When it comes to repairing your Transmission, there are several options. Every option comes with advantages and disadvantages. Your choice depends on factors like cost, quality, and turnaround time. Here are the options:
New:
New Transmissions are not available from the dealer or any source. They are only used in the production of new cars and trucks. Transmissions purchased from the dealer are Remanufactured. This is important to consider when looking at the cost of a transmission.
Remanufactured:
What is a remanufactured or reman? It's the same as a rebuilt transmission except it’s built in a factory setting off-site. There are two very common ways remans are built. One is with a team of people each skilled in specific areas of the rebuild, an assembly line, where one person does the teardown and inspection, another does the cleaning, and then several people will assemble and restore certain components and a final person will assemble the transmission. The other uses a single person skilled at rebuilding specific transmissions or specific makes and models. They may be Ford specialists, GM specialists, and so on. In this setting, one person rebuilds the entire transmission from start to finish.
In both of these settings, the transmission is then tested on a dynamometer and then shipped after sale.
Rebuilt:
When a Transmission is rebuilt the transmission is disassembled and inspected. Worn or damaged parts which are generally referred to as "hard parts'' are replaced. The transmission is then reassembled to factory specifications, along with new gaskets, seals, clutches, and bands, often referred to as “soft parts''. In a shop setting a rebuilt transmission is a custom process performed by a specialist. This allows the builder to customize the transmission to the customer's needs and budget. The process of a rebuilt transmission is where the transmission is removed from the customer's car, rebuilt and then reinstalled all on the same property. Other terms you may hear that also mean rebuilt are "refurbished, reconditioned, or overhauled". Rebuilt transmissions usually carry the best warranties and cut down costs on future repairs.
Used:
Another possibility is a used transmission. Used transmissions are transmissions taken from vehicles in junkyards. Insurance companies will often total a car after an accident just because the airbags deployed, leaving a vehicle with relatively minor damages and in some cases terrific OEM parts with very low mileage. Certain used transmissions may cost less than a rebuilt transmission but in most cases come with a lesser warranty so there is a trade-off. There is also no guarantee a used transmission with lower mileage won’t run into the same failure once it’s reached higher mileage.
Keep in mind that not every option may be right for you. A lot depends on your specific vehicle, your mileage, the type of failure, and more.
Repaired:
A repaired transmission is where only a specific component is replaced or fixed. For example, solenoids may fail and can be replaced without rebuilding the entire transmissions. This includes when the transmission may have a leak. Generally speaking, when choosing a repair this may be a short-term solution and may lead to more problematic failures costing more in the long run.
Once your vehicle is properly diagnosed and the failure is pinpointed all the options can be discussed. We can help find the option that fits your needs the best. If you have any questions or would like to see what option fits your needs best call us at (845) 522-8104.