Pickup Trucks

Overhauling or replacing a transmission is expensive. This is partly due to the cost of the assembly (in the case of a replacement) and partly because of the specialized training required to take it apart, clean it, and reassemble it.

Most auto repair shops will agree to install a replacement part, but will refuse to perform a complete overhaul. In fact, many shops that specialize in tranny repairs will strongly recommend a replacement. This is because of the enormous amount of time and effort involved with an overhaul. A new model can cost 00 or more, which can be a problem. Even a remanufactured assembly can cost nearly as much.

Fortunately, many problems can be fixed without overhauling your transmission. In this article, I’ll describe the most common problems drivers experience and how they can be resolved. I will also outline the overhaul process mehanics use.

Leaking Fluids

One of the first signs of a leak is a small pool of reddish fluid on the ground directly underneath your tranny. Repairs may not be necessary if the leak is small and you’re willing to keep a close eye on the fluid levels. You’ll need to check the levels consistently; a loss of fluid can quickly lead to expensive damage.

if it is a substantial leak you should have a mechanic look at it right away. He’ll put your vehicle on a lift to examine the assembly from underneath. Once he identifies the leaks, he’ll reseal them. Most seals and gaskets can be resealed without the need to remove your car transmission. The exception is the front seal; if it forms a leak, there’s a high likelihood that your mechanic will need to remove the assembly to fix it. That can become expensive.

Odd Shifting Behavior

Under normal driving conditions, shifting should occur fluidly. However, when parts become worn, your transmission will begin to behave strangely. For example, hard shifting may occur where gear changes are accompanied by a jolt. Or, you might hear a high-pitched whine.

These are red flags – they indicate that there is something wrong. If your mechanic can address these issues early, he may be able to replace the responsible parts without taking the assembly out of your vehicle. If these problems aren’t taken care of they can lead to bigger (meaning more expensive) problems later. An overhaul or replacement may be necessary eventually.

What Happens During An Overhaul?

During an overhaul, your transmission is removed from your car and completely taken apart. Each piece is laid out, inspected, and cleaned. Parts that have become worn past the point of being useful are replaced. Also replaced are most of the seals, bands, and gaskets. Mechanics will typically discard your torque converter and install a remanufactured unit. Once everything has been inspected, cleaned, or replaced, the entire assembly is reassembled and placed back into your car. An overhaul is normally a long, costly, and labor-intensive process.

The takeaway is this: be aware of fluid leaks and odd behavior. If you notice them, have a mechanic take a look as soon as possible. You’ll prevent further damage and reduce the chances that you’ll need a new, remanufactured, or overhauled transmission.

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Out of sight, out of mind. That’s how a large number of drivers consider their vehicle’s transmission. Yet, under the hood, this complex assortment of gears, clutches, bands, seals, and gaskets, works tirelessly to maintain the performance of your engine. With enough miles, the tranny will eventually need to be repaired, replaced, or completely overhauled. The good news is that motorists can help ensure that this component (or, symphony of components) lasts for years.

Below, I’ll describe a few maintenance areas that deserve your attention. I’ll explain how to look for fluid leaks, check for color or odors that suggest a problem, and note changes in how your tranny operates.

Looking For Leaks

If you notice spots appearing underneath your vehicle in the general area of your transmission, place a piece of white cardboard underneath to catch the drip. That will allow you to better identify the color. If the drip appears reddish, it is likely coming from your tranny or the steering column. Take your car to a mechanic and ask him to identify the source of the leak.

If the amount of leaking is relatively small, you may be able to put off having it fixed for awhile. Just be sure to keep the fluid levels up. Like motor oil for your engine, your tranny needs plenty of fluid. Depravation will lead to costly damage. Also, keep in mind that leaks seldom repair themselves. Sooner or later, you’ll need to have it fixed.

Checking For Health By Sight And Smell

Get into the habit of checking your fluid levels every two or three weeks. Turn your engine on and let it idle for a minute. Then, pop the hood and pull the dipstick out. The fluid will have a vibrant, reddish hue if it is "healthy". Ask him to check your transmission if the fluid is brown, looks murky, or smells like it's burning. He will probably suggest that you drain it before replenishing its fluid.

Changes In Behavior

Transmissions normally perform their job with uniformity. Changes in behavior will not be subtle. For example, you might hear a high-pitched whine coming from the floor. You might notice a hard shift between certain gears. You might also notice that your transmission shifts sporadically at different RPMs. Each of these is a warning sign that something might be wrong.

Have a mechanic take a look. You can avoid a large repair bill if you can catch the problem early enough. On the other hand, if you let it persist, the problem might make an expensive overhaul necessary in the future.

As with most of your car’s parts and systems, periodically checking the health of your transmission will go a long way toward preserving its life.

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