Worth a new transmission? (tire, buying, sell, engine)

[CCc girl]

LOL Happy, I admire coalman's courage. Not a job for the faint of heart. Or back. Or knees.......

[TheRaymond]

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like it wouldn't be a bad idea to get it fixed up. What would be the best strategy to find one, call around local auto shops, internet, etc?

[Electrician4you]

Fix it. You'll be money ahead. If you buy a used car for 19k whose to say that trans wont go out. And shop around. Most shops can give you a good idea of estimate. Most f'ing even rebuild them they simply get the from a supplier

[Labonte18]

Originally Posted by Steve Bagu

When it comes down to replacing a trans.....question I have as a former mechanic (now retired) what did they actually do to make it a REBUILT.

Well, since you asked.. lol.. I'm putting everything that's included in Cottman's service, according to the invoice I got.

1) Completely Disassemble the transmission, thoroughly clean and inspect all internal and external parts including case and housing

2) Disassemble the valve body and thoroughly clean and inspect all components. Install new gaskets and replace defective parts

3) Replace all friction clutch plates with new friction clutch plates. All friction clutch plates will be presoaked in ATF

4) Process flat-type steel plates as recommended by friction plate manufacturer.

Warped, burnt or scored flat-type steel plates will be replaced with new plates

5) Replace Concave, Dished or Wavy steel plates with new plates

6) Install new or relined bands, where applicable, that meet OEM specifications. All bands will be presoaked.

7) Install new Diaphragm-type clutch piston return springs, if transmission so equipped.

8) Replace all seals, sealing rings and gaskets

9) Replace all external seal support bushings, except those finished in place.

10) Replace Filter Element with new element meeting or exceeding OEM specs

11) Install new modulator, if transmission so equipped.

12) All Drum surfaces where a band rides will be resurfaced as per band manufacturer recommendation

13) Measure all clearances and tolerances and adjustment to OEM specifications

14) Use new ATF

15) The torque converter will be replaced if any one of the following exists..

a) Metal particles or an excessive accumulation of any foreign material
b) Any scoring, burning or wear on hub
c) Any internal wear exceeding OEM specs
d) If torque converter clutch did not operate properly, all internal electrical components will be inspected and tested.

16) All internal electronic components will be inspected and tested.

That's their rebuild service basics.. Obviously.. That's the minimum that's done.. If you've got other parts that need replacing, they do it while it's out. In their words..

All above constitutes the platinum service requirements: Additional parts may have to be replaced based upon specific damage. If any additional parts are required, customer's invoice will indicate whether these parts are New, Used or Rebuilt.


My total bill was $3646.08 after taxes and everything.. But, the breakdown was

rebuilt Transmission service $1411.00
ATF Fluid - $49.99
Torque Converter - $389.00
Axle Seals - $29.92
Gear Lube - $39.95
Labor to remove, rebuild and install transmission - $1250
Labor Replace Axle Seals - $351.50


Now.. The torque converter included the solenoid being new.. Still.. That's a bit high. Of course there's markup on the ATF and gear lube.. That's probably 300% profit for them or so.

I'm not saying this was the best damn deal you've ever seen.. It's actually a bit high.. But.. with a 50k warranty.. Transmission rebuilt by a certified transmission specialist.. I'm OK with it, and.. That's what matters at the end of the day.

Originally Posted by TheRaymond

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like it wouldn't be a bad idea to get it fixed up. What would be the best strategy to find one, call around local auto shops, internet, etc?

I probably would go for a chain, if you're having it rebuilt. Here's the reason why.. Your Cottman, Aamco (Which, i'm wary of) and the like if they give you a warranty, will be honored at any location, in case the original goes out of business or something. Or if you were to move.

If you're having a used/rebuilt put in.. A shop you trust.. And talk to them first, because some of them won't install used.. I heard someone say that the Jasper transmissions, you have to use their approved shop if you buy one of their remanufactured transmissions or engines.

[HappyRider]

Originally Posted by TheRaymond

Thanks for the responses. Sounds like it wouldn't be a bad idea to get it fixed up. What would be the best strategy to find one, call around local auto shops, internet, etc?

I have a vehicle in the shop right now waiting for a rebuilt transmission to arrive so I hold off until I take the car on the road. A lot of things have to go right. It is always risky when customer brings the part. Transmission has a great warranty but putting in a claim when an 800 number is all you have.

[Steve Bagu]

Lets s now.

#1,2,8,9,10,12,13,14,15a,b,c,d,16 are part of any rebuilt cleaning and inspecting procedure.

#3,4,5,6,7,11 are the parts actually being replaced as part of the rebuild (wonder the cost of those items).

#1 Labor $1411.00

ATF fluid $49.99 (normal for any rebuild)

Torque Converter $389.00 good idea to replace but why separate charge (should be part of the initial rebuild price)

Axle seals $29.92 (extra so ok)

R & R Labor $1250.00 (not sure of the Flat rate charge)

Axle seal labor $351.50 (this one got to me for a $29.92 part)

Oh well, as long as your happy I'm okay too but still...................

As a former Engine builder of over 1000 engines I/we replaced ALL of the insides and NO extra charges for gskts etc that are required for any rebuild.......that was included in my rebuilt price.

[Chris V]

Just a bit of advice in case someone forget. If you or a shop pulls your tranny. Don't forget to replace the engine rear main seal. Pay the extra labor it's worth it.

[CCc girl]

The Raymond, where are you? So I can recommend a yard near you.

[TheRaymond]

I'm in Northern VA. So far the best I found was 2,800 for a new transmission + labor, good deal or can I find better?

[HappyRider]

Transmission arrived today. It looks absolutely brand spanking new. With this one I don't have to worry what "rebuilt" means. My transmission would NEVER look like this no matter who rebuilt it. I paid $1750+ $500 for to be refunded after I send the core back. They will pick up. Now the rest is up to the mechanic. Nothing happens this weekend though.