When you actually get down to the nitty gritty witty of remanufactured or transmissions, all of a sudden it becomes apparent that there are a lot of choices out there. As far as I’m concerned there is only one way to rebuild a transmission. The Blog at GotTransmissions.com is all about educating consumers about many things, including choosing a reputable rebuilt transmission.
My first advise is don’t shop by price. The 25 years I spent owning and operating a transmission shop that rebuilt, remanufactured, reconditioned and repaired automatic and standard transmissions is that not every shop rebuilds transmissions the same way. I have seen business conducted at every level. From quality conscious shops interested in selling you a replacement transmission that is your best interests, with a great warranty. The other end of the spectrum is to ‘go into’ the transmission and fix what is wrong only, call it a rebuild and pray like crazy it makes it out of warranty.
Truthfully, I don’t think many shops are really out to get you, in fact most transmission rebuilding shops are on the level. Unfortunately this is an unregulated business, so you get a product that is prepared the way the rebuilder was taught. Since the business is unregulated that rebuild job may differ greatly from what a different shop or rebuilder has already learned and practices.
The point is that you want to only do this one time. Get a quality job with a good warranty and learn to take care of your rebuilt transmission with preventive maintenance so it will last for a lot longer than the warranty. FYI, my shop gave 3 year nationwide warranties. Obviously the length of the warranty shows confidence or lack of confidence in the work provided.
Do yo know what the most common cause of automatic or standard transmission failure is? Read on.
Here is how we did it. First we educated our customer with every detail they needed to make an informed decision. How? It starts with asking relative questions and listening to your customers needs. For instance, a young single mother needs what? Reliability and the confidence that goes with it. A truck owner who pulls a load also need reliability, but in a different way. We asked lots of questions and our customers liked it, people like to talk about themselves.
Once we received permission in writing to remove the transmission it was time to go to work. After tranny removal, cleaning and inspecting all parts, we can make a checklist of what is necessary to bring your transmission back to where it should be. There are some parts that get discarded no matter what, items such as gaskets, seals, clutch plates, bushings, modulators, bands, sprag clutch elements, and more.
Cleaning the transmission thoroughly is the most important part of the process. You may be the best rebuilder in the world, if the parts and area you work in are dirty, you will have problems.
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Another big issue is the quality of parts used. Anything less than factory stock is unacceptable. The factories use the top brands of clutches, such as Borg Warner and Raybestos brands to name just a few. Some shops don’t replace all of the bushings and bearings, reusing good looking old parts. I have seen worn out front pumps ‘doctored up’ and reused.
The point is that you can’t see any of these parts from the outside, so choosing a competent shop with a good reputation is critical. So in reality, yes, a properly rebuilt transmission may cost a few bucks more, but it pays for itself in the long term by lasting well beyond your expectations, and in turn that saves money. It may save time as well, since hopefully you are not back on his doorstep every week with another problem.
Other than asking questions about what needs our customers have and discussing different choices, before a customer could ask, we would go into the shop and show them their worn out transmission and the parts. Then we showed them new replacement parts and explained why they needed replacement, usually one look makes it obvious. the last really critical thing that has to be done, not matter who installs your rebuilt transmission is flush out the cooler section of the radiator.
Brian at GotTransmissions.com is always looking for ways to make the customer experience a confidence builder. The details involved in outfitting you with the proper replacement transmissions is their job, they are good listeners. One of the unique things about GotTransmissions is they can tailor a transmission to your needs. Perhaps you have a motor home or commercial work truck. they have upgraded heavy duty transmissions prepared for every individual purpose. Give them a buzz at 866-320-1182 and let them put you in the drivers seat.
