The process of repairing your current transmission with new parts is known as a rebuild. You'll also hear it referred to as an overhaul, which is the process where your mechanic will take down and disassemble the entire unit. After inspecting the components within the transmission, they will replace all worn parts with brand-new ones. This effectively gives you a brand-new unit for your vehicle.

Often a transmission shop will also guarantee or warranty their service, and if they run slower than you can! You'll want to hire someone who honors their work and guarantees the newly rebuilt transmission will function flawlessly and eliminates any compatibility concerns or undiscovered faults that could arise with a used one. Because the truth is, the technician doesn't know the integrity of the used transmission and neither do you the customer. So in the unlikely event that something goes wrong with the rebuilt transmission, at least the auto mechanic has an understanding of the work that has been done on the unit.

In specific scenarios, a transmission rebuild will have certain drawbacks, though. The primary drawbacks come down to time and money. Particularly if you choose a warranty, a rebuilt transmission may be much more expensive than a used transmission. Additionally, it may take several days or even weeks to repair a transmission, so you will need to make other transportation arrangements during that period. This brings another curveball into the mix, finding a specialist who has the time to work on your car. It is no secret that transmissions are a tough task and a good shop may be backed up for weeks or months to come

However, the state of our current economy has actually made the cost difference between a rebuilt or used trans. much smaller. This makes rebuilding your transmission unit that much more worth it, as it has more lifetime value while being just as cost-efficient as a used transmission.

How Long Does it Take to Rebuild a Transmission?

Time is just as important as money when it comes to a transmission rebuild. A specialist might be able rebuild your transmission in one day if it is easy and readily available. You should consider how long it will take your transmission specialist for them to diagnose the issue, remove the transmission, order the necessary parts, complete the rebuild or repair, and then install the entire unit back in your car. Other factors can also affect the time it takes to rebuild or repair a transmission. However, a transmission repair shop may dedicate a day for each step

A major part of cost from rebuilding a transmission can come from the skilled labor that is needed. Transmission rebuilders with experience may do two simple transmission rebuilds per day on average, but complex transmissions can take an entire day. Due to their complexity, European and exotic models take longer. At times ordering the necessary parts can put a shop behind schedule as there are so many different components to consider during a rebuild.

Used Transmissions: Pros and Cons

An installed used transmission in your car is precisely what it sounds like: a previously owned transmission. The key benefit to purchasing a used transmission is cost. As mentioned earlier, given the current state of our economy and the rise in the cost of many goods this benefit has become much thinner than before. However, purchasing a used transmission will mean much less labor cost as the procedure of just removing and replacing a transmission takes much less time than having it rebuilt. As a result, the turnaround time is much quicker. Since you aren't waiting for your unit to be taken apart and put back together, this can be a significant factor for individuals who urgently need their vehicle serviced.

However, using a used transmission has its drawbacks as well. The biggest drawback is that often times you are unaware of the transmission's history or the level of damage it has endured. As a result, there can be compatibility concerns, undiscovered flaws, and the used transmission might not last nearly as long. Depending on where you'd be purchasing the used unit, they may or may not come with a warranty. If they do, they are often very short not much longer than a few months. This is the ultimate risk you end up taking when purchasing a used transmission. You may end up paying double in labor to the mechanic who is taking the transmission out and putting it back in again. So what may save you a few hundred dollars in the short term could very well end up costing more down the road.

To Rebuild or To Purchase a Used One?

So which is the better choice, to have your current one be rebuilt or to buy a used one? The answer will rely on your unique needs and financial situation. A transmission rebuild will likely be your best option if you want a transmission that will operate like new and come with a warranty. Should you find a used one online that doesn't have too many miles, this can save you some money on the labor side. However, you now understand a rebuilt one has newly replace components and will last much longer.

By understanding the differences of both options, you will be able to make an informed decision and ensure that your vehicle is repaired and back on the road as quickly and affordably as possible.

 But if you want something more reasonably priced and don't mind some mystery surrounding the transmission's past, a used transmission might be the best alternative.