Most people already know that an automatic transmission is the most expensive component of a vehicle to repair. That’s why it might actually be more cost effective to install a remanufactured transmission. This is especially true if you have a later model vehicle with a lot of life left in it. Unlike a rebuilt transmission, a reman transmission has all of its critical components inspected and they either meet or exceed OE specifications. While you can’t buy a brand-new transmission, a remanufactured transmission is a terrific alternative. These are completely reengineered and put together on a factory assembly line. They often contain a lot of upgrades over their stock form, which means many of the design flaws that result in premature failure of components can be eliminated. This can give a reman transmission a much longer service life than it originally had.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Remanufactured transmissions are built by trained technicians in a factory setting under strict quality control standards. As a result, remanufactured transmissions are considered to be as good as a new transmission. In many instances, a remanufactured transmission is actually better than the original “new” unit because reman transmissions have the manufacturer’s upgrades. These “upgrades” are improvements and/or fixes to known problems that auto manufacturers became aware of after the transmission has been in service for awhile. So, a remanufactured transmission is actually an improved version of the original transmission.
Remanufactured transmission companies like Street Smart Transmission put each of their reman transmissions through a rigorous build process that ensures a quality product every time. It begins with nearly 100 trained technicians that specialize in different aspects of the build process.
This remanufacturing process starts with the inspection team that test all of the critical components from the donor transmission to ensure that they meet the original equipment (OE) tolerances and specifications. The case, pumps, gears, shafts, valve body and torque converter are checked for hairline cracks, metal tensile strength, warping and other parameters. If any component fails to meet the required specifications, it’s discarded and replaced.
All the parts are then cleaned and sent to the appropriate stations on the assembly line for reassembly. Throughout the process, quality control managers inspect the build to ensure that it meets the desired specification. Any necessary modifications or upgrades that are needed to correct factory design flaws are also performed or added. The valve body is rebuilt and tested on a special dyno machine to ensure that it performs according to the specifications. All of the solenoids are also tested prior to installation.
Once the build is complete and passes its final quality control inspection, the newly remanufactured transmission is sent to the dyno room, where it’s tested on a special dyno machine using a proprietary software program called C.A.R.S. (Computer Aided Real-world Simulation). This cycles the transmission through a number of real-world driving situations, to ensure that it performs according to the factory specs. It also helps to break in all of the friction components, that way it’s completely tuned and ready to go once it’s installed.
Rebuilt Transmission / Transmission Rebuild
• Only worn or broken parts get replaced
• Built in a garage with little or no quality control
• Cracks, warping, and tensile strength may slip past visual inspection
• In most cases, an OE master rebuild kit will be used, which won’t address design flaws
• ECU may need to be reprogrammed by the dealer in order to accept the repairs
• Service life depends on how good the mechanic is
• Adjustments may be needed during the break in period
• 12-24 month warranty may only be honored at a few shops in a specific area
Having your transmission rebuilt by a local shop/mechanic doesn’t always end badly. In fact, there are many skilled mechanics out there, who know how to identify and prevent potential problems during the build. So if you can find one of these transmission gurus, you may actually wind up with a very durable rebuilt transmission.
Remanufactured Transmission
• Built in a state of-the-art factory with all of the latest tools and testing equipment
• “Hard” parts, such as planetary gears, shafts, and pumps, are thoroughly inspected for defects; Any worn, damaged, or out of spec parts are replaced with new components
• Critical parts like pumps, solenoids, valve bodies, and torque converters are remanufactured individually, by trained technicians
• New parts will be substituted if the original component is deemed defective due to excessive wear or a design flaw
- Each remanufactured transmission is built by trained technician(s) that specialize in a particular transmission family
• Strict quality control procedures and multiple inspections ensure that the build quality of each remanufactured transmission meets SST’s high standards
• Dyno testing verifies the functionality, allows technicians to identify and make any necessary adjustments, and provides a break-in period to ensure a plug-and-play installation
• 3-Year Warranty (100K or Unlimited Miles) typically pays for parts and labor at any repair shop in the country, and is typically transferable if the vehicle is sold to a new owner.
If you plan to keep your vehicle for a long time, then a remanufactured transmission is definitely the way to go.
Remanufactured Transmission Upgrades
- Stronger bushings
– Adding extra clutch plates
– More robust clutch & band friction material
– Stronger springs
– Substituting plastic accumulator pistons with more durable aluminum pistons
– Redesigned valves
– Redesigned planetary assemblies
– Recalibrated pressure regulator systems
– Modified valve bodies
Warranty – One of the benefits of buying a remanufactured transmission vs. a rebuilt transmission is the warranty. Street Smart Transmission for example, covers all of their reman transmissions with a 3 Year/Unlimited Mileage Nationwide Warranty (there is a mileage restriction for commercial vehicles). This covers parts and labor for transmission repairs performed by any licensed repair shop in the country. It’s also completely transferable if you ever decide to sell the vehicle. Compared to a mechanics warranty on a transmission rebuild, a remanufactured transmission warranty offers superior financial protection.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Is a remanufactured transmission worth it?
If you plan to keep your vehicle for as long as possible, then getting a transmission rebuild is certainly a viable option. However, a remanufactured transmission is a much better alternative. You’re getting as close to a brand-new transmission as it is possible. Companies like Street Smart Transmission also modify the transmission to correct all of the factory design flaws, allowing you to get a much longer service life from the transmission. So in terms of value for the money, a reman transmission might be the better way to go.
