing. Five business days (realistically just 3 as they had to wait for some parts to arrive), a swapped transmission and new clutch later, and now she goes through all the gears perfectly, absolutely no issuesHighly recommend, you can't beat the price to workmanship you get here, mechanics we're super chill and very qualified, everyone there takes pride in their work and they should, very impressed 👍
Date: April 18, 2025
Website: Google
Very awesome customer service!!! Very...
Kelsey Larsen
Very awesome customer service!!! Very quick and easy to get in and out for services. Was supposed to have a refurbished tranny put in my car but it was a brand new one they replaced with in the end!! Thankyou soooooooo much. I will forever send any and all that need their tranny or driveline diagnosed to you guys.
Date: April 16, 2025
Website: Google
I was in the area...
Dupuis Family
I was in the area and had an issue with my Hyundai Tucson shifting. I called and the Manager - Jason offered to squeeze me in. Jason listened to my complaints and with his expert trained staff were able to diagnose and fix the problem immediately. They had me on my happily way in no time. Thanks guys!
Date: April 16, 2025
Website: Google
After talking with Kris on...
Chris Richards
After talking with Kris on the phone, I felt comfortable that he knew the particular issues related to a 24-year old (2001) 4R100 Ford transmission, coupled with a 7.3 diesel, and gained my trust that they had the knowledge and expertise to overhaul it. I questioned him in advance about the parts they would use and the staff member that would do the work. Was a good experience. He knew that I used the truck for trailer-towing and recommended some specific parts/upgrades for hauling. I'll be towing across Canada this year, and if you don't see any further comments or a rating less than 5-star, assume that the transmission is tugging away nicely without issues. Thanks Kris and Dawn.
Date: April 15, 2025
Website: Google
Thanks to Raman and his...
G W
Thanks to Raman and his team for taking care of fixing our van. Would highly recommend this shop. They are trustworthy, honest and do great work.
Date: April 15, 2025
Website: Google
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