What goes into rebuilding a transmission?

A transmission rebuild is a major mechanical overhaul done to a vehicle’s transmission. A transmission, like a vehicle engine, is made up of a series of interrelated mechanical parts that wear out over time and with extended use. Rebuilding a vehicle’s transmission replaces these worn parts without replacing the entire transmission.

Significance

A transmission rebuild is a popular option for those wishing to avoid paying the relatively high cost of replacing a vehicle’s damaged or worn-out transmission with a new one. Brand new transmissions, especially on more modern, late model cars, can be almost as expensive as a brand new engine. Many people, especially those on a tighter budget or those simply wishing to avoid paying the full price of a brand new vehicle transmission, will opt for a transmission rebuild. A transmission rebuild includes the removal and inspection of a vehicle’s transmission, along with the replacement or refurbishment of any severely damaged or worn transmission parts.

Function

A vehicle transmission is an intricate mechanical system consisting of a variety of gears, bands, pumps, and rotors that all work in harmony to affect optimum transmission operation. A transmission rebuild includes the careful inspection of all of the main parts of a vehicle transmission. After careful inspection, parts that are severely worn or damaged beyond repair are replaced; sometimes this means replacement with brand new parts, and sometimes this means replacement with a refurbished and/or reconditioned part. The bottom line is this: a transmission rebuild restores a vehicle transmission to peak operating function and efficiency without replacing every single transmission part.

Benefits

Opting for a vehicle transmission rebuild as opposed to a vehicle transmission replacement offers many benefits. First and foremost, a transmission rebuild is a lower-cost alternative to a brand new transmission. Generally, a good transmission rebuild will cost about half the money as a brand new transmission. Secondly, a transmission rebuild normally saves time. A vehicle undergoing a transmission rebuild will often times be ready after three or four days in the repair shop. A vehicle receiving a brand new transmission will often times be sidelined for over a week or more, depending on how quickly a brand new transmission is located, ordered, shipped, and installed. Lastly, a transmission rebuild replaces only those parts of a vehicle’s transmission that are severely worn or damaged, thus eliminating the overkill that results from replacing a transmission that is still in good shape, save for the broken or worn parts, with a new transmission.

 

Transmission Basics

In a nutshell, the engine of your car creates something called rotational power, and to make the car move, it has to be transferred to the wheels. This is done through the drive train and the transmission is the central component of that. The transmission transfers the spin from the engine into power applied to the wheels.  At different speeds, the power required to move the wheels will vary and the gear ratios within the transmission allows adjustment of power transfer from the engine to the wheels.  This allows you to seamlessly speed up, slow down or stop.

The automatic transmission connects to the engine at the bell housing, where there is a torque converter or if it’s a manual transmission, a clutch. The transmission can be thought of as a switchboard, controlling the car’s power.

 

Cause of Transmission Failure

Often a vehicle showing signs of a transmission issue will have one singular cause.  A proper approach to diagnostics is required to identify this cause of failure.  At Advanced Transmission Center, we employ our TrueTest Inspection It would be terrible to rebuild a transmission without taking into consideration the specific transmission codes, fluid condition or drivability symptoms discovered during the inspection.  Causes of failure could include but is not limited to hard part damage, soft part deterioration, fluid quality or contamination, or electrical failure.

Soft Parts

Within a transmission, there are numerous parts that are made from materials that will face deterioration over time regardless of the maintenance you conduct on your vehicle.  Some examples include clutches, gaskets, seals, o-rings, snap rings, etc.  Every quality rebuild should include the replacement of these items.  Parts manufacturers recognize the importance of this step and will sell all of these parts in one Master Rebuild Kit.  Purchasing this kit saves customers significant money relative to buying each component within a kit.  Some repair shops will quote customers below-average prices to rebuild a transmission and often it is because they do not replace the soft parts.  They identify and repair the single cause of failure, otherwise known as a “spot repair”, without changing the soft or marginal parts.  This lower-cost approach is irresponsible and exposes a customer to repeated transmission failures.

Marginal Parts

Although a single issue might cause the symptoms a driver is facing, normally the conditions leading to one cause of failure has already affected numerous other components.  For example, if one seal is leaking it’s likely the condition of other seals is poor as well.  Identifying and then repairing or replacing these marginal parts is a critical step to extending the life of your transmission and vehicle.

Other Known Failures

Like vehicle manufacturers, each transmission model has its own quirks.  An experienced transmission shop should know common causes of failures for common transmission.  A GM vehicle with a 4L60E has a high risk of clutches burning up in 3rd and 4th gear.  A Ford vehicle with a 5R55E will likely face a servo bore failure.  A Dodge vehicle with a 45RFE transmission often has issues due to the solenoid block.  Even if these particularly known failures might not be the specific cause of failure in one particular situation, they should be taken into consideration when completing a quality transmission rebuild.

 

Rebuild or overhaul

You may have heard of transmission overhauls before. If so, you’re probably asking yourself what the difference is between a transmission rebuild and a transmission overhaul is? Well, that’s a simple question to answer. A transmission rebuild is a transmission overhaul; they mean the same thing.

If your transmission requires a rebuild, you have two options. The first is to remove your existing transmission and rebuild it, then put the rebuilt unit back in your car. The second option is to replace your existing unit with another unit that has already been rebuilt or re-manufactured.

However, used transmissions often have questionable histories that could create a whole new slew of issues. New transmissions, meanwhile, are mostly aftermarket transmissions billed as new but are in fact rebuilt transmissions with new parts.

 

Reassembling the Transmission

Reassembly is of course the most important aspect of rebuilding your transmission; perfect parts won’t work if they’re not put together correctly. This is where the importance of labeling your parts scrupulously comes in. You should have every tiny piece of your transmission in a specific spot, waiting for its turn to be incorporated into the rebuild. Once you’ve reassembled the transmission, make sure you conduct all proper pressure tests. Everything has to be exactly where it should be for the transmission to work properly.  If there is any doubt as to the rebuilt transmission’s workability, you should consult an experienced transmission mechanic before trying to drive your vehicle.

Why You Need to Hire a Mobile Mechanic

Cars are very important because of the mobility they offer. Moving from one place to another is much easier when you have a vehicle. You can also run your errands smoothly. The freedom you get to enjoy during your travels is also essential. However, owning a car comes with its own set of challenges. You have to fork out a lot of money when it comes to maintenance.

There are several practices you have to observe to keep your vehicle in the perfect condition and make sure it serves you for an extended period. Car breakdowns are a common occurrence for many. They might happen to you anywhere and anytime of the day. The sad part is when you experience it when you are traveling.

There are some issues you can fix by yourself while others will require the services of a mechanic. You should look for a mobile mechanic who can sort you out. They will come to fix your car anywhere and anytime. Mobile Mechanic Atlanta is one who can sort out your auto problems fast.

You must consider the availability of the mobile mechanic youtire repair want to hire. The best ones are those who offer 24-hour services. Compare service fees between the different mobile mechanics and go for one with considerable charges. There are several reasons why you should consider hiring these type of mechanics. They include:

Convenience

You will get to enjoy some great level of comfort when you hire a mobile mechanic. There is no need to stress yourself out about what to do, especially when you experience a break down in the middle of a highway or during your travel. These mechanics will come very fast to fix your vehicle and save you the inconvenience.

 

Saves Costs

Hiring a mobile mechanic will also help you save on a lot of costs. There is no need to seek the services of a towing company because the mobile mechanic will fix all the mess at your car breakdown point. The necessary on-site repairs will be conducted, and you will save on the amount you would have used to tow your vehicle to the nearest garage.

No More Queues

You do not have to worry about standing in queues because mobilemobile car service mechanics will report to where you direct them and conduct the necessary repairs or maintenance practices. Going to a garage may see you spend a lot of time in a long queue waiting for your car to be serviced. Seek the services of a mobile mechanic to save time.

 

Benefits Of Using A Mobile Mechanic

We all know that the vehicles we drive require periodic maintenance to keep them operating at 100%, but sometimes life can get in the way. Work, family and many other factors can take precedence over taking our cars to the mechanic to have servicing and repairs carried out. Having to take a day off work to drop the car off and wait around until it’s completed, or work out a way to get to and from work as well as doing the school run can make the idea of visiting the mechanic shop a daunting thought.

But, there is a solution to all this – mobile mechanics. Mobile mechanics usually operate from a fully stocked van or utility, and can perform almost all the same tasks that traditional bricks and mortar mechanical workshops can. Here are 5 benefits of using a mobile mechanic for your next service or repair.

1. They come to your home or workplace

The most obvious benefit of using a mobile mechanic is that they can work on your car at your home or while you are at work. As long as you have a flat, safe area away from main roads, a mobile mechanic can carry out servicing and repairs, leaving you to continue your day at home or work without having to worry about getting to and from the workshop.

2. They can come to you when you are broken down

If your vehicle has left you stranded on the side of the road with a flat battery, or something more serious, a mobile mechanic can make their way out to you and may even be able to fix your vehicle on the spot, saving you from paying for a tow truck to your nearest workshop and then waiting for them to have an opening available to look at your vehicle.

3. They can carry out almost all servicing and repairs on site

Mobile mechanics are fully qualified to carry out the necessary repairs on your vehicle, from brakes to timing belts and everything in between. There can be some repair jobs that they are unable to carry out, such as repairs that require a hoist, but the mobile mechanic will be able to inform you of these repairs and can often organise a workshop to carry these larger jobs for you.

 

Mobile Auto Service – The Pros and Cons

Not too long ago, I was testing a car down Berger Road when I saw a man working under a school bus! He was changing the oil on the street! This got me thinking about mobile vehicle services. Some mobile automotive services are already common, such as mobile detailing and mobile windshield and glass repair; but what about mobile mechanics?

Mobile mechanics have increased in popularity over the last 8-10 years. This trend has likely been influenced by economic necessity stemming from the recession as well as the shift towards customer convenience.

PROS

1. Price: Mobile mechanics do not have the added overhead of a facility and associated equipment. The resulting lower costs can save customers 20-30%.
2. Convenience: Mobile mechanics come to you at home or at work. This eliminates the need to take time from work, school, or other responsibilities in order to service your car, and can save you a significant amount of money.
3. It makes sense: This mobile option is ideal for certain preventive maintenance jobs that don’t take too long.

CONS

1. Limited access to the larger equipment needed to service vehicles:

Lifts: Mobile mechanics may not have access to the lifts that allow for inspection of a car’s underside.  This step is very important, so ask if they have a professional quality lift rather than a jack and stands as with the mobile mechanic featured in the photo below. A jack and stands  can be dangerous on uneven surfaces especially on the side of a road. Professional grade balancing equipment: This equipment for balancing tires and aligning vehicles cannot travel with the mechanic.

2. Fewer resources: There is no one around to provide help if the mechanic needs a second hand or a second opinion. (Though with smartphones this is not such an issue now.)
3. Lack of more complex tools: Some factory equivalent scan tools cost so much they are out of reach for mobile mechanics.
4. Limitations based on job size: Larger jobs- those that require removing the interior of a car, for example- would be impossible to do in a driveway.
5. Limitations due to weather: Limitations in emergency situations.

 

HOW TO BE A SUCCESSFUL MOBILE AUTO REPAIR BUSINESS

Have you ever thought about starting a mobile auto repair business? Or as a vehicle owner, have you thought about how convenient it would be for mechanics to perform vehicle services right at your home? This isn’t a foreign concept. As a matter of fact, there are many auto repair professionals who do just that for a living. However, franchise and independent service shops still outnumber mobile repair businesses by a wide margin.  Mobile auto repair is a very attractive service to many consumers, given the inconvenience of dropping off their vehicle and arranging rides while carless. So why isn’t mobile auto repair a more widely available service?

Mobile Auto Repair is Not That Simple

In a world of technology and convenience, it’s logical that a mechanic would come right to your home to service or repair your vehicle. However, house-call repairs are easier said than done.

Here were some of the common themes across respondents:

Inadequate Infrastructure

• Tools & Equipment – Not able to carry all necessary tools or heavy equipment, such as a lift. Having tools and equipment easily accessible at the shop is ideal.
• Location – The client may not have the best set up, such as a garage or even driveway. Some office parks and gated communities might not even allow vehicle maintenance and repair on their property at all.
• Parts – Obtaining parts can be challenging and time-consuming. Some jobs end up needing additional parts for repairs that were not originally diagnosed.
• Weather – Poor weather conditions make outdoor jobs miserable and sometimes impossible

Insurance/Safety Issues

• Insurance for a mobile repair business is costly
• Working alone is not always the safest – some jobs more than others
• Poor weather conditions can also be a safety issue
• Leaks or spills of containment can be hazardous if not properly cleaned up

Cost Tolerance

• Customers aren’t willing to pay extra for the convenience of house-call services
• Many customers believe that rates should be significantly cheaper since the mechanics don’t have shop overhead. However, mobile repair jobs often take longer and there are many other expenses involved.