Can You Rebuild Your Own Transmission?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Can you rebuild your own transmission? Again,

as long as you have a place for every part and a way to clean them, the process can be completed by an amateur mechanic

. While some heavier tools may be required to disassemble and reassemble, it is doable.

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Is it cheaper to rebuild a transmission or replace it?


A transmission replace is the most expensive option when fixing your transmission

. In many cases you will hear this referred to as “re-manufactured.” Basically, the manufacturer will replace parts that have gone bad with modified parts. This is an option if the transmission is too damaged to even consider a rebuild.

How much does it cost to completely rebuild a transmission?

On average, a transmission rebuild with both labor and parts will cost around

$2000 to $3000

. This applies to extensive rebuilds but it is possible that the price will be higher or lower depending on what part is being rebuilt and the car model in question.

How long does it take to rebuild a transmission yourself?

How much does a junkyard transmission cost?

Repair Type Cost Range Replacement Labor (R+R) $500 to $1200 – Used / Salvage Yard

$800 to $1500
– Rebuilt / Local Rebuild $1100 to $2800 – Remanufactured $1300 to $3400

How long will a rebuilt transmission last?

On average, a rebuilt transmission is expected to last between

30,000 – 50,000 miles

. If the work is done extremely well and regular maintenance is performed, a transmission rebuild can last as long as the original transmission (120,000 – 200,000 miles on average).

Is it better to replace a transmission or buy a new car?


It is almost always less expensive to repair a car than buy a new one

. Although something as severe as a blown motor or a failed transmission will run you between $3,000 and $7,000 to replace at a dealership, such repairs still don't cost as much as buying a new car.

Why is transmission work so expensive?

Transmission repairs are so expensive

because of the diagnosis involved in figuring out which part of the transmission has failed

. For instance, assume you're driving along on your way to work, and you've come to a stop at a red light.

How do you know if a transmission is good from a junkyard?

Is it better to buy a used transmission or rebuild?

With a transmission rebuild, or even a high-quality remanufactured transmission from a reputable company like Certified Transmission,

your vehicle will retain a higher resale value than it would with a used transmission

.

Are Rebuilt transmissions as good as new?

While both rebuilt and remanufactured transmissions may be compatible with your vehicle,

reman systems are more reliable and higher in quality

.

What tools do I need to rebuild a transmission?

Is it worth putting in a used transmission?

Bottom Line: Used transmissions, or transmissions built from recycled or salvaged parts, are

typically as reliable as their new counterparts and a good deal less expensive

.

How many hours does it take to replace transmission?

Transmission Replacement Labor Cost

It's

at least six hours to remove and install a transmission, often twice that

. How much is a transmission? Well, will vary between different makes and models, but can range from $1500 to $4000 for the part alone!

How much does labor cost to install a transmission?

On the other hand, transmission replacement is one of the most expensive repairs you can get. Replacements can range from $1,800 to $3,400. Depending on the repair shop and technicians, labor charges can range from

$500 to $1,200

.

What is the difference between a rebuilt transmission and a remanufactured transmission?

Generally, “remanufactured” indicates that a unit has had additional machine work that bring the quality level to the same standard as a new part..

While a “rebuilt” transmission usually implies that only worn-out parts have been replaced, the process to remanufacture a transmission is typically much more thorough

.

How much does a new transmission cost?

The average price range for transmission replacement is

between $1,800 and $3,400

for a brand-new component. The additional cost of labor is often between $500 and $1,200, and you should also take taxes and associated fees into account. Learn more about your car's transmission with our service center, below!

Does a rebuilt transmission add value to a car?

Another benefit is that when it comes time to trade in your car, you'll get a higher price for it if the transmission is still in good shape. So,

rebuilding a transmission not only saves you money on upfront costs, but it also saves you money on your next car by providing a higher trade-in value

.

What are the signs of a blown transmission?

  • Strange Noises. If you hear clunking, grinding, or whining sounds every time you shift gears, visit a mechanic for car repairs right away. …
  • Strange Smells. …
  • Shifting Issues. …
  • Slippage. …
  • Overheating. …
  • Extreme Heat from Inside Your Car.

What car has the most transmission problems?

  • Nissan Rogue. …
  • Infiniti QX60. …
  • Ford Fiesta. …
  • Nissan Murano. …
  • Kia Forte. …
  • Ford Focus. …
  • Nissan Pathfinder. Nissan definitely has a bad track record with transmissions. …
  • Nissan Sentra. Nissan again!

How long does a transmission usually last?


Some transmissions can last just over 10,000 miles, while others will last over 200,000 miles

. Generally though, regular vehicle maintenance is the number one factor effecting a transmission's lifespan, and good upkeep can help it last even longer.

How do you fix a slipping transmission?

Is it hard to install a transmission?

Depending on the year, make and model of your vehicle and the shop labor costs in your area, you can expect to save between $550 to $1,250 or more.

The job of removing and replacing an automatic transmission is not tremendously difficult

– it's just a matter of being prepared, being safe, and following instructions.

What causes transmission to fail?

Transmission failure can be caused by

slipping, symptomatic noises, lack of fluid due to leaks, overheating, or outside factors that affect the transmission

.

How do you pull transmission from a junkyard?

What to do to a used transmission before installing?

1.

Flush often

—back flush your transmission cooler to prevent contamination of your transmission and torque converter, and make sure to flush and inspect your existing converter if you plan on reusing it. 2. Inspect your flexplate and driveshaft before installing your transmission.

How do you check automatic transmission before installing?

You can test the transmission by

putting it through the gears while turning the input shaft and examining the output shaft for proper rotation

. You cannot test the clutch while off the car.

Can you drive with a cracked transmission?

Short answer:

no!

The only thing you should do if you think you have a faulty transmission is go for a quick jaunt to your local mechanic. If you have a bad transmission it's only a matter of time before your vehicle literally won't be able to drive anywhere.

How do I install a transmission myself?

Why do transmissions kick?

Automatic transmissions kick down to a lower gear

to make use of the greater power delivered at the engine's higher rpm

; this typically occurs when the driver attempts to accelerate from a constant speed, as if to pass.

How do you rebuild a car transmission?

How many miles is good for a used transmission?

How much does it cost to remove and install a transmission?

The exact transmission cost will vary, based on your particular vehicle and your service department of choice, but you can expect to pay in the ballpark of

$1,800 and $3,400 for brand new parts

– and don't forget about the labor costs, which can run between $79 and $189.

Do you have to remove the engine to replace the transmission?

Hello –

no, you do not have to remove the engine in order to remove and service the transmission

. As with most front-wheel drive vehicles, dropping any combination of the engine/transmission or both requires some extra equipment, and caution, but it is quite manageable.

Can a transmission Be Fixed?


It can be as easy as replacing fluids or it can be a more than $5000 reconstruction

. Minor transmission repairs involve replacing defective solenoids, re-sealing for leaks, replacing parts, and throttle cable adjustment. Major transmission repair requires disassembling, inspection, cleaning, and rebuilding.

Is it better to rebuild a transmission or buy a used one?

With a transmission rebuild, or even a high-quality remanufactured transmission from a reputable company like Certified Transmission,

your vehicle will retain a higher resale value than it would with a used transmission

. To learn more about remanufactured transmissions, click here.

Charlene Dyck
Author
Charlene Dyck
Charlene is a software developer and technology expert with a degree in computer science. She has worked for major tech companies and has a keen understanding of how computers and electronics work. Sarah is also an advocate for digital privacy and security.