When is it Necessary to Replace a Transmission?

By Mister Transmission

When is it Necessary to Replace a Transmission

A big part of transmission repair is replacement. It is actually, literally, the biggest. Depending upon the problem your transmission is experiencing, there are a number of parts that could be replaced. And sometimes it’s not a “part” at all but rather the transmission fluid that requires replacing. However, sometimes the solution calls for the replacement of the entire transmission. But how do you know when that is the correct call? When is it necessary to replace an entire transmission?

Transmission repair

There are a lot of various factors that go into transmission repair and it’s not always the replacement of a part that is called for. However, replacement is often involved. As mentioned in the introduction, replacing your transmission fluid can help to solve a number of transmission problems, but certainly not all of them.

Often there is a part or parts that require replacement. For example, if there is a fluid leak, the transmission seals might have to be replaced. And there are a number of parts in your transmission that are accessible and can therefore be replaced without completely removing the transmission from the body of the vehicle. However, not all parts are accessible.

Transmission replacement

If the technicians working on your transmission determine that the part that is causing trouble is inaccessible while the transmission is within the body of your vehicle or if they cannot ascertain the cause of the problem while the transmission is within the body of the vehicle, then the transmission must be completely removed.

At this point, we’re talking a bigger deal of a repair. We’re talking about a possible transmission overhaul or replacement. A transmission overhaul is essentially a rebuilding of your transmission piece by piece, part by part. A replacement involves a wholesale change of transmissions. And a word to the wise: it is generally favorable to replace your transmission with a new one. Old transmissions have questionable histories and could be more bother than they’re worth.

When is it necessary?

Sometimes a problem has gone on for so long or has struck so severely that multiple parts of a transmission must be replaced. Or, determining the cause of the problem has become too difficult to pin down, and so the whole transmission needs to be replaced. As said earlier, this is not the most common type of repair, but it does happen. So how often is it necessary to replace a transmission?

The answer is, of course, “It depends”. With minimal care, you should reasonably expect your transmission to last around 160 000 kilometres. But that might not be as long as you think. Some estimates give the average driver about 24 000 kilometres a year, which means in less than seven years, the average driver will hit that 160 000 kilometre mark.

That’s why it is very important to take proper care of your transmission. Change the fluid regularly and bring it in for maintenance or repair as soon as you notice problems with your transmission to prevent them from worsening.

Contact us

If you have any questions about transmission replacement 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
Dealing with Trevor was an...
Ben Walker
Dealing with Trevor was an absolute pleasure
Date: November 15, 2023
Website: Google
Ken has been and continues...
Subie Norm
Ken has been and continues to be our family's go-to guy for all things driveline and transmissions related for probably close to 2 decades now. He's honest, transparent, and master of this craft. We get peace of mind knowing that it's done right. We've had everything from transmissions and differentials rebuilt by Ken on our Ford heavy duty vehicles to even some custom driveshaft repair work on our Subaru. He replaced those pesky non serviceable joints on the Subaru driveshafts with serviceable ones, instead of needing to replace the whole shaft assembly (would have cost a lot more). Every repair has been flawless. More recently my old Subaru Forester developed a squeak in the rear end. Brought it to Ken and he was able to diagnose and pinpoint several potential areas where the noise was likely coming from. After he worked his magic, the noise is now gone! Highly recommended! Thanks Ken!
Date: November 15, 2023
Website: Google
I would highly recommend this...
Joe Lima
I would highly recommend this shop,they're very busy but the service is excellent.
Date: November 15, 2023
Website: Google
Good timely service, transmission rebuilt...
Kevin C
Good timely service, transmission rebuilt in 3 days, price was fair and performance is good again. I noticed a small drip the following week and we put it on the hoist to discover transfer case seal was the source of the dripping. The transfer case wasn't part of the job but it was removed to service the transmission. Ken ordered a seal as I waited and installed it two days later at no charge, awesome. The shop blew me away when they diagnosed my lack of 4WD and found a bad vacuum actuator. I tried to pay for the diagnostics and they would not take my money. I can't remember the last time I got a freebie at a shop. Highly recommend Ken, Chris and the staff
Date: November 15, 2023
Website: Google
Fixed my work truck transmission...
Timothy Arthurs
Fixed my work truck transmission quickly, truck drives great and timeline was good. Got me back to work and the truck drives perfectly
Date: November 15, 2023
Website: Google
Great service, friendly staff, talks...
Justin Olson
Great service, friendly staff, talks to you every step before they do anything.
Date: November 14, 2023
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While most shops told me...
Larry Clarke
While most shops told me they were booked solid and could not get me in for almost a month, you offered to slip me in and did a great job. My truck is running much better and no more vibration...
Date: November 14, 2023
Website: Google
Very professional and thorough.
Robert Zakrison
Very professional and thorough.
Date: November 14, 2023
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Great service every time.
Lou Jones
Great service every time.
Date: November 13, 2023
Website: Google
Honesty up front. Transparency of...
James L
Honesty up front. Transparency of work required. And great bedside manner when explaining work needed. CVT specialist for my 11 Murano.
Date: November 13, 2023
Website: Google
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