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In House Transmission Repair and Rebuilding
What is a Transmission? (A
Short Course on Automatic Transmissions)
Transmission Rebuilds Done "In-House" Include:
Shift Kit
All Updates
New Electronics Where Applicable
Rebuilt Heavy Duty Torque Converter
Two Year 24,000 Mile Nation Wide Warranty
(Fleet vehicles-12 Month, 12,000 Mile Warranty)
Spotting Problems Before
They Get Worse
Watch for leaks or stains under the car
If there is a persistent red oil leak that you are sure is coming
from your car, you should have us check to see if it is coming from your
transmission or possibly from your power steering system (most power steering
systems also use transmission fluid and leaks can appear on the ground in
roughly the same areas as transmission leaks.) If all you see is a few drops on
the ground, you may be able to postpone repairs as long as you check your fluid
level often (but check with your technician to be sure.) If transmission fluid
levels go down below minimum levels serious transmission damage can occur (the
same advice goes for power steering leaks as well.)
Be sensitive to
new noises, vibrations and
shift behavior
A modern transmission should shift smoothly and quietly under light
acceleration. Heavier acceleration should produce firmer shifts at higher
speeds. If shift points are erratic or you hear noises when shifting, you
should have it checked out immediately. Whining noises coming from the
floorboard are also a cause for concern. If caught early, many problems can be
resolved without costly transmission overhauls. Even if you feel that you can't
afford repairs at this time, you should at least have it checked. The
technician may be able to give you some hints on what to do and not do to
prolong the transmission life until you can afford the repair.
Maintenance
Transmission fluid should be changed periodically. Your
owner's manual should give you the recommended intervals which could be
anywhere from 15,000 miles to 100,000 miles. Most transmission experts
recommend changing the fluid and filter every 25,000 miles.
We (Tri-County Transmission) Recommend every 12,000 Miles or once a year.
It is inexpensive insurance for you transmission.
Few transmissions have drain plugs to drain the old fluid.
In order to get the fluid out, the technician removes the transmission oil
pan. This is quite a messy job and generally not recommended for the casual
do-it-yourselfer. Even if the transmission has a drain plug, the only way
to also change the transmission filter is to remove the pan. When the pan is
down, the technician can check for metal shavings and other debris which are
indicators of impending transmission problems.
In most cases during these transmission services, only about
half the oil is able to be removed from the unit. This is because much of
the oil is in the torque converter and cooler lines and cannot be drained
without major disassembly. The fluid change intervals are based on the fact
that some old fluid remains in the system.
When the transmission is serviced, make sure that the
correct fluid is used to re-fill it. Each transmission manufacturer has
their own recommendation for the proper fluid to use and the internal
components are designed for that specific formula. GM usually uses Dexron,
Fords prior to 1983 use Type F while later models use Mercon. Late model
Chrysler products use ATF +3 +4 (Not using the correct fluid for Chrysler
transmissions is the most common reason for their transmission problems.)
Toyota sometimes uses Type T which is only available through Toyota and
Lexus Parts departments. Honda also specs out their own formula which is
available from Honda or Acura parts departments. A transmission will not
work properly or may even slip or shudder with the incorrect fluid, so make
sure that you double check. Your owner's manual will tell you which fluid
is required. Naturally, the owner's manual will try to convince you to only
use the manufacturer's branded fluid, but they will also provide you with
the specs for the oil. If the aftermarket product indicates on its
container that they meet or exceed the specs for a particular type of
transmission fluid, it is generally ok to use that product.
To Change The Fluid or Not To Change The Fluid? That Is The Question...
It's no lie, that a transmission service (fluid and filter change) may solve
some transmission problems, but beware it may cause the opposite effect on
your transmission, leaving you stranded. (Click Title To Rear Full
Article) Courtesy of ATRAONLINE.COM
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