What Is a Transmission Rebuild?

By Mister Transmission

Learn what’s involved with rebuilding a transmission and if it’s a worthwhile proposition

Take care of your wheels through regularly scheduled preventative maintenance of your car’s transmission, and you may never need to know about transmission rebuilds. However, despite the most devout car owner’s efforts to stay atop of any potential engine troubles, the ravages of time will eventually catch up with your treasured vehicle.

If you’re facing the prospect of a transmission repair, it is helpful to understand what your options are. By knowing a little about rebuilt transmissions, you’ll be better equipped to determine whether you should choose to have your transmission rebuilt, of if you should purchase a new one. Regardless, understanding more about either option may save you money and extend the life of your car.

New Parts May Not Stave off the Inevitable

As it is with any failing mechanical or electrical device, if a potential problem with your vehicle’s transmission is detected early, any repairs or adjustments may be made without requiring a full transmission rebuild.

If there are transmission parts that require replacing, and they are easily accessible, or if the problem is an electrical one, it may be possible to repair the transmission without removing it from the vehicle – that alone will save you time and money. That said, it may be wise to look at the big picture right from the start, and have the technician thoroughly inspect the transmission.

If a few parts of your transmission are damaged, it’s quite possible other parts will require replacing too. But know once the parts replacement process starts, it can become a losing battle. A transmission rebuild may, in fact, be the wisest and most economical choice you make.

What Is the Transmission Rebuild Process?

An important element of transmission diagnosis is determining the cause of the problem, enabling you to make an informed decision whether or not you should proceed with a transmission rebuild. The transmission rebuild process typically includes:

  • Removing the transmission from your vehicle and dismantling it
  • Chemically cleaning the transmission by running it through a parts washer
  • Any wonky transmission parts, plus all seals and gaskets, are replaced with new ones
  • Any required electrical repairs are performed
  • There may have been advances made in your vehicle’s transmission parts and technology since you purchased your car. If so, these updated parts may be included to improve the performance of your transmission and extend its longevity
  • Last but not least, the rebuilt transmission is re-installed in your vehicle

The Cost of a Rebuilt Transmission

As with any automotive repair, the cost of a transmission rebuild varies widely, and it’s determined by a multitude of factors including the type of vehicle you drive, and how extensive the damage is to your transmission. A word to the wise: nobody can tell you exactly what your vehicle’s transmission repair will cost over the phone.

While cost is always an important consideration when faced with a transmission repair, it is also important to consider the value of the repair work performed as well. If the transmission technician or shop you’re dealing with doesn’t offer a 12-month warranty on a transmission rebuild with the option of upgrading it to a five-year warranty on all parts and labour, you’re settling for less, and you may be playing Russian roulette with your vehicle.

Are you experiencing transmission troubles or have questions about your vehicle’s transmission? Visit the Mister Transmission location nearest you and get the expert help you need.

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Customer Reviews
New clutch works fantastic! My...
George Banman
New clutch works fantastic! My Yaris is ready for another 300,000 km!!
Date: June 3, 2023
Website: Google
I took my car for...
Brianne Miller
I took my car for repair. I had a transmission issue or so I thought and they ended up diagnosing my car and said it was an engine misfire not transmission problem really honest place they were professional and great customer service, didnt even charge me a diagnostic fee even provided me with shuttle their and back, I highly recommend Dan and this Mr transmission location
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Although it was an expensive...
Wing Chan
Although it was an expensive repair for my old work truck, but I do appreciate Ray and his team for kindness and considerate.
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Mister Transmission DIXIE Branch Was...
Danice Inc.
Mister Transmission DIXIE Branch Was very Professional and Knowledgeable
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
I would highly recommend Mr...
Fred Tanton
I would highly recommend Mr Transmission and Chris and his team in Owen Sound they did a great job and had my truck done in no time with a better rebuild than the factory transmission that was in my truck for a decent price. Extremely nice and easy to talk too and excellent service
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Great place ,always been helpful...
Mathieu Roy
Great place ,always been helpful with some issues that I had with some vehicles
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Gary was so friendly and...
Greg Power
Gary was so friendly and helpful. Gave great advice and genuinely just wanted to help. Great experience and highly recommend
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Staff is extremely helpful. The...
Mallia MacDonald
Staff is extremely helpful. The receptionist is amazing explains things well. I’m very happy with the work that was done!
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
Undeniably the best mechanic you...
Anjuman Bhuiyan
Undeniably the best mechanic you can visit, particularly if your car is having transmission issues. Ray and Gus are not only seasoned experts but incredibly honest as well. They will give you different options to resolve your issue in a timely manner. They also keep you in the loop on matters that save you money, ie. how you can get back money from a recall/class action lawsuit that you might not know about. They even have financing options. Mr. Transmission went the extra mile for me, thank you!
Date: June 2, 2023
Website: Google
My old car, a 2013...
Hugh Clark
My old car, a 2013 Dodge Charger developed a mid-shift that only happened when the car was cold and it was shifting up into 3rd or 4th gear for the first time each day - it would stumble badly, but then it would be fine for the rest of the day. My regular garage specifically recommended I go to this Mr. Transmission, so there I went. If they would have told me that it would be 5,000 for a rebuild I would have said “Ok”. But they diagnosed this car over a couple of cold cycle mornings and said “you may as well just drive it as long as you can put up with a minor mis-shift, otherwise you would be wasting your money to rebuild it”. So that’s what I did - I drove it for 18 months and it never got any worse and I ended up getting a great trade value for it. These guys are honest and have my deepest respect.
Date: June 1, 2023
Website: Google
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