A-affordable Transmissions Center logo
A Affordable
Transmission Center

Transmission Rebuild vs Transmission Replacement

No one ever says, “I think it’s time to start saving for a transmission”. When a transmission fails, it is typically unexpected and a financial burden. I know from experience. Having been associated with over 30,000 transmission repairs and rebuilds over my 35 years in this industry. There is buzz online and in the automotive repair industry that replacement, or “remanufactured transmissions”, is the better choice. Contrary to popular belief, however, remanufactured transmissions are similar, if not the same as a rebuilt transmission. Call 303-761-3333 if we can help answer any of your questions.

Request an appointment
car transmission in Sheridan

Inside an automatic transmission

….there are two types of parts. The first type is known as the transmission’s soft parts. Soft parts are wearable pieces inside your transmission that eventually will need to be replaced. Soft parts come in rebuild kits; rebuild kits are also known as overhaul kits. These kits and can be bought in different sizes. Smaller rebuild kits have less parts, while larger kits come with more parts. Inside some kits, you will find clutches, seals, sealing rings, internal and external gaskets, and other wearable items. These items are replaced at the time of repair. Some kits have even more pieces such as steels, bushings, bearings, bands, and washers. Most pieces can be purchased individually as well as in a kit.

car mechanic examining car transmission for repair
transfer case removed for a car for repair

At the time of rebuild

…..soft parts (clutches, seals, sealing rings, internal and external gaskets) and the filter are usually replaced. There are times when a shop can offer to only do a pin point fix, depending on the rest of the parts or the budget of the customer. This would mean that the shop was only replacing what was needed to bring the transmission back to working order. A good transmission shop will be searching for the failure and the cause of the failure so the problem doesn’t return after repairs are completed. Pin point fixes can be very cost effective and dependable, and can last as long as overhauls (rebuilds), which I have seen in my own experience. Some customers prefer to replace the wearable items, and this is fine. Typically soft parts are replaced at the time of rebuild. Bushings are typically replaced as needed, and the same goes for bearings and washers. If you want all of the “soft parts” changed at the time of rebuild, make sure to request that type of rebuild kit.

Automatic Transmission Hard Parts

Hard parts are parts made of steel or aluminum inside your transmission. They do not normally go bad, but when they do they can be bought used, re manufactured, or new. Excessive hard part damage can drive up the costs of repair. Some Hard Parts inside the transmission are called pumps, drums, planetary, housings, shafts and the valve body.

Sheridan car mechanic checking a car transfer case
car mechanic fixing a car under

When a pump is bad

…. it can be resurfaced or replaced with used, remanufactured, or new equipment. Pumps are rebuilt during the transmission rebuild process. Bushings inside the stator of the pump or the pump cover bushing are very common to be replaced at time of transmission rebuild. The front seal and sealing rings on the stator are also replaced. When buying a new pump, they can be expensive depending on the application. Resurfacing a pump body or pump cover is time consuming. It is more cost effective to replace the pump with a re manufactured or used pump that is in good condition.

Drums are typically replaced as needed

A drum is a holding fixture for clutches. Drums can be purchased used, re manufactured or new. My rule of thumb is if a drum has damaged clutches, then replace the drum. But it is not always a necessary procedure. A drum can be rebuilt with new rings on the pistons and work as good as new. Drums can crack at tig welds. They also fail where bushings ride and warp. In some cases, the drum can be the cause of failure. In most cases the drum and clutch pack are damaged by the cause of failure.

car mechanic examining car transmission for repair
transfer case removed for a car for repair

The planetary assemblies inside your transmission are very durable

They typically do not fail, but there is always the possibility that they can. Usually if a planetary has been damaged, it has been damaged by another source. Extreme lack of maintenance can cause planet failure. In most cases, planet failure is caused by lack of internal lubrication. Planets (planetary assembly) can be purchased used, re manufactured or new. Planetary assemblies can be rebuilt, but it is time consuming. It is generally considered more practical to replace the assembly in most cases. If your working on a 722.99 Mercedes 7 speed automatic, a new planetary assembly can cost thousands of dollars. A re manufactured assembly or used planet set in good condition will be as durable. This is a more cost efficient option that will last just as long as new (as long as the cause of failure is found and corrected).

The Valve body can make or break a good transmission rebuild

The valve body can be replaced as needed with used, re manufactured or new parts. In most cases it is typically cleaned and reused. The valve body inspection, cleaning, and re-assembly is one of the most critical parts of the entire transmission overhaul procedure. Cars and trucks today have electrical components called shift solenoids attached to the valve body. These shift solenoids help shift the transmission, and can be replaced with new or used parts or, in some cases, rebuilt. Most transmission rebuild shops will know what to do to make sure your valve body is a dependable part of transmission operation.

Sheridan car mechanic checking a car transfer case
transfer case removed for a car for repair

It is said that remanufactured transmissions have special powers

The remanufactured transmission has been updated to exceed the manufacturer’s specifications, and these aftermarket updates correct all the problems that the manufacturer didn’t get right at the time of design. Some after market updates are in some overhaul kits, while others are bought as needed. Good transmission repair shops have the experience to know which updates are the best. Some transmissions just don’t work that well; they shift sloppily from the factory. Sometimes computer updates can correct transmission shifting concerns.

Updates are available for all different parts of your transmission

Personally, I am a big fan of a shift kit on certain transmission types at time of overhaul. A shift kit on certain transmission applications makes the transmission feel better when it shifts, though the same transmission will last just as long without the shift kit. Internally speaking, there are no special updates available to remanufactured transmission suppliers. When a Honda Odyssey has a torque converter clutch failure (or not), it is industry standard to update the pressure regulator valve inside the transmission. It is also common practice to do an end plugs update in the valve body at time of overhaul, install a external transmission cooler, etc. This is only one of many examples. Internal and external transmission updates are available to all transmission rebuild centers.

Sheridan car mechanic checking a car transfer case
car mechanic fixing a car under

Transmission Warning Light

Your vehicle may show various “warning lights” depending on specific issues your vehicle may be experiencing. Typically other symptoms will be present. If you’re vehicle is slipping, shifting roughly, making odd noises or even has a warning light on, contact the transmission service specialists at A-Affordable Transmissions Center today.

Pro’s and Con’s of Remanufactured (replacement) Transmission vs Repairing (rebuild) the Original

Remanufactured transmissions tend to be much more expensive. It may be the mark up of the transmission installer of the replacement transmission, or the transmission supplier who supplies the transmission to the installer. It could be that when buying a remanufactured transmission, you are buying parts that may not be needed to rebuild your original transmission. Inside a automatic transmission, there is typically over 700 individual pieces that make up the entire transmission. Most of these parts, 90% or more are reusable and do not fail. If a remanufactured transmission is available locally, it can be a quicker turn around on completion of repairs. When rebuilding the transmission in your vehicle, it will typically take 3-5 business days and sometimes more. In some cases a remanufactured transmission installer may be able to get a transmission locally and install it sooner, saving rebuild time.

Sheridan car mechanic presenting to a female client using a laptop
transfer case removed for a car for repair

Most remanufactured transmissions are tested on a transmission dynamometer

This transmission testing machine allows the remanufactures to test the transmission for proper operation prior to shipping. Transmission dyno’s are state of the art and are a amazing piece of equipment. The dyno tested transmission is not a guarantee that your transmission will never fail again. When considering a dyno tested reman transmission, pay close attention to what caused the transmission to fail, so the problem doesn’t reoccur with the exchange reman transmission. Many transmission failures are caused by problems outside of the transmission itself.

Repairing your original transmission can in some cases cost thousands less than a replacement transmission

Hard parts are parts made of steel or aluminum inside your transmission. They do not normally go bad, but when they do they can be bought used, re manufactured, or new. Excessive hard part damage can drive up the costs of repair. Some Hard Parts inside the transmission are called pumps, drums, planetary, housings, shafts and the valve body.

Sheridan car mechanic checking a car transfer case

Warranty – Remanufactured Transmission vs Rebuilding Original Transmission

The warranty is typically very similar between the two, but sometimes reman transmissions will carry a 3 year warranty or longer. Most rebuilt transmissions will carry a 1-2 year warranty. Remanufactured transmissions typically will carry a nationwide warranty. Most automatic transmission repair shops have different warranties and transmission repair types to fit your repair needs but typically only offer a local warranty. The warranty on a remanufactured (replacement) or a rebuilt transmission is always negotiable (try it). Most transmission remanufactures will pay the installer for the removal and installation of the transmission in the event of a warranty repair, some do not. Be certain to ask when purchasing a reman transmission what additional costs may be incurred in the event of a failure. Rebuilding your original transmission will usually include a warranty that includes the removal and installation in the event of a warranty claim.

Expert replacement, repair and installation services on all makes and models.

Proudly Serving Colorado Since 1979.

Use our A.I. to troubleshoot your transmission issues

Use our experimental A.I. powered by ChatGPT to troubleshoot your transmission issues! Please note this is EXPERIMENTAL only and should be followed up with diagnosis by our professional mechanics. Any feedback on this feature is welcome and appreciated!

Katelyn Scoma

These guys are SO great. Great job and a great price! My family and I (and even friends that I referred) drive an hour to come to them. They do great work and have excellent customer care! Even when it was closing time they were so kind and helpful, making sure I understood and was satisfied with everything, instead of just rushing me out the door. 100% recommend them!

Gay Vierra

If you have any transmission work needed you HAVE to bring it to A-Affordable Transmissions Center! Dave is the best!! He has worked on two of my cars and even diagnosed a non-transmission related problem!! He is one of the most reputable business owners I have worked with in a long time!! Choose A-Affordable and you won’t regret it!!

Seth Hughes

Hello, had the transmission in my 66 Ford Fairlane rebuilt in October 2021. Nearly 2 years later still working great no leaks shifts just as nice as it did when I picked it up. Great customer service after the rebuild would totally recommend.

Michael

Take your car here. If you have any transmission, or gearbox issues this is the absolute best transmission shop you will find in Denver. My cars transmission lost reverse gear, and had a slew of other issues going on internally that I didn’t even know about, requiring a complete transmission rebuild. Devin was absolutely phenomenal, and let me know everything that was happening during the entire service. These guys absolutely stand by their word, and work. The diagnostic is only $90. With 250k miles, I have a rebuilt engine with 50k miles on it, and now a new, rebuilt transmission. Flawless. Another 4×4 lives another day. Drives smoother than ever. Thank you guys!

Larry Lupo

My sons car unfortunately needed some work done on the transmission. I was getting a lot of quotes all over Littleton that were a bit absurd without even looking at the car. I finally contacted the Sheridan location of A-Affordable Transmissions and was told to bring it in, they’d have a look at it. The team diagnosed the problem quickly, gave me great options for repairs and the pricing was substantially better than anywhere else in the area. I authorized the work and we had the car back in 3 days. Runs like a dream. If you need transmission work done, this is the place to go. Randy and the team were great to work with. Professional and up front with everything. If any of my friends ask for a recommendation on transmission work I know I’m sending them to A-Affordable Transmissions Center.

Eleanore Thayer

I can not rave enough about thus place. Randy and his team are fast, friendly, and KNOW what they are doing! I had my clutch replaced here after being less than happy with another company doing it twice and blowing it both times in two years… This team is transparent and care about the quality of their work. If you need transmission work or your clutch replaced, this is your company. They made my Subaru ready for the road and I couldn’t be happier! 10/10 tldr: use this company and you will be a happy camper

page divider

All Makes and Models – Domestic and Import

acura logoAudi logoBMW logoBuick logoCadillac logoChevrolet logoChrysler logo
Dodge logoFiat logoFord logoGMC logoHonda logoHummer logoHyundai logo
Infiniti logoIsuzu logoJeep logoKia logoLexus logoLincoln logoMazda logo
Mercedes Benz logoMercury logoMini logoMitsubishi logoNissan logoOldsmobile logoPontiac logo
Porsche logoRAM logoSaturn logoScion logoSubaru logoSuzuki logoToyota logo
Volvo logoVolkswagen logo

Our Locations

Expert replacement, repair and installation services on all makes and models.

Denver Metro Pro Since 1979. We proudly serve South Denver and  Thornton and the below Suburbs…

Sheridan
get directions
thornton
get directions
Have a Question?
Get a response within 24 hours

Google reCaptcha: Invalid site key.