There are a million things that can go wrong with a transmission. A transmission is a set of numerous different parts all working together to transfer power from your engine to your wheels and make your automobile move. Because the transmission is so complex, there is lots that can go wrong over time and it’s not always easy to figure out what the problem is. Having said that, the problem is often relatively minor.
So many transmission problems can be caused by an insufficient level or quality of transmission fluid. So, the first thing to do when experiencing transmission problems is to check your fluid. If you haven’t got enough, top it up, and if the fluid is damaged (an opaque colour; foul smelling) you will have to get the fluid changed. If the fluid is fine, sometimes there is an issue with your vehicle’s on-board computer or a minor adjustment is required. Sometimes you will need to have a part replaced and, hopefully, that part will be accessible with the transmission still inside your vehicle.
But what if your transmission problem is a bigger one? What if the problem is not your fluid nor your computer? What if your problem cannot be fixed by replacing an accessible part? What do you do then? Are you totally out of luck?
If none of the above can fix your problem, then you might be looking at a complete transmission overhaul. Acomplete overhaul involves the removal and disassembly of the transmission in its entirety. Every part of the transmission is inspected for wear and damage, then cleaned in a special cleaning solution. If the part is deemed to be too damaged for use, then it is replaced with another part.
Parts with friction surfaces, such as bands and clutches, are replaced,as are all seals and gaskets. The torque converter is also replaced, usually with a remanufactured one. Technical service bulletins are checked to see if the auto manufacturer recommends any modifications to correct design defects that were discovered after the transmission was built. Auto manufacturers often make upgrade kits available to transmission shops to resolve these design defects.
There is an alternative to the transmission overhaul. The other option is to replace your transmission with an entirely different one, one that has already been rebuilt or remanufactured. So, to answer the title question, yes, it is possible to replace an entire transmission. And people sometimes choose this option.
Transmission repairs pretty much never come at convenient times. It’s usually an unexpected development and money is usually a concern. Transmission overhauls and transmission replacements are generally the costliest transmission repairs.
Because of the money involved, we at Mister Transmission often caution our customers against transmission replacement. Used transmissions often have questionable histories that could create a whole new set of challenges. New transmissions, meanwhile, are mostly aftermarket transmissions billed as new but are in fact rebuilt transmissions with new parts. Regardless, whether you choose a transmission overhaul or a transmission replacement, we at Mister Transmission will do the job as quickly as possible to get you back in your vehicle with a safe and reliable transmission.
If you would like to learn more about transmission replacement, please contact us today.
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