What does a full transmission rebuild include?

A full transmission rebuild is a comprehensive repair process that involves completely disassembling and rebuilding a vehicle's transmission. This extensive procedure aims to restore the transmission to its original factory specifications, addressing any issues or wear and tear that may have accumulated over time.

Key Components of a Transmission Rebuild

A full transmission rebuild typically includes the following steps and components:

• Disassembly: The transmission is completely disassembled, with all internal components, such as gears, bearings, seals, and clutches, being removed and inspected.


• Cleaning and Inspection: Each component is thoroughly cleaned and inspected for wear, damage, or any other issues that may require replacement.


• Replacement of Worn Parts: Any worn or damaged parts are replaced with new, high-quality components to ensure the transmission's optimal performance and longevity.


• Reassembly: The transmission is carefully reassembled, with all components being properly aligned and lubricated.


• Testing and Adjustment: The rebuilt transmission is tested to ensure it is functioning correctly, and any necessary adjustments are made to ensure smooth and efficient operation.


• Fluid Replacement: The transmission fluid is replaced with the appropriate type and quantity, as specified by the vehicle manufacturer.

By addressing all these critical components, a full transmission rebuild can restore the transmission to its original factory condition, providing the vehicle owner with a reliable and long-lasting transmission.

Benefits of a Transmission Rebuild

Undergoing a full transmission rebuild offers several benefits, including:

• Improved Performance: A rebuilt transmission will typically perform better than a worn-out one, providing smoother shifting, increased power, and better fuel efficiency.


• Extended Lifespan: With all worn parts replaced and the transmission properly rebuilt, the transmission can have a significantly extended lifespan, potentially lasting for many more years or miles of use.


• Cost Savings: Rebuilding a transmission is often more cost-effective than replacing the entire unit, especially for older or higher-mileage vehicles.


• Peace of Mind: A properly rebuilt transmission can provide the vehicle owner with peace of mind, knowing that their transmission has been thoroughly inspected and restored to its optimal condition.

Overall, a full transmission rebuild is a comprehensive and meticulous process that can restore a vehicle's transmission to its original factory specifications, ensuring reliable and efficient performance for the long term.

How long does a full transmission rebuild take?

A transmission rebuild typically takes three to five days, but this can vary significantly depending on the vehicle, the extent of the damage, and the mechanic's workload. Factors like the complexity of the transmission, the availability of parts, and the experience of the mechanic all play a role in the total time. 
Factors that affect the timeline

• Shop workload: A shop's queue of other vehicles can add significant waiting time, even if the actual rebuild is quick. 
• Damage severity: A minor rebuild with only a few parts to replace will be much faster than one with extensive damage to gears or other hard parts. 
• Part availability: Finding parts for common vehicles is usually quick, but it can take much longer for older, rarer, or imported cars. 
• Vehicle complexity: Rebuilding a transmission can be more complicated on some vehicles, especially those with front-wheel drive, which can add time to the process. 
• Mechanic's skill: A highly experienced and specialized mechanic can complete the job faster than someone less experienced. 

Typical timeline breakdown

• Diagnostic phase: A few hours to a full day, depending on the problem's complexity. 
• Disassembly and reassembly: This is the most labor-intensive part. A professional can complete this in a few days, but it depends heavily on the factors listed above. 

Is it better to rebuild a transmission or replace it?

It is better to rebuild a transmission when the damage is limited to specific parts, as it is often less expensive and can provide a like-new performance with new components. Replacement is a better option for more extensive damage like a cracked case, or when the vehicle is very old and the cost of rebuilding may not be worthwhile compared to a new unit. 
Rebuilding a transmission

• Best for: Minor to moderate damage and for keeping costs down. 
• Pros:
  • More cost-effective than a full replacement. 
  • Extends the life of the transmission. 
  • Allows for the replacement of only worn parts, often with up-to-date components. 
• Cons:
  • Can be time-consuming due to disassembly and reassembly. 
  • Risk of future issues because some original parts remain. 
  • Warranty may be limited compared to a new unit. 

Replacing a transmission

• Best for: Extensive damage, older vehicles, or when a quicker solution is needed. 
• Pros:
  • Provides a completely new or reconditioned unit with no wear and tear. 
  • Can be a more reliable solution if the original transmission suffered severe damage. 
  • The process is often faster since it involves swapping the old unit for a new one. 
• Cons:
  • Usually more expensive than rebuilding. 
  • If replacing with a used unit, there's a risk of inheriting unknown problems. 

How to decide

• Assess the damage: A professional inspection is crucial. If internal parts are destroyed (e.g., broken gears, cracked case), replacement is likely necessary. If the problem is a single component like a valve body, a less intensive repair may be possible. 
• Consider your budget and timeline: If you need a faster fix and are willing to pay more upfront for potentially greater reliability, replacement is a good choice. If you want to save money and can wait for a more labor-intensive process, rebuilding is a solid option. 
• Evaluate the vehicle's age and value: For a very old car, the cost of a full transmission rebuild or replacement might not make financial sense compared to the vehicle's overall value. 

What to expect after a transmission rebuild?

After a transmission rebuild, you can expect improved performance, smoother shifting, and better fuel efficiency once any initial break-in period is complete. It's crucial to follow the shop's break-in instructions, which typically involve avoiding heavy loads for several hundred miles. You should also watch for warning signs like slipping, grinding, or fluid leaks and have the transmission re-checked by the shop after about 10 days to ensure minor issues are caught early. 
During the break-in period (typically first few hundred miles) 

• Avoid aggressive driving: Stay away from heavy towing, excessive speeds, or harsh acceleration to let the new components adjust slowly. 
• Drive with a variety of speeds: Instead of long highway drives, vary your speeds with gentle acceleration and deceleration to help the clutches and bands seat properly. 
• Allow for cooling: Avoid prolonged use at once. Let the transmission cool down after extended driving to prevent overheating. 

After the break-in period

• Smoother shifting: Your car should shift more smoothly and have improved overall driveability. 
• Better acceleration and efficiency: A properly rebuilt transmission can lead to better acceleration and potentially improved fuel economy. 
• A 10-day recheck is recommended: Bringing the vehicle back to the shop for a checkup allows technicians to inspect for minor issues like leaks or improper adjustments before they become major problems. 

What to watch for

• Slipping gears: Be alert for gears that feel like they are struggling to engage or are slipping out of gear. 
• Unusual noises: Listen for new grinding, whining, or clunking sounds. 
• Delayed engagement: A noticeable lag when shifting from park to drive or reverse can be a sign of a problem. 
• Burning smell: This indicates that the transmission fluid may be overheating. 
• Fluid leaks: Any sign of fluid leaking from the transmission should be addressed immediately. 
• Check Engine light: If your check engine light comes on, have the vehicle inspected, as it could be related to the transmission. 

Long-term maintenance

• Regular fluid checks: Periodically check transmission fluid levels and quality. 
• Follow maintenance schedule: Adhere to the recommended service schedule for your vehicle, including regular transmission fluid changes. 
• Drive within your vehicle's limits: Avoid towing or carrying loads that exceed your vehicle's rated capacity. 

How much does it cost for a transmission to be rebuilt?

During a transmission rebuild, a mechanic removes the transmission from your car. Then they inspect, clean and repair all the parts before reassembling and reinstalling the transmission. A rebuild costs about half the price of a transmission replacement—about $2,000 to $3,500.