If you suspect your vehicle or heavy-duty equipment is having transmission problems, you want to keep the repair as high-quality and inexpensive as you can. In many instances, rebuilt transmissions are the only solution because of the precision and knowledge these parts require. This is where problems commonly come in. Many people make a series of mistakes in an attempt to have their vehicle fixed as cheaply and quickly as they can. Here are some mistakes you might want to avoid.
Look For A Transmission Specialist In The Right Place
If you have tossed around the idea of inviting an amateur mechanic buddy of yours over to fix the problem, resist the urge. Even the slightest bit off in some instances can turn a repair into a dire search for rebuilt transmissions costing you a significant amount of money. You also want to avoid taking it in to a general repair shop or the original dealer -- it's like going to the family doctor for brain surgery. This part requires specific equipment along with the skills and knowledge to repair and replace correctly. It also requires a series of diagnostics testing.
If it is still under warranty, don't assume you need to take it to the dealer. Many specialists are certified to do the work as well. They can get the job done for less money, faster, and you know the work was performed correctly.
Common Myths
For anyone who has made the mistake of spraying stop leak in a tire to limp it along for a while instead of calling for repair, you likely know that it frequently causes problems with the patch, forcing you to replace it instead of just fixing it. Many of the special additives for your transmission work the same -- they do more harm than good. If you want to use a product, talk to a professional first.
Purchasing used rather than rebuilt transmissions is another popular choice for those looking to pinch pennies. Unfortunately, there is no way for anyone to know what kind of shape these transmissions are in or if its sensors work with your vehicle. This could cause you to replace it far more frequently than it should.
Some people think it is better to get a new one rather than a rebuilt. If a mechanic or garage tells you they will put in a new one, you should take that as a warning. These are amazingly expensive and are rarely installed by anyone. If the garage is willing to give it to you at a comparable price to a remanufactured version, watch for fees not included, a change in price when you arrive, or even a rebuilt version passed off as a brand new one.
Choosing A Rebuilt Transmissions Expert
References are important to find an expert company and make sure they use diagnostic testing on the original one to ensure it has gone to the junkyard in the sky as well as the one they will replace it with to ensure it is in top form. If you decide to price out the repairs over the phone or online, make sure you know what the price includes. Some will undercut the competition, only to have the price suddenly increase when you get the bill, have fees and services added on after the quote, or have poor quality work.
A transmission problem frequently has an expensive solution, so you want to be sure to make the right decisions. Rebuilt transmissions can solve the problem, but take the vehicle itself into consideration. Make sure if you spend the money, the vehicle will continue to work for a long time afterwards. If it is on its last legs, consider replacing the unit.
Christine O'Kelly writes for Dealers Transmissions Exchange, leading experts in the
Kawasaki transmission. They offer
rebuilt Kawasaki transmissions as well as other heavy duty transmissions, marine transmissions, and much more.
