Is A Transmission Rebuild Worth The Effort?

When a transmission has loose bolts, rods, connectors or other important engineering damage, you may have the choice of getting a new, used or rebuilt transmission. Each option has a set of budget and car survivability benefits and consequences that need to be weighed against your life and wallet. Consider a few points for each option that could help you decide what to do with your transmission.

A New Transmission Isn't Always An Option

Short of buying a new car, the best option for a failing transmission is to install a new transmission system. The new transmission should feature a warranty for the system itself and a warranty for the installation by automotive professionals.

If you vehicle's transmission is no longer in production and there are no similar transmissions for the vehicle, you may not be able to get a brand new transmission. It's possible to refit newer transmissions with slightly different designs to other models within the same manufacturer, but such conversions are difficult.

In some cases, a new car would be less expensive than all of the preparation for the installation. Every make and model has different circumstances, so don't write off refitting new transmissions without asking a transmission repair professional.

Used Transmissions Can Be Like New

The more common option for installing a transmission is to get a used transmission. In very specific circumstances, a slightly used transmission may be better than a new one.

For many systems with moving parts, a device needs to be 'broken in' or 'worn in'. These aren't just slang terms; the moving parts need time to move around with each other, become lubricated with different vehicle fluids and break off any manufacturing defects. Many devices are worn in by the factory, but there could still be some kinks that need to be worked out by normal driving.

Rebuilt Transmissions May Be A Hassle--Or Just Labeled Used

Rebuilding a transmission system covers many techniques. It can mean taking the transmission apart to its bare essentials to replace a lot of components, or it could mean replacing a deeply-seated component such as a solenoid. 

It's difficult to weigh a rebuilt transmission against a used transmission, but a rebuilt transmission is often inferior to a new transmission. The rebuild may be certified as good, but there's always the chance that a replacement went wrong or that something else could be wrong in the transmission. It's good to get a warranty for the transmission to guarantee the quality or your money back, which makes the retail value similar to any used transmission.

Contact a transmission repair professional to compare prices and gather opinions about your specific transmission issue.

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