How Hard Is It To Repair Transmission?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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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.

Can I rebuild a transmission myself?


If you choose to do it yourself, a transmission rebuild can cost much less, and all you need is a rebuild kit and some automotive tools

. Rebuild kits are usually priced around $50 to $300, depending on what parts are included and the quality of them.

Is transmission worth fixing?

Rebuilding a transmission can save you a lot of money over the short-term, while keeping car payments out of your monthly budget.

For many, rebuilding their transmission is worth the initial cost

. Rebuilding a transmission may cost you twenty-five hundred dollars or more, which is a significant chunk of change.

How much is a transmission rebuild kit?

On average, transmission rebuild kits will range anywhere from

$50 to $300

, with high quality kits from popular brands or kits for luxury cars costing more. A kit definitely beats the cost of a new transmission, and if you have the cahones to do it yourself, you can save a LOT of money.

How long does a transmission rebuild 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 cheaper to rebuild or replace a transmission?


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.

What to expect after a transmission rebuild?

  1. Removing the transmission from your vehicle and dismantling it.
  2. Chemically cleaning the transmission by running it through a parts washer.
  3. Any wonky transmission parts, plus all seals and gaskets, are replaced with new ones.
  4. Any required electrical repairs are performed.

Does a rebuilt transmission need to be broken in?

After installing your freshly rebuilt transmission,

breaking in the new clutches is a critical part of the entire process

.

What are the signs your transmission is going out?

  • Lack of Response. Hesitation, or outright refusal, to shift into the proper gear is a telltale sign of transmission trouble. …
  • Odd Sounds. …
  • Leaking Fluid. …
  • Grinding, Jerking, or Shaking. …
  • Burning Smell. …
  • Won’t Go into Gear. …
  • Service Engine Soon. …
  • Noisy Transmission in Neutral.

How do I know my transmission is bad?

  1. Refusal to Switch Gears. If your vehicle refuses or struggles to change gears, you are more than likely facing a problem with your transmission system. …
  2. Burning Smell. …
  3. Noises When in Neutral. …
  4. Slipping Gears. …
  5. Dragging Clutch. …
  6. Leaking Fluid. …
  7. Check Engine Light. …
  8. Grinding or Shaking.

What causes a 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

.

Can slipping transmission Be Fixed?

If your transmission problem isn’t due to worn out bands or fluid leaks, then you either need to

replace the clutch, the worn out gears, the solenoids or the torque converter

. Any of these is a costly repair which is best performed by a mechanic with little you can do about it.

How do you sell a car with a transmission problem?


Sell It for Scrap

You can sell your car for scrap value. If it is old and has high miles on it, find out what it is worth on Kelley Blue Book. Compare the value against the cost for a rebuild or replacement transmission, and you will most often find it costs more than the car itself is worth.

What is in a manual transmission rebuild kit?

  • Contains high performance filter, clutches and steels.
  • Also contains seals, gaskets and bushings normally replaced when rebuilding transmissions.
  • Performance band included in 700R4, 4L60E and 2004R kits as these normally require a band during regular repair cycles.

What is better rebuilt or remanufactured transmission?


Reman transmissions are more reliable than rebuilt systems

. The actual cost for a reman or rebuilt transmission differs by manufacturers/workshops. It takes longer to rebuild and reinstall a transmission into a vehicle, but reman systems are readied and shipped from the factory.

Is it normal for a rebuilt transmission to shift hard?


How firm the transmission shift typically depends on how the rebuilder built it

. “Shift Kits” and other valve-body/bands modifications also results in very firm shifts. I have a rebuilt transmission in a ’98 that also shifts very firm.

How many miles does the average transmission 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 many hours does it take to replace a transmission?

Transmission Replacement Labor Cost

A big portion of any transmission replacement or rebuild is the labor cost. It’s

at least six hours

to remove and install a transmission, often twice that.

Can my transmission Be Saved?

As any car owner will agree,

saving a transmission and avoiding major transmission service or car repair costs are very worthwhile goals

. Indeed, some transmission shops and dealerships are quite expensive and lack experience with today’s complex transmissions, so it’s not just a about saving money.

How much does a manual transmission rebuild cost?

Average transmission repair costs range from

$300 to $1,400

. For example, if your manual transmission needs a new clutch, you can reasonably expect to pay around $800 to $1,500. 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.

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.