What is a transmission overhaul?

By Mister Transmission

transmission overhaul

As with many components of your automobile, the earlier you spot an issue with your transmission and bring it in for a repair, the greater the chance that the repair will be relatively quick and simple. Of course, it is not always easy to identify transmission problems nor can all problems be, “nipped in the bud”, so to speak. Nevertheless, it is always best to bring your vehicle in for an inspection and possible repair at the first sign of trouble.

If you don’t, (and, sadly, sometimes even if you do) you could be facing a transmission overhaul. A transmission overhaul is a very detailed and involved type of repair. Just what goes into it can be complicated, so this article will endeavour to explain the details of a transmission overhaul.

Transmission repair

The truth is that a great deal of transmission repairs can be done relatively painlessly. It’s impressive how many problems can be resolved by topping up or changing out the transmission fluid as well as maybe repairing a leak. But this is not a catchall; there are a number of transmission problems that this won’t repair.

Sometimes, a part needs to be replaced. Skilled technicians can often identify which part it is by running various tests and diagnostics, both physical and digital in the case of computer controlled transmissions. There are a number of parts that are accessible without requiring the removal of the complete transmission from the body of the vehicle.

The parts that are accessible, however, vary from transmission to transmission and most transmission repair facilities would hesitate to provide meaningful warranties on external repairs for the simple reason that they cannot see if there are any additional internal problems in the components that are only accessible by transmission removal. And of course, there are many parts that are not accessible. In these cases, you’re looking at a complete overhaul.

Transmission overhaul

A transmission overhaul (also known as rebuilding a transmission) requires the removal and disassembly of the transmission in its entirety. Every part of the transmission is inspected for wear and damage, and then it is cleaned in a special cleaning solution, or replaced with another part depending on its condition. Parts that have friction surfaces, such as bands and clutches, are replaced as are all seals and gaskets.

The torque converter is also replaced, usually with a re-manufactured 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. Automobile manufacturers often make upgrade kits available to transmission shops to resolve these design defects.

As you can tell, a transmission overhaul is serious business. It is not a first resort nor is it a quick and simple job. Responsible technicians will only recommend a transmission overhaul if the problem your transmission is experiencing is a severe or unknown one. However, the plus side of a transmission overhaul is that it is so complete that it often prevents the development of any future serious transmission problems for a long time to come.

Contact us

If you have any questions about transmission overhauls or would like to bring your vehicle in for a transmission repair, please contact us today and we’d be happy to help you out

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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
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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
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Mister Transmission DIXIE Branch Was...
Danice Inc.
Mister Transmission DIXIE Branch Was very Professional and Knowledgeable
Date: June 2, 2023
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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