There is nothing that lasts forever, and your transmission is no exception – especially if it is automatic. A transmission in a car will last up to 200,000 miles on average. Therefore you might need to rebuild it. But How long does it take to rebuild a transmission?
When your car has reached 200,000 miles, or if you are considering having it rebuilt, you might wonder how much it will cost and how long it will take. This article will cover How long does it take to rebuild a transmission, including it’s pros and cons. Lastly, we’ll discuss if the transmission rebuild is worth the money.
What is a Transmission Rebuild?
A transmission rebuild involves inspecting and replacing faulty transmission components with new ones. Yet, it’s not as easy as it sounds since it’s one of the most demanding automotive repair procedures.
You won’t be able to handle this on your own, and picking the right mechanic is important. When it comes to automatic cars, the transmission contains a lot of moving parts. In order for the rebuilt system to work, these sensitive parts must replaced.
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How to Tell That Your Transmission Needs Repairs?
There is no light on the transmission of a vehicle, despite it being a vital component.
But, you can detect transmission issues before you become stranded with a car that won’t move. You can find them here:
1. The check engine light:
There are many problems that can indicated by this light, such as transmission problems. This light should never ignored, and you should visit a mechanic as soon as possible. A vehicle’s warning light is only illuminated when something serious is likely to happen. If you think there is a problem, you must have it checked as soon as possible.
2. Fluid Leaks:
You can drive either an automatic or a manual. Transmission fluids must lubricated, and leaks can cause a problem. You should check your transmission if you see brown spots on your parking space or if your transmission fluid is low.
3. Sluggish acceleration:
Generally, expert drivers can tell if their cars are malfunctioning. It’s likely that you have a transmission issue if you feel like your car is not accelerating. Check it out to save money on repairs.
4. Sounds:
The transmission may be malfunctioning if you hear unusual sounds, especially during shifting.
If you hear clunking, squealing, rattling, or slight humming, your transmission is faulty. The sooner you get things under control, the lower your costs will be.
What You Should Know Before a Transmission Rebuild
You may need to consider a transmission rebuild if your vehicle’s transmission shows signs of wear or injury. During transmission rebuilding, the transmission disassembled, inspected, and any damaged or worn parts replaced. If you decide to rebuild your transmission, here are some things you need to consider:
Cost:
Rebuilding a transmission can be costly. Often costing several hundred to several thousand dollars. A lot depends on how your vehicle was built and model, where the transmission was damaged, and the cost of replacement parts.
Time:
In some cases, transmission rebuilds can take up to a week or more to complete. This depends on the difficulty of the rebuild and availability of replacement parts.
Quality of Parts:
The quality of replacement parts is crucial when it comes to transmission rebuilds. Rebuilding a transmission requires high-quality parts to ensure long-term durability. The mechanic may use low-cost parts in an attempt to save money. But this can result in future problems and potentially more expensive repairs.
Warranty:
Any transmission rebuild work performed by a reputable mechanic will be covered by a warranty. Before accepting the work, ask about the warranty.
Maintenance:
To ensure the longevity of a rebuilt transmission, proper maintenance is essential. If you need to change transmission fluid or perform other maintenance, follow the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Experience:
The transmission rebuild should be performed by an experienced, qualified mechanic. Choose a mechanic who has experience rebuilding transmissions for your vehicle’s make and model and who has a track record of success.
While transmission rebuilding is a time-consuming and costly process, it is crucial for ensuring your vehicle’s longevity and performance. It is important to choose a reputable mechanic and use high-quality parts, as well as maintain the rebuilt transmission properly to ensure its longevity.
What are the Processes to Rebuild Manual Transmission?
- Make sure your problem is not limited to your clutch, and rebuild the transmission if necessary.
- Remove the transmission from the vehicle.
- Check the clutch disc, pressure plate, flywheel, and other connected components.
- To restore clutch function, replace any cracked elements.
- Reinstalling the transmission is time-consuming. If necessary, top up the transmission fluid.
- Make sure the clutch installed and adjusted by performing a lift check.
- It will be ready to drive several miles after being street-tested to confirm optimal transmission and clutch operation.
What are the Factors Affecting How Long a Transmission Rebuild Will Take?
A Busy mechanic shop – It’s said that a busy mechanic shop is a good one. And often this can be true. The mechanics will be in high demand, so it may be difficult to get a fast turnaround if they are good.
There is also the possibility of the opposite happening. Due to the mechanics’ poor skills, anything they do takes a long time. Whatever you do, don’t expect to get your car back the next day if you have the transmission rebuilt.
Parts availability –
Most part suppliers will carry the most common transmission parts if you drive a popular type of vehicle. It’s likely that you’ll only need to make a phone call to get things like a master transmission rebuild kit, solenoids, and gaskets. A gear or pump can found from a salvage yard if a hard part needs to replaced. The parts required to rebuild your transmission may take longer to get if your vehicle is a bit more unusual.
Installing and removing the transmission –
On some vehicles, removing the transmission takes only a couple of hours. Besides, it can take as long as 4-6 hours to remove the old transmission from more complicated vehicles. After the transmission has been rebuilt, it must be reinstalled.
Rebuilding the transmission –
Transmissions can dismantled, diagnosed, and rebuilt in 3-4 hours by an experienced transmission rebuilder. It can be time-consuming and distracting for them to jump from one job to another in a busy shop. Additionally, some automatic transmissions are more complex than others. , which takes more time.
As soon as the rebuilt transmission has reinstalled, the vehicle needs to tested to ensure that it is working . It may be necessary to remove and disassemble the transmission if it doesn’t work . Even more time will required for this.
Rebuilding a transmission takes time. , it’s not a good idea to be without your vehicle too long. In the same vein, you don’t win a mechanic by rushing the job and not doing it right.
How Long Does It Take To Rebuild a Transmission?
So the question is How long does it take to rebuild a transmission? A qualified shop can rebuild a car transmission in 1-2 days, and a truck transmission in 2-3 days.
There are many factors that determine how long it will take to rebuild your transmission:
- Transmission complexity
- Parts and tools are available
- Difficulty in removing and reinstalling
- Mechanic’s level of experience
The rebuilding of most passenger vehicle automatic transmissions will take up to two days 9 times out of 10. There is a good chance that your manual transmission will be rebuilt within the same day if your car built before 2010.
How Much Does It Cost to Rebuild a Transmission?
Okay, so we’ve discussed how long it will take a transmission to be rebuilt, but what about the cost?
It depends on the type of transmission and the year, make, and model of your vehicle and what it will cost to rebuild a transmission. A transmission in an older car is generally much cheaper to rebuild than one in a new car with complicated internals.
In general, rebuilding a car transmission costs between $1,500 and $4,000, and rebuilding a truck transmission costs between $2,500 and $6,000. It depends on the specific transmission, the number of parts that need to replaced, and how much labor needed.
Major transmission damage (broken teeth on many gears, etc.) will be more expensive to rebuild than minor damage (like blown seals).
By transmission type, here’s how much it costs to rebuild a transmission:
- Manual Transmission – $1,500 to $2,500
- Automatic Transmission – $2,500 to $4,000
- CVT Transmission – $3,000 to $5,000
- Diesel Transmission – $3,500 to $6,000
The average cost of rebuilding an automatic transmission is higher than that of rebuilding a manual transmission.
Different Expenses to Rebuild a Transmission
There are several factors that can affect the specific costs associated with replacing or rebuilding a transmission. Among the most important expenses are:
For transmission repairs or rebuilds, labor costs can be a significant part of the cost. Labor costs affected by many factors, including the expertise and experience of the mechanic performing the repair.
The cost of replacement parts can vary significantly depending on the type of transmission and the amount of repair needed. Some components are very expensive, while others are quite affordable.
- The repair may must additional expenses for fluids and supplies as well as replacement parts.
- For diagnosing specific transmission issues, it may be necessary to charge a diagnostic fee.
- There may be additional costs associated with towing a car to the shop for repairs if it can’t be driven.
- According to the regional and local laws, taxes, and fees may increase the cost of the repair.
Before agreeing to any transmission work, ask the repair shop for a detailed estimate. This can help you comprehend the exact costs involved and help you decide whether to proceed with the repair or consider other options. If you’re looking for a repair shop, it’s important to choose one that has a good reputation and consider factors such as warranties and guarantees.
What are the Time Differences Between Manual vs. Automatic Transmission Rebuilding?
How long does it take to rebuild a transmission? Because it requires the removal and of the transmission, replacement, or repair of worn or damaged parts. And assembly and installation of the transmission. Although the rebuild process is similar for manual and automatic transmissions. There are some key differences that may affect the rebuilding time.
A manual transmission has fewer parts than an automatic transmission, so it can be rebuilt more quickly. Transmissions with automatic transmissions need extra and inspection. Because hydraulic pumps and torque converters are more complicated.
The labor cost of rebuilding an automatic transmission may be higher than that of rebuilding a manual transmission. Because of the longer rebuilding process and the greater specialized knowledge required.
Manual transmission parts may be more readily available than automatic transmission parts. This depends on the make and model of the vehicle. Rebuilding can be slowed down if certain parts need to be ordered or made custom-made.
On Rebuilding a manual transmission can take between 4 and 10 hours. While rebuilding an automatic transmission can take between 6 and 20 hours. It may take longer depending on the make and model of the vehicle, the damage, and the skill level of the mechanic.
If you’re considering a transmission rebuild, it’s important to find a reputable mechanic with experience working on your vehicle’s transmission. A successful rebuild can be ensured and the risk of future problems can be reduced.
How Long Does a Rebuilt Transmission Last?
Rebuilt transmissions should last just as long as new or remanufactured transmissions – around 100,000-200,000 miles. It is likely that the transmission will last at least 40,000 miles if the rebuild was done on the cheap and not all worn parts were replaced.
Your transmission’s number will change depending on how well you maintain it and whether the mechanic rebuilt it correctly.
If you tow a trailer every day and drive a lot, you can expect the transmission to last less than 200,000 miles. Alternatively, if you drive your car only on weekends and take good care of it, the transmission may last much longer than 200,000 miles.
What are the Pros and cons of Rebuilding a Transmission?
It is a good idea to rebuild your car’s transmission (if it is in good enough condition to be rebuilt) when it comes to reliability and longevity. Rebuilt transmissions can last another 100,000 miles or more if they are done well by a professional. Additionally, since the mechanic will disassemble the transmission, you’ll be able to check every single internal part and ensure there are no surprises down the road.
Rebuilt transmissions are likely to last for a very long time, but they are expensive to rebuild. It is important to note that rebuilding your car’s transmission gives you certainty that every component is in good working order.
Is a Transmission Rebuild Worth It?
In light of recent economic events, you may wonder whether it’s even worth rebuilding your car’s transmission. Rebuilding a transmission, buying a junkyard replacement, or purchasing a remanufactured transmission are all options for fixing a broken transmission.
In If you can afford it, remanufactured transmissions will probably last another 200,000 miles. Rebuilding your transmission can save you some money if it’s possible. Last but not least, if you’re on a really tight budget, consider replacing your transmission with one from a wrecked vehicle.
There are many factors to consider when choosing the best option for your case. Let’s go over most of them now.
Is it cheaper to Rebuild a Transmission Instead of Replacing it?
Rebuilding a transmission is cheaper than replacing it. New transmissions can cost well over $4000 while rebuilding could cost between $1500 and $4000. In contrast, it may be faster to replace a failed transmission than to rebuild it. The lasting time of a rebuilt transmission varies. About 50,000 miles is the average lifespan of a rebuilt transmission. Alternatively, a new transmission will last up to 300,000 miles if it serviced and checked frequently.
Transmission rebuild vs. Remanufactured Transmission
In some cases, remanufactured transmissions are better than rebuilding your car’s transmission. A remanufactured transmission may be better than a rebuilt transmission in some cases. As a result, a remanufactured transmission returned to its factory settings by the remanufacturer.
Only remanufactured transmissions handled by these specialists. You can replace your failed transmission with a ready-and-waiting remanufactured one. Experts who conduct it thoroughly examine the transmission in a manner similar to a transmission rebuild.
In order to restore the transmission to its original state, they replace all the soft and hard parts and use factory settings. Due to the fact that these transmissions built according to the manufacturer’s specifications, they may even be better than the originals. CVT transmission problems and symptoms differ from those of regular automatic transmissions in part because of the type of transmission.
This is due to manufacturers making adjustments to the same type of transmission for upcoming models. This way, you can find a transmission with no known faults that has updated and brought back to factory condition. Having a mechanic that is familiar with your particular transmission type can save you a lot of time and money.
Why a Remanufactured Transmission Might Be a Good Option For You?
Remanufactured transmissions are an excellent alternative to brand-new ones. These are completely reengineered and assembled in a factory. Typically, they upgraded from their stock form, which means they can eliminate many design flaws that cause premature component failure. As a result, a remanufactured transmission will last much longer than an original one.
Each remanufactured transmission from Street Smart Transmission undergoes a rigorous build process to ensure quality. Nearly 100 technicians specialize in different aspects of the construction process.
During this remanufacturing process, all of the crucial components from the donor transmission tested to ensure that they meet the original equipment specifications. Cases, pumps, gears, shafts, valve bodies, torque converters, and other components examined for hairline cracks, metal tensile strength, warping, etc. Components that do not meet the specifications discarded and replaced.
Once the parts have cleaned, they sent to the appropriate assembly stations for reassembly. It is the responsibility of quality control managers to ensure that the build meets the specified parameters throughout the process. Any necessary modifications or upgrades are also performed or added in order to fix factory design flaws. A dyno machine used to test the valve body and ensure it performs as specified. Prior to installation, all solenoids tested.
A newly remanufactured transmission goes to the dyno room for testing after its final quality control inspection, using software called CARS (Computer Aided Real-World Simulation) to simulate the real world. A number of real-world driving situations cycled through the transmission to ensure it performs as specified by the factory. As well as breaking in the friction components, it also ensures that it is completely ready to use once it installed.
What to Expect After a Transmission Rebuild?
When your transmission is rebuilt, your vehicle will drive smoother and shift more smoothly. Rebuilding your transmission should restore your vehicle’s performance and reliability.
As part of the rebuilding process, the transmission disassembled, inspected, and rebuilt with new or repaired parts. Taking care of existing transmission problems, such as slipping or shifting, will prevent future problems.
It will be necessary to inspect the transmission after the rebuild has completed to ensure that it is operating properly. Diagnostic equipment may used to check for issues during the test drive.
It’s important to keep in mind that a transmission rebuild might solve some problems with a defective transmission, but it might not address all your concerns. Also, the engine or drivetrain may need to inspected and repaired.
After a transmission rebuild, your mechanic will provide maintenance and care instructions. Your rebuilt transmission will be more reliable and perform better if you do this.
Your vehicle can benefit from a transmission rebuild in many ways, including improved performance, reliability, and lifespan. A properly rebuilt transmission can last for many miles if you work with an experienced, qualified mechanic and follow proper care instructions.
Final Thoughts: How long does it take to rebuild a transmission?
Now you have some idea of How long does it take to rebuild a transmission? It’s a costly experience to rebuild or replace a transmission, and most drivers won’t look forward to it.
It usually takes no longer than two days to rebuild a transmission, but the cost of doing so can be as high as $1,500. Alternatively, you can purchase a remanufactured one or simply get one from the wreckers, rather than having your transmission rebuilt.
A number of pros and cons can found in each approach, so it’s up to you to decide which is right for you based on your particular situation.
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FAQs
Is it possible to drive my vehicle while the transmission is being rebuilt?
In If your transmission needs to be rebuilt, you won’t be able to drive it, since it must removed from the vehicle. During this time, alternative transportation will be necessary.
Could my transmission need a rebuild to avoid a lengthy downtime?
Delaying transmission repairs may lead to more extensive damage and a longer rebuilding process. You should have your transmission inspected promptly if you notice signs such as slipping gears, strange noises, or fluid leaks.
Do transmission shops give accurate timeframes for rebuilds?
You should receive a realistic estimate of how long it will take to rebuild your transmission from a reputable transmission repair shop. Selecting a trustworthy shop with a reputation for quality work and transparency is crucial.
How can a DIY transmission rebuild save time and money?
Transmission rebuilding is a highly specialized and complex task that requires expert knowledge. If not done correctly, DIY rebuilds can result in costly mistakes and longer downtime. Professionals should generally handle this job.
How can I make the transmission rebuild process go more smoothly and more quickly?
To Make sure your transmission maintained regularly, address any issues promptly, find a reputable repair shop, and follow their recommendations. Understanding the timeline and progress of the rebuild requires communication with the technician.