Questions to the transmission guys

Okay... perhaps I should have expressed myself clearer. I have replaces 4 transmissions in the last 20 years in all the cars I've had. Most recently in my 93 Honda Accord in the middle of last year and in 96 Dodge Grand Caravan just 6 months earlier.

The reason I'm asking is because the Honda transmission has acted up twice in the last couple of weeks. After warming up it wouldn't shift into 4th gear. Only happened twice though. I replaced the fluid (there is no servicable filter) and checked the solenoids and sensors today, everything seems okay. Hope that did the trick.

You will probably get several differing opinions ranging from the response you got from Punch to some guy saying "I done it, no big deal". I've never dug into one, but would if I had the time and place to do it. A buddy and his go out on a Thunderbird (1980something). He bought a book and a kit and it worked fine as far as I know. Just take your time. Since I'm sure there are a variety of different trannys from all of the different manufacturers, I'd go to the library and look at a book first. May even have to buy one if your library doesn't have one for your application. Also keep in mind (at least this is my opinion), the book usually makes it sound worse than it really is (i.e., another buddy called a couple of weeks ago to help put rear disk brakes back on his Nissan. Book said remove hose, remove parking brake cable, remove 2 bolts holding caliper, and 2 bolts holding the caliper bracket (or whatever it is called). It took longer to reassemble the side he had started than it did to do the other side by removing 2 bolds and popping the parking cable off).

I feel your pain. Last year my F150 trans went out. I took it to a shop recommmended by a friend. They verbally (yeah, I know) estimated $525. Disemboweled my transmission (at least they said it was mine) and gave me 3 estimates: $2500 all new parts $2200 New & reman parts $1700 used parts, within tolerance.

I chose the last option, and it works fine. But still leaves a bad taste in my mouth. I do almost all my own work, just because of crap like that. I have a pretty well-equipped shop. If I run into this again, I expect I will seek a used transmission, perhaps buying a junk car to do so. Haynes and several others make step-by-step guides. Parts for automatics are mostly cheap. Lots of good websites on specific transmissions. I bet I could do that $2500 job for $500, including a trans jack and a few special tools. Judging by the "Techs" that were at this particular shop, I concluded that the work does not require great intellect (in which case I'd be in trouble).

I say go for it.

|This question is for the guys that work on transmissions. I've |replaced 4 transmissions so far and two within the last year and a |half to the tune of nearly $5000. I simply don't have that kind of |money to spend every few years. | |I am not a mechanic by trade but I have worked on my own cars for the |last 20 years and have a fairly good set of tools and a garage at |home. I have replaced the usual wear and tear items like brakes, |altenators, waterpumps... but, I have also done some more extensive |work like rack and pinions, clutches, A/C compressors and other |components, bearings, drive shafts and camshafts. I have never rebuilt |an engine however but feel capable. | |Transmissions however...are they within the scope of my abilities? | |What special tools will I need? | |Are the tools pretty standard or the same for all vehicles? | |How do I know wich parts are bad? | |I have a good micrometer and dial caliper but how will I know if a |component is within spec. | |How do I know wich parts I should replace anyway? | |Thanks for any help, |Tom

Rex in Fort Worth

Just remember to take the grease with you to any tranny shop. They are by far the biggest bunch of crooks ever to suck up your and my oxygen. An honest man would stop working at a tranny shop once he figured out how the system worked...Even when they don't flat out lie and try to scare you into a complete rebuild, they still rape you on what it is really worth to do. All shops have a lot of overhead, and that is why it is so expensive to get your car worked on by a business....but the trans shops rake in the profit margin...... And before any pro-tranny shop guys start to flame me...go ahead.....you know Iam right...I' ve got plenty of words for you but I bet you can guess what two I'll start with...

If I had to do it myself I'd consider buying a rebuilt transmission off of eBay and installing it myself. For my car the ones in the junkyard mostly already have over 100,000 miles on them already anyway. The other alternate is to go to a good transmission place that rebuilds your transmission with new parts. Look for an ATRA shop. It won't be cheap but I have only ever had transmission problems once, and had it rebuilt (took one week) and I've never had transmission problems since.

I have a neighbor that owns a muffler shop. They do other work also. Out of the blue he started taking in transmission work and doing the rebuilds himself. I was shocked, but the guy is getting by and doing better. I suspect he has some comebacks and makes good on them. As a mechanic, I wouldn't generally want him working on my car as I've worked with him on small projects. However, it shows what can be done if your willing to dive in and pay for you mistakes.

My only experience was trying to get someone to press the carrier bearings off of the differential on my 96 chevy pickup. I had the carrier in the trunk, basically only needed to borrow a press. The guy at the front desk says "let me take a look at it" and says "Ohhh, about $73". Needless to say, his answer also answered any futture questions I had with regard to every walking in his door again for anything.

Last time I had something like this, the guy charged my $10 to remove and install new axel bearings on a '73 Marquis. I was willing to pay maybe up to $20 or so for this. I took it home and wrapped it up good in plastic bags with just the bearing exposed and cut both of them down with a 4" grinder and whacked with a hammer and chizzel. Removed both in about 20 minutes. I was trying to avoid the risk of getting grit and crap in the unit, but geeze...