The transmission is crucial to your vehicle’s operation as it transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Without it, you would be unable to drive at all.
But, like any part, it can fail and cause significant safety issues and other damage. This leaves you to make a choice: should you repair, rebuild, or replace your transmission?
Choosing the right option can be a daunting task, as each has its pros and cons. The decision will ultimately depend on your vehicle’s age, condition, and value.
In this post, let’s look at different transmission services and learn which is best for you and your vehicle.
What Is Transmission Repair?
Learning you need your transmission repaired can be alarming, but it’s often the most cost-efficient approach. This service is ideal for smaller and more minor fixes.
Our mechanics at EG Auto Center repair transmissions for less labor-intensive faults within a transmission. These tasks can include:
- Transmission fluid change
- Adjusting the clutch and other parts
- In-vehicle repair
- Replacing specific components (like seals, gear, clutch, and solenoid)
For cases needing more extensive work, note that transmission repair may no longer be tenable. You’re now left with two other options: rebuild or replacement.
What is Transmission Rebuild?
A transmission rebuild is often necessary if the transmission has significant damage or wear. Think of it as a more extensive repair than a simple transmission repair. It is a go-to solution if the transmission still has salvageable parts.
A transmission rebuild typically involves the following:
- Disassembling the unit
- Inspecting and cleaning each transmission component
- Replacing bad parts (like gears, bearings, seals, and gaskets)
- Resurfacing or replacing the clutch plates
- Rebuilding or replacing the torque converter
A thorough rebuild can extend your transmission’s life and improve your vehicle’s overall performance. However, this service can also be costly, so weigh the costs and benefits of a transmission rebuild compared to repair or replacement.
What is Transmission Replacement?
In transmission replacement, the old transmission is removed and replaced with a new or remanufactured unit. It’s expected to be more expensive than repair or rebuild but may be necessary if the current unit has severe damage and is beyond repair.
The process of replacing a transmission involves these steps:
- Draining the transmission fluid
- Disconnecting the driveshaft
- Removing the transmission mount
- Disconnecting the old transmission from the engine
- Installing the new transmission and reconnecting it to the engine
- Reattaching the driveshaft and other components
- Refilling the transmission fluid
While no one wants to hear they need their transmission replaced, sometimes, it’s the best—and last—course before deciding to just buy a new car.
How to Determine Which Transmission Service You Need?
The considerations mainly lie in the amount and extent of the damage and, of course, the cost. Some components can be replaced, which makes transmission repair cost-effective.
Rebuilding or replacing the transmission may be the best course if you have more extensive damage. Weighing the costs and long-term benefits of these two services, you’ll get more out of a replacement than a rebuild. And that’s what we usually recommend when you visit our shop.
In any case, the expert mechanics at EG Auto Center will always provide unbiased advice based on what’s best for your vehicle and your budget.
If you want to avoid replacement or rebuild, it’s best to always have regular inspections and preventative maintenance done on your vehicle. When you do so, your mechanic can detect issues early and offer a more affordable auto repair solution.
Contact EG Auto Center For Transmission Services in Dayton, NJ
With the costs involved and the critical role held by your transmission, it’s crucial to have qualified mechanics handle the job to ensure it’s done correctly and safely. And you can find these mechanics here at EG Auto Center.
EG Auto Center is the leading transmission shop in Dayton, NJ. We offer a range of solutions for many makes and models of vehicles—from domestic to European cars. We also perform engine repair and other services.
Call us at (732) 329-6300 or complete our online appointment form. You can also stop by our shop at 2276 US HWY 130, Dayton, NJ 08810.