Automatic Gearbox Repairs
Your automatic gearbox is one of the most complex systems in your vehicle with hundreds of precision parts operating together. Determining the exact problem requires a road test and computerized diagnostics to see how we will approach the automatic gearbox repair.
The following may be required in the automatic gearbox repairs: the procedure of removing, dismantling your automatic gearbox and performing an inspection of all the parts inside. We will then be able to tell you not only what is wrong, but also show you why it’s worn and damaged.
Automatic transmissions and gearbox repairs, rebuild and recondition are our special areas of expertise at 7th Gear. The advanced skills and knowledge of our technicians was built up in working on highly complex automatic transmissions.
Today’s automatic transmission is much more complicated than it was in the past. There are hundreds of individual components inside transmissions. In order to properly repair your vehicle’s gearbox, these components must be dismantled, cleaned and inspected for wear to provide you with an accurate assessment of your auto transmission’s tolerance levels. All worn and/or damaged parts are either repaired or replaced. After the parts are thoroughly inspected and repaired, they are reassembled, adjusted and tested for proper operation.
Some automatic transmission repairs require only an adjustment that can be made without removing the entire transmission. Newer model cars that are computer controlled can sometimes have faulty sensors or bad connections. Once the source of the problem part is identified it can be replaced or repaired. Older automobiles that are experiencing automatic gearbox problems may require adjustments to parts such as bands or throttle cables.
Repairs can also include a Reseal. If your vehicle is leaving spots on your driveway there may be that transmission fluid is leaking in which case a reseal job is needed. A technician will perform a lift inspection to determine where the leak is occurring and then perform the reseal job.
At 7th Gear, we pride ourselves on delivering the top quality Automatic Gearbox repairs. We use only the top quality materials in our automatic transmission repairs from our certified suppliers. We then have all the equipment here in house to perform any aspect of a repair ourselves in a controlled and supervised environment. If you’re looking for the best in quality automatic gearbox repairs, let 7th Gear service your needs.
How much will a transmission repair cost?
Repair costs depend on first what is wrong with the transmission and second what parts may be required to correct the problem. Overall 60% of all repairs are minor ones that do not require a complete overhaul of the transmission. Today’s transmissions are more sophisticated and require extensive testing to determine the reason for failure. 7th Gear offers a Free Performance Check to determine what, if anything is wrong with the vehicle’s transmission.
Auto Gearbox repairs can be cheaper than replacement.
Automatic Transmission Rebuild & Recondition
If your Free Automatic Transmission Performance Check reveals that major repairs are needed for your transmission, a transmission rebuild may be necessary. For this repair the entire transmission is removed and disassembled. Each part within the system is then inspected. Upon inspection the technician will determine the extent of damage. Some parts may only require a deep cleaning while others may require replacement.
In a complete overhaul (also known as rebuilding a transmission), the transmission is removed from the vehicle and completely disassembled with the parts laid out on the workbench. Each part is inspected for wear and damage and then either cleaned in a special cleaning solution, or replaced with another part depending on its condition. Parts that have friction surfaces, such as bands and clutches are replaced as are all seals and gaskets. The torque converter is also replaced, usually with a re manufactured one.
The parts are then reassembled, adjusted and tested for proper operation. The transmission is then reinstalled with final adjustments being made after reinstallation.
Automatic Gearbox Service
Your automatic gearbox can have up to 3,000 different parts. This complicated piece of machinery is remarkably tough and long-lasting if you consider the stresses and temperatures it works under.
With a bit of knowledge and just a few simple precautions, you can get years of trouble-free performance from your automatic transmission. The most important things you can do to prolong the life of your automatic transmission don’t require any change in your driving habits. What you really need to do is pay attention to checking and changing your automatic gearbox fluid and having it serviced once a year by a trained specialist.
It is strongly advised to check your transmission fluid regularly. It’s easy enough to do and may save you lots of time and money.
What the automatic gearbox service includes:
- Drain transmission fluid
- Remove and clean the oil pan
- Inspect the fluid condition, evidence of metal or clutch lining material in pan and any evidence of sludge
- Full transmission flush if needed*
- Remove, clean and replace the filter
- Check and adjust the bands and controls
- Refit the pan, using a new gasket
- Fill the transmission to the recommended level with new transmission fluid of the correct type
- Check for leaks and wear on seals and hoses
- Test to check working of serviced auto trans
* A transmission flush is usually performed when there are signs of high wear or badly contaminated transmission fluid. Just draining the fluid does not remove all the old fluid from tight spaces and the residue will make any new fluid dirty almost immediately. To remove all remains of the old fluid, the cooling pipe between the transmission and the radiator is usually uncoupled and the transmission filled while the engine is running. This forces the fluid through the transmission, flushing out the dirty remains.
The best way to make sure your automatic transmission service is done properly is to entrust it to experts with the necessary skills and equipment.
The important thing to remember is that your automatic transmission is usually not included in a normal service – you have to ask for the automatic gearbox to be serviced. Do this at least every 15 months or once every 25,000 km, whichever comes first.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
CVT is a special transmission type that features gradual changes in gear ratios, rather than specific steps like ordinary gearboxes. An increasing number of modern cars use gearboxes of this type. They require specialist knowledge, so well advised to make sure you take your vehicle to transmission experts if you know or suspect your vehicle may have CVT or a similar system.
Better to change your transmission fluid as recommended by the experts at 7th Gear.