When Do You Need A Transmission Replacement?

March 17, 2023 | By Mister Transmission

When Do You Need A Transmission Replacement?

Learn about transmission replacements, what they entail, when they’re necessary, and how to make certain decisions if you need to replace your transmission.

Why Would You Replace A Transmission?

Transmissions are very complex machines. They’re also very important to the functioning of automobiles. Because of this, they tend to require a lot of service and repair over their lifespans. Most of these services are relatively minor, though. With proper maintenance and upkeep, a good transmission can go over a decade with no more than a few transmission services or replacements of accessible parts worn down by friction.

However, sometimes transmissions need more help than this. Sometimes transmissions that haven’t had the right attention fail badly. And sometimes you can do everything right and your transmission still suffers a catastrophic failure. And, of course, a significant collision can total a transmission. In these cases, you may need to replace the transmission entirely.

Replacement As Repair

No mechanic worth their salt would recommend replacing a transmission just because one or two parts within it are damaged. Replacements are pretty costly. You don’t want to replace your transmission if you can avoid it.

The one exception to this rule is if you’re customizing your vehicle. If you’re building a hot rod or restoring a vintage car, you may want to replace your transmission with a high-performance one. Our side business, Mister Racing, can help you with any high-performance transmission services you need.

Mystery Problems

Sometimes you need to replace a transmission because it’s obviously wrecked. Maybe it completely overheated because of a lack of quality transmission fluid, or maybe it’s just incredibly old. However, total failures such as these are relatively uncommon. But sometimes there’s something wrong with your transmission that’s a mystery.

If transmission technicians cannot determine the problem by inspecting it, trying a road test, or via technological diagnostics, then they must remove the transmission from the body of the vehicle. Some people are inclined to just replace the whole transmission at this point. But this might not be a great idea.

Transmission Overhauls

At Mister Transmission, we often recommend rebuilding a transmission over repairing it. During a transmission rebuild, or transmission overhaul, we will take your transmission apart bit by bit. We’ll replace all damaged parts and friction surfaces and clean the working parts. We think this is better than replacing your transmission with a different one of unclear provenance that may have its own issues.

Come To Mister Transmission For A Transmission Replacement.

At Mister Transmission, we are transmission experts. If you need your transmission replaced or rebuilt, we can do that for you. Please get in touch with us today to schedule a transmission inspection, maintenance service, or repair.

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Customer Reviews
Honest. Fair prices. The only...
Scott Millson
Honest. Fair prices. The only place I’ve trusted for car repairs in the past 10 years
Date: July 7, 2025
Website: Google
On June 30th 2025 I...
Audie D
On June 30th 2025 I was having such a horrible day. My boyfriend changed my transmission oil a few days prior. When I would reverse my car everything would shut off. 10 minutes to get out of a driveway is insane. The 30th of June i called Mister Transmission and Rob picked up and said I could drop my car off and he’d look into it. Rob and the man working with him were truly amazing. From the moment I walked into the building I was greeted. He didn’t try to con me as I am a female. Rob has a pure heart of gold. When my car was there it didn’t do any of the shutting off and they did every diagnosis test. I was beyond anxious and having a bad day Rob really calmed down and lightened the mood. Thank you Rob
Date: July 7, 2025
Website: Google
I would first like to...
S Williams
I would first like to say the customer service and Mister Transmission is none like I have ever experienced. I had the pleasure of speaking with Denise who was so professional, patient and indescribably kind. Not only did she take the time to detail what my car needed and how long it would take, they took the time to provide alternate cost efficient options. For those looking for transmission repairs , I promise you you will find no better!!!
Date: July 7, 2025
Website: Google
Great reliable friendly service
Joe Macdonald
Great reliable friendly service
Date: July 7, 2025
Website: Google
Thses guys are pros after...
Nathan Chartrand
Thses guys are pros after dealing with another transmission shop not checking endplay in the crankshaft my engine is destroyed a standard practice any reputable shop should be doing
Date: July 6, 2025
Website: Google
Hi I had my 1966...
Craig
Hi I had my 1966 Chevelle Malibu SS in at Mister Transmission Sarnia to have the transmission worked on last year. Mike in the back shop worked on my car (pride and joy). He did the repairs that was needed done and a few extra things done without request. The car ran like a dream when I got it back. The cost was lower then they said it would be. I'm very fussy on who works on my car. The owner (manager) was awesome to deal with. Then this week 04 July 2025 I needed a shift cable repaired as I was headed out with my car . I went to the shop and they were over loaded with work. Mike made time to get my car fixed so I could use it on the weekend. They went the extra mile to get my car fixed and again I could not complain about the cost to repair the cable. I fully recommend them and the people that work there are outstanding. A special thanks to Mike who worked on my baby(my car) thanks so much guys. They are my go to shop with my Classic car and all my vehicles.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
I had a fantastic experience...
Xavier Montenegro
I had a fantastic experience with the whole Mr. Transmission team. Jordan and Jason are fantastic at their jobs, and they are truly willing to be honest and completely transparent with you. I took my 2018 Sierra to them for some transmission work (shocker), and they were quick, and the transmission now works fantastically. There were some small hiccups, the transmission initially acted a little weird, but they were quick to correct that. I had my spark plugs and a few coils swapped over here. One of the coils they got from GM blew up and took a couple of fuses with it. They comped the tow and had it fixed quickly, and were incredibly apologetic about the whole thing. Overall, if you are looking for quality service from a tried and true team, this is the place you want to go.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
Hi I had my 1966...
Craig
Hi I had my 1966 Chevelle Malibu SS in at Mister Transmission Sarnia to have the transmission worked on last year. Mike in the back shop worked on my car (pride and joy). He did the repairs that was needed done and a few extra things done without request. The car ran like a dream when I got it back. The cost was lower then they said it would be. I'm very fussy on who works on my car. The owner (manager) was awesome to deal with. Then this week 04 July 2025 I needed a shift cable repaired as I was headed out with my car . I went to the shop and they were over loaded with work. Mike made time to get my car fixed so I could use it on the weekend. They went the extra mile to get my car fixed and again I could not complain about the cost to repair the cable. I fully recommend them and the people that work there are outstanding. A special thanks to Mike who worked on my baby(my car) thanks so much guys. They are my go to shop with my Classic car and all my vehicles.
Date: July 5, 2025
Website: Google
These guys do good work....
Hunter Frederick
These guys do good work. And a fair price. 👍👍
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
Mandy was extremely helpful in...
Don Brindle
Mandy was extremely helpful in getting out 2009 VW beetle back on the road, we are from out of town and he was very compassionate to our situation and helped at every level, if you are in Cambridge and need help, Mandy is your man!
Date: July 3, 2025
Website: Google
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