REPAIR, REBUILD OR REPLACE? WHICH TRANSMISSION SOLUTION IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Your transmission is one of your vehicle’s most important systems. Without it, you will not be able to drive at all. Or, if it’s something is just slightly off within your transmission, it can lead to major safety issues or other significant damage in your car that will be very expensive to repair. At the first sign of a transmission problem, you should have it looked at by a transmission repair expert like Ralph’s Transmission in Modesto, CA.

The big questions come once damage is found in a transmission. Should you have it repaired? Should you have it rebuilt? Should you have it replaced entirely with a new or used transmission? Ultimately, this decision is up to you as the vehicle owner, but we’ve put together this guide to help you understand your options.

How Bad is the Damage?

The first issue to consider is how extensive the damage is. Some parts are easily replaced and simple repairs can be made, especially if the problem is detected early on. However, if there is major damage, making numerous repairs can add up and may not completely resolve all the issues within the transmission. Generally speaking, you should have simple repairs done if the problem can be fixed. If the repairs are much more involved, though, you may consider a rebuild or replacement. It might actually be less expensive than making a bunch of repairs or having to deal with more repairs later as the issues compound over time.

Rebuild or Replace?

If the damage to your transmission is beyond repair, that’s when you will want to consider replacing the transmission or having it rebuilt. Ralph’s Transmission is the Central Valley’s leading custom transmission rebuilder and we do all the work in house. All of our rebuilds are backed by our 3 Year, 100,000 Mile Warranty to give you ultimate peace of mind.

In most cases, a full custom transmission rebuild is the best recommendation. Basically, the transmission is completely dismantled and every single component is inspected. All good parts are cleaned and reinstalled while any damaged parts are replaced with new or refurbished ones. The transmission is rebuilt from the ground up and thoroughly tested by our technicians to make sure it is running like new again. A rebuilt transmission is equivalent to having a new transmission and it’s the actual transmission that was already in your car instead of a different one having to be installed.

When is a Transmission Replacement Needed?

There are some cases, however, when not even a rebuild can be recommended because the damage is beyond repair. This is common with newer and more complex CVT transmissions, but it can happen to any transmission. If the damage is this extreme, we will recommend a transmission replacement. The first option is usually to try and find a matching used transmission that is still in good condition or a refurbished one that has already been rebuilt by an expert. If a used transmission can’t be found or you are willing to pay more for complete peace of mind, then a new transmission can be purchased from the vehicle manufacturer and installed in your car.

Your Central Valley Transmission Specialists

For the most part, the decision to repair, replace or rebuild your transmission will come down to the extent of the damage. Many general auto repair shops do not have the equipment, experience or staff to effectively rebuild a transmission, so they will generally recommend major repairs or replacement. However, at Ralph’s Transmission, you get honest advice from transmission repair specialists. If it makes sense to make minor repairs, we’ll let you know. If a full custom rebuild is recommended, we’ll explain the process and walk you through our warranty program. If the transmission needs to be replaced, our service staff will hunt one down, get you the best price and reinstall it to make sure it is working properly.

If you are in the Central Valley and experiencing transmission trouble, call Ralph’s Transmission today at 209.526.1909 or schedule your service visit online.