Transmission Repair Tips from a Columbia SC Mechanic

Transmission repair – The phrase itself can induce stress and sometimes panic.  

Transmission repairs can be one of the most expensive repairs an auto owner encounters. Often the car or truck owner’s concern is that they will be presented with repairs to authorize that they do not understand or fear they may be overcharged due to their lack of knowledge on the subject.

We believe customers should be completely comfortable with every repair and have complete trust in our advice and our work. We want to take some of the mystery and concern out of transmission troubles by providing a fundamental look at your transmission.  With some basic information you can better understand what your mechanic is talking about and what your transmission repairs may involve.

Transmission problems can ground a car fast. They may involve the inability to drive in certain gears, or even any gear. Transmission problems that have not grounded you yet likely will soon. Transmission trouble never heals itself.  Many times the decline from the first signs of trouble to out of commission can occur rather quickly.

A transmission has many parts and components, much more than can be explained here. These are the basics you will need to help understand and be able to discuss your transmission problem with a mechanic.

Transmission fluid is critical to every transmission. This red fluid is the transmission’s life blood.  Transmission fluid leaks may occur in many locations and can potentially create bigger problems in the future. If your transmission is leaking, or there have been reddish fluid stains under the vehicle, you should seek a professional auto repair shop or certified mechanic to locate and correct the issue before you have a bigger, even costlier issue.

The transmission filter is also vital.  It must be clear of debris, allowing adequate flow of clean transmission fluid. A blocked filter can create multiple problems with your transmission’s operation.  Replacing a filter is much simpler than having to replace or even rebuild the transmission.  Diagnosing smaller problems early can save you from greater damage that will be sure to come.

The transmission gears are another very complex system. Main gears and planetary gears must all have full function to allow the transmission to function properly.  There are many aspects to properly functioning gears. They should be in good condition, without cracks, dings, or chips which may cause the gears to slip or not engage entirely.  This is when we usually find an auto grounded or unable to operate in one or more gears. Any problem found within the transmission system’s gears will require a professional.

The bell housing is yet another component of the transmission. The bell housing is located differently, depending on if you have a front-wheel or rear-wheel drive vehicle.  This metal cone shaped casing must be in good condition, allowing the mechanisms it protects to work correctly. The bell housing should be free of cracks, damage or other issues that may be detrimental to proper operation of the transmission or its components.

Transmission repairs and rebuilds are very costly but, once completed, should not have repeat trouble for many years.  Never leave your auto with anyone you do not have full confidence in.  Always check out the mechanic or shop you plan to use because transmission repairs require precision, special types of tools and a specialized knowledge and understanding.