Recently the engine light came on and I had hard shifting. Other than that, it’s just a matter of driving sensibly and maintaining the transmission fluid on schedule, and your newly rebuilt transmission should last you a very long time.ĭo you have any questions or concerns about what to expect after a transmission rebuild? Let us know in the comments below and we’ll be happy to help. The transmission will definitely shift differently than it used to before, but unless you notice major problems with it, like leaks, grinding noises, or difficulty switching gears, then chances are the technician made a mistake and you should take the car back to them. Now, while it is a major repair, there’s not a lot to expect after a rebuild, especially if it’s done properly. Final ThoughtsĪ transmission rebuild is a big job, but if it’s done properly, then it can give your car a new lease on life. If you do see signs of premature wear, then you can get in touch with the shop that rebuilt the transmission while the warranty is still valid and get it fixed for free. That way, you’ll know whether the transmission is in good condition and that the rebuild was done properly. The first fluid change after a rebuild is extremely important as it can tell you a lot about how the rebuilt transmission is wearing in.īecause of that, we recommend you change the transmission fluid a few hundred miles before the warranty ends (usually 12,000 miles), and check the filter for small bits of clutch material or metal flakes. Related: How Long Does It Take To Rebuild a Transmission? When Should I Change the Fluid in a Newly Rebuilt Transmission? On the other hand, if you take good care of your car and drive sensibly, then you can expect your rebuilt transmission to last a very long time. Harsh driving habits, frequent heavy towing, and neglecting to change the transmission fluid on schedule will definitely shorten the lifespan of your rebuilt transmission. Of course, this all depends on how you drive and maintain your car. However, if the rebuild was done on the cheap and not all worn parts were replaced with new ones, then you should expect the transmission to last at least 40,000 miles. On average, that’s somewhere between 150,000 to 200,000 miles. How Long Will a Rebuilt Transmission Last?Ī properly rebuilt transmission should last pretty close to the same amount of time as a brand-new transmission. In that case, do not worry, as most reputable transmission shops offer a warranty on their work. If the changes are too drastic in your opinion, and they do not go away after a while, then it’s possible that there’s something wrong with the transmission and it needs to be checked again by the same technician. If the break-in period is needed, then it must be completed, otherwise, failure to do so could result in premature failure of the transmission. 500 Mile Break-in PeriodĪfter a transmission rebuild, you might be instructed to do a 500-mile break-in period, during which the internal parts of the transmission, like the clutches, can break-in properly. That being said, there may be a few issues that pop up in the first few days or weeks after the rebuild. What to Expect After a Transmission RebuildĪfter a transmission rebuild, your car should be driveable and shifting smoothly – just like it was when new. When dealing with modern electronically controlled automatic transmissions, the technician will perform an adaptation or re-learning process before returning the vehicle to you. Essentially, the transmission is taken apart, inspected for wear and damage, cleaned, and put back together with brand new parts and new fluid. What’s Involved in a Transmission Rebuild?įirst, it’s important to understand what actually happens during a transmission rebuild. Relax! We’ll walk you through everything you need to know about what to expect after a transmission rebuild in this brief article.

Will your car be driveable? Will it be as good as new? You know it’s a major costly repair, and you’re not sure what to expect afterward. If you’re like most drivers, the words “transmission rebuild” strike fear in your heart.

Factory rebuilt transmission