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Transmissions are the emissaries of power. They take the twisting torque force that the engine produces, and they modulate that force into a usable gear ratio that does not put undue stress on the engine, while creating optimum pulling power.
The early transmissions were quite simple, manual machines. The automatic transmission was developed in the early 20th century but did not achieve a level of sophistication until the 1940s when the hydramatic transmissions were developed with torque converters that harnessed all the force generated by the engine.
Those early automatic transmissions relied upon hydraulic pressure to foment shifts, as do their modern descendants, which brings into play the necessity of transmission fluid. Unfortunately, this fluid must be periodically replaced because it breaks down over time and can no longer lubricate transmission shifts properly, which causes the corrosion and failure of components in the very complex modern transmission.
This transmission breakdown necessitates the services of the transmission repair shop.
GEARED TOWARD MAINTENANCE
Today’s transmissions have hundreds of parts and are the most complex aspect of automotive technology. If the car owner does not have the transmission serviced or flushed at least every 20,000 miles, it is inevitable that problems will ensue.
Power flushing removes and replaces all the fluid, which is more thorough than simple servicing. Many manufacturers state that their transmissions only need to be serviced every 50,000 miles. The problem with this for the car owner is that car manufacturers are in the business of perpetually selling new cars, and the breakdown of a transmission frequently means the purchase of a new car.
A JOB GEARED FOR SPECIALISTS
Deciding to repair a defective transmission absolutely requires the employment of a highly specialized transmission shop with an extensive record of properly repairing transmissions the first time the work is performed.
Unfortunately, many repair shops do not repair transmissions properly the first time, necessitating several visits to get the transmission to respond properly. There should be verifiable evidence that the mechanics have had extensive training in repairing a wide range of transmissions.
Never go to a general auto repair shop for transmission work. They will often subcontract the work to a transmission shop and charge 50-100 percent more than the shop charges them. Some dealer service centers also use this ploy.
AAA CREDIBILITY
The Automobile Club of America will grace repair shops that have met its stringent standards with its seal of approval. These shops have been thoroughly analyzed and have to deal with AAA mediation in case of disputes concerning service.
There are, of course, other very competent transmission shops that render precise and consistent service. Checking with the Better Business Bureau can generally highlight those shops which do not perform efficiently and which have a number of complaints against them.
For those considering national chain transmission repair companies, the Bureau of Consumer Investigations can be of assistance in illuminating those repair companies that are not reputable.
REMANUFACTURED REBUILDING
Finding a sterling transmission repair shop is just one facet of repairing a transmission. A decision must also be made in terms of what type of repair work is to be done. Unfortunately, to work on transmissions requires that the transmissions be removed from the vehicle, with the exception of electronic sensor problems.
The process of removing and replacing these big parts is very labor intensive, which can be a $500 expense in itself. Once the transmission is pulled, there is no such thing as a minor problem. Even if the problem is minor, the economic realities demand that a transmission be thoroughly rebuilt once the process is started.
The owner of a defective transmission has several alternatives once he or she decides to make the repairs. An absolutely new transmission built by the car manufacturer is not generally available today.
Manufacturers do, however, remanufacture transmissions from used cores, replacing all the moving parts. Remanufactured transmissions are the most thoroughly rebuilt transmissions and are virtually equivalent to placing a new transmission in the vehicle. Additionally, these remanufactured parts are sealed at the factory and will not leak.
Rebuilding transmissions is done by numerous companies and refers to the replacement of just those parts that were worn on the transmission. A transmission can also be rebuilt at the shop, using kits to replace the parts that are worn.
Of course, rebuilding does not certify that other parts will not wear out in the near future. Additionally, transmissions that are not thoroughly sealed will leak.
GEARING UP FOR REPAIR COSTS
The cost of a rebuilt transmission is dependent on the complexity of its type and the extent of the rebuild. The basic labor in replacing a transmission is very high, so the most complete rebuild can be cost effective in the long haul.
A completely remanufactured transmission makes sense in terms of dependability but will cost significantly more, excluding labor. Warranties are generally one year or 12,000 miles for rebuilt transmissions, while remanufactured transmissions can come with 100,000-mile warranties.
Repairing a transmission properly can be quite a challenge. However, with the proper research, an efficient, reputable transmission repair shop will create a transmission that will carry the owner through many years of mechanically sound miles, with, of course, the proper servicing.
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