A decision having to do with the repair of your transmission can be overwhelming. IKE’S TRANSMISSIONS and GENERAL AUTO REPAIR would like to get you up to speed on your options. Should it be a new transmission, a rebuilt transmission, a re manufactured transmission or repair the one you have!!!!

Your vehicle starting slipping and now you don’t have reverse. Chances are you have a transmission repair that needs to have the right approach…

Should it be a New Transmission?

Guess what. There is not truly anything such as a new transmission. Really, the only true new transmission can be found going into a car on the assembly line — into that brand new car! What people call a “new” transmission is really one that has been re-manufactured. These are transmissions have been rebuilt and brought back to manufactures specifications. They’re the same as any other rebuilt or re-manufactured transmission but is usually purchased from a dealership or one of a few after market plants. This distinction is important because when you are comparison shopping you want to do so apples to apples. It would seem logical to think a “new” transmission would be tops but there is no point in paying more for a transmission simply because someone is calling it new! The caveat is that the parts that go into a re-manufactured unit are more often than not brought back to OEM (original equipment manufacturer) standards. That means the parts that have have a design flaw are put back into the unit instead of relying on updates and upgrades a reputable transmission specialist would employ. Let’s explore…

Should it be a Rebuilt Transmission?

When a transmission is rebuilt the definition is a transmission that has been fixed by a transmission specialist. This is different from a re manufactured transmission. The specialist removes the transmission from your vehicle, takes it apart — down to nuts and bolts — for thorough examination. Parts are cleaned and conditions are diagnosed. He discards any component that has wear (typically clutches and bands). There are metal parts that could be damaged or worn. He replaces those. There is strong probability of updates from the manufacturer or his professional organization being integrated into the rebuilding. In the end, the transmission is reassembled bringing it to a like-new condition. New gaskets, seals and metal components replaced. The transmission is effectively new — even further, better than new. How? The updates your professional employs make it so. This is going beyond OEM standards mentioned above. Rebuilds, reman, refurbished, reconditioned or overhauled. These words describe the rebuilt transmission. They are different ways of describing the same thing.

Should I purchase a Remanufactured Transmission?

Generally, a remanufactured transmission – or “reman” – is the same as a rebuilt transmission except the transmission was rebuilt in a factory setting instead of a repair shop. Keep in mind that the remanufactured transmission has been taken from a different vehicle, rebuilt and installed in your car, in stead of coming from the one you drive.

Is there a concern? The problem comes if the remanufactured unit has failed in some unusual manner unknown to the plant — an example would be the case being porous (a not so usual problem often overlooked in mass production).

When you take your car into a repair shop the transmission is then diagnosed while it is in your car. The root cause of the failure can be more readily identified. Buying a remanufactured one could leave you with someone else’s problem(s). Generally, by choosing to get repairs with your chosen dependable source, there are few no surprises. What is wrong with your transmission will create the cost in repair. Purchase of a remanufactured unit includes repairs your transmission may not have needed and you are paying for that!

Is a Repaired Transmission an option?

Perhaps your vehicle doesn’t have a lot of miles on it. Maybe your specialist has found that only one component has broken or failed. A targeted repair might be just the right thing to decide on…

The technician can then choose to repair or replace a specific component or system. An example would be this: the input shaft snapped or a solenoid has failed. These parts can be replaced without rebuilding the entire transmission. Another type of repair is called a reseal; the unit is leaking but the components inside are fine. A technician can replace the seals and gaskets, correcting the leaks — thus, more life in your transmission and keeping costs down. You must know this is not without risk…the shop will only warranty the components or systems that were repaired. The mileage, age and your length of ownership considerations have to be well thought out.

Then there is the Used Transmission…is it for me?

Sometimes the situation may include the possibility of having a used transmission installed. Insurance companies are often totaling cars simply because the airbag has been deployed in an accident — a low mileage vehicle results, making it’s transmission a valuable option. It may very well be a consideration but with a limited warranty (the trade-off).

What is practical for you? Lots to consider, right? Please bring your car to IKE’S TRANSMISSIONS and GENERAL AUTO REPAIR. We’re here to help you diagnose the problem discuss options and help you come to the best solution for you!

Tags: rebuilt transmission, rebuilt transmission vs new transmission, rebult transmissions, transmission repair