Solving any transmission problem needs a thorough knowledge of repair and rebuild cost. Troubleshooting of the system is very important, and it is a must to keep the cost of rebuilding it under check. This article goes through the concept of a transmission rebuild and the various factors that affect its cost.
A transmission system is the mainstay of a car’s performance. It is the part which has to endure the maximum stress, thereby causing the highest levels of wear and tear. Any problem with this system is quite expensive to fix and if not a complete replacement, you may need a transmission rebuild in most cases.
The Concept
Rebuilding is a major technical overhaul of a vehicle’s transmission system. This system comprises a series of interlinked mechanical components that wear down over a period of time. This process involves replacing worn out parts only and not replacing the entire setup. The important steps in this process are the removal and inspection of a car’s transmission followed by replacement or refurbishment of any damaged or worn out car part.
A transmission rebuild is a very convenient and popular option for those who want to minimize the money spent on replacing a vehicle’s worn-out or damaged transmission parts with new ones. It is also preferred by people who are following a stricter budget or have other things at priority.
Cost to Rebuild Transmission
There are many factors that govern the transmission rebuild cost. As it only requires part-wise replacement, the expense would be directly proportionate to the damage incurred. However, we can specify a range in which this is likely to swing. The charge for an automatic vehicle may be anywhere between USD 1,000 to USD 3,000. However, this range is too vague for any concrete understanding as everything depends on the magnitude of replacement.
Another factor on which the cost depends is, whether the system is manual or automatic. Manual transmission generally costs less than that of an automatic. The main factor behind this is the rise in the price of Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF). While going for any kind of a replacement in an auto transmission, you may invariably need to change the fluid. This fluid is quite expensive, as it is synthesized using state-of-the-art techniques and is a vital part of an automatic’s system. The fluid change cost may be anywhere between USD 100 to USD 250 depending on the vehicle type.
Cost Cutting Methods
One of the ways to do some cost cutting, is by doing it yourself. This way, one can drastically cut down on labor charges, which is a major factor in the increase of the transmission rebuild cost. By doing this yourself one can save a lot as the complete expense is likely to be less than USD 500. The main reason for this is the level of expertise required to do work on a car’s transmission system and subsequently high service charges. It would require a lot of training in order to reach that level and it would be strongly advised not to handle complex systems like this on your own.
Another good option might be to buy a do-it-yourself kit. This is a collection of the most frequently replaced spare parts. Most kits are equipped with manuals, which guide you through this process. Such kits can cost anywhere between USD 150 to USD 1,500. This depends on the number of spare parts and equipment the kit is loaded with.
Rebuilding is the best option, if some parts of the transmission system are still in a good working condition. Moreover, it would be advised not to neglect this vital part and try to pursue professional aid, as doing it yourself may complicate things. However, if you have enough knowledge on auto parts you can go for a DIY kit.