Transmission Replacement and Rebuilds In Missoula.

Transmission replacement is for when a transmission has internal damage that a repair won't fix. At that point the main paths are rebuilding your transmission or replacing it with another unit. Either way it's a big job, so you should understand what's wrong and what your options are before you decide.

Some symptoms point to wear or damage inside the transmission. Watch for slipping in more than one gear or slipping that keeps getting worse, no movement or very weak movement in drive or reverse, and grinding, whining or clunking noises that change with gear or speed. Dark, burnt-smelling fluid, sometimes with metal particles in it, is another sign, and so is a vehicle stuck in one gear with a warning light on.

None of these automatically means you need a new transmission. A bad sensor, a wiring problem, a solenoid or low fluid can cause some of the same symptoms, which is why we diagnose first.

Steady climbs, mountain grades and towing are hard on a transmission because they keep it working hard for long stretches. That builds heat, and heat breaks down the fluid. Once the fluid can't protect the clutch packs and internal parts, wear builds on itself, and slipping, delayed shifts and internal damage follow. If you tow or spend a lot of time on the mountain roads around Missoula, your transmission is working harder than one that sees mostly easy miles.

Deciding between a rebuild and a replacement starts with confirming the transmission is actually the problem. If it is, we'll walk you through the options for your vehicle.

With a rebuild, your transmission comes out and gets taken apart. Worn and damaged parts are replaced along with the seals and gaskets, and it goes back together. Whether a rebuild makes sense depends on what failed and the condition of the major internal parts. Sometimes installing a different transmission is the better route, and if that's what we recommend, we'll explain the unit and why we chose it.

For each option, we'll go over the cost and how it fits the age and condition of your vehicle and how long you plan to keep it. The decision is yours.

Doing the job right involves more than the transmission. When one fails internally, debris can get into the cooler and lines, and that needs to be dealt with so it doesn't end up in the rebuilt or replacement unit. Many newer vehicles also need the transmission computer programmed or a relearn procedure after the install so it shifts the way it should. We keep you posted while your vehicle is in the shop and let you know if anything changes along the way.

When you're ready, call us or request an appointment online. We work on cars, trucks, SUVs and fleet vehicles. If you already have a replacement quote from another shop, bring it in for a free second opinion.