Keeping a close eye on the top signs it’s time for a transmission rebuild will ensure the proper functioning of your transmission for a long time. It will also save you money in the long run due to the importance of this piece of machinery in your car. In this case, the transmission is responsible for moving power from the engine to the wheels through a series of gears.
The transmission is also a highly intricate unit with several moving parts, which requires scheduled maintenance to keep these parts running at their best. Accordingly, whether your car has a manual, automatic, or semi-automatic transmission, here are top signs it’s time for a transmission rebuild.
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Warning Signs of Transmission Trouble
So, when does a transmission need to be rebuilt? Let us show you some of the signs to be on the watch for. And if you spot any of these signs of transmission failure, contact your local repair shop to get the unit fixed immediately.
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Grinding Gears
Got trouble shifting and even hearing a sound like two metals grinding on each other? Then it is a top sign of transmission issue. This issue may stem from low or no transmission fluid in the gears. Another possible cause of grinding gears is if the gear teeth have worn out. That being said, the latter issue can be resolved by rebuilding the transmission to revive it again.
Leaking Transmission Fluid
If your transmission fluid is leaking, then it is a major cause for concern. But how can you tell when this fluid is leaking? You need to keep a close eye for a red fluid discharging from the transmission. Continuous leaking of the fluid will lead to low transmission fluid levels, which could hinder the operation of your automatic transmission and impact negatively on your car.
Therefore, get this issue checked as soon as possible and keep in mind that a full transmission rebuild may be needed to resolve it. Nonetheless, you can easily replace the seal that is leaking before refilling with fluid if the leak is minimal. The reverse is the case if the leak has occurred for several miles and thus, a full rebuild is needed.
Slower Shifting
If your automatic transmission lags while trying to shift and does not respond immediately, you may need to take a closer look at it. This delayed shifting may be caused by low transmission fluid. Therefore, add more fluid to the reservoir and take the extra step to inform a mechanic of the issue. On the other hand, if your transmission will not even shift into gear or reverse, a rebuild may be needed. The problem stems from worn-out gear teeth that prevent the transmission from engaging.
Burning Transmission Odor
Detecting a burning odor that can be likened to that of burning plastic is a sign of a faulty transmission. Here, transmission fluid lubricates the moving parts within the mechanism, and this smell could indicate that the transmission fluid is overheating. A problem of this nature needs to be fixed immediately to prevent the unit from failing completely. The odd smell may also indicate that your car’s clutch needs to be repaired or adjusted.
Strange Sounds
It can save you money in the long run if you do not ignore any weird sounds that your transmission is producing. These weird sounds may be produced when the car is in neutral or while shifting or driving. Some sounds you should keep an open ear to include whining or grinding and either of these indicate that there may be problems with your transmission. Accordingly, get a repair specialist to examine your vehicle and make a proper diagnosis of the issue.
Popping Out of Gear
Your car may tend to pop out of gear every now and then which is a sign of a mechanical problem. This issue can impact on the ride and even pose a risk to the driver. This is because each time the car pops out of gear, it could make it difficult to properly control the vehicle. It also means you could smash into other cars and put its passengers at risk. That being said, call a technician to come to look at your car to get the issue fixed.
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Is a Transmission Rebuild Worth It?
Many have wondered. “Is it worth getting a transmission rebuild?” The answer is yes especially if it has been recommended by your car technician or the repair shop you are using. And most importantly, if you experience any of the signs listed above, then it will be worth giving your transmission a rebuild to get it running smoothly again.
What to expect after a transmission rebuild makes the whole process worth it. It gets even better when you do not skip the scheduled transmission maintenance for your ride and have a professional in the field handle its rebuild. The technician will get the transmission repaired before it gets worse.
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The Bottom Line
The top signs it is time for a transmission rebuild should always be at your fingertips to ensure your transmission is always in good condition. These signs may vary depending on the cause, hence, do not ignore them each time you spot one or the other.
The goal is to enable the transmission to carry out its basic function with ease and reduce the potential for your vehicle to break down unexpectedly. Therefore, it is up to you to ensure your sleek ride is always in good shape to hit the road.
