One of the benefits of owning a vehicle with a manual transmission is the engine control it offers over automatic engines. Even with this control, there will still eventually come a time when the transmission starts to show its age. While replacements can be prohibitively expensive, a transmission rebuild could be just what the doctor (or mechanic, in this case) ordered. What should a quality transmission rebuild entail? Read on to find out!
Prepare for the Job
Rebuilding a transmission is a huge project, so having your tools and a rebuild kit ready in advance is a necessary asset in speeding the process along. A basic tool kit is all that is technically required, but power tools can also help speed the process up. You should also make sure that you have the proper repair kit ready to go.
Make sure that the rebuild kit you purchased is the correct one for your vehicle. It can be frustrating to remove the transmission and take it apart, only to discover that you picked up the wrong kit.
During the Rebuild
Now that you have your tools and the proper rebuild kit, it’s time to start the repairs. The first thing you should do upon taking everything apart is verify that your initial diagnosis of the problem is correct. After this is complete, you will want to test as many of the other parts of the transmission as possible. Be sure to replace any parts that appear worn or close to breaking so you won’t need to redo this entire process again before it’s completely necessary. You should also examine parts that may have been impacted by the failure, not just the failed part itself. While the transmission is still out of the vehicle, you should see if any modifications are recommended for your vehicle model to keep it running better.
Clean It Up
The last major step of a transmission rebuild is the cleanup process. Before reinstalling the transmission, chemically clean as many of the parts as possible so that grime doesn’t build up. You should also clean the area near the engine where the transmission goes and should dispose of any worn parts. Be sure to label any additional pieces from the kit and keep them in a spot that’s easy to find later on. Keeping your engine clean will improve the performance and lifespan of the vehicle.
A transmission rebuild is not a simple job. So, what should a quality transmission rebuild entail? At the very least, it should include identifying the problem, replacing all bad or worn parts, and cleaning the engine. If you are in the market for a new Allison 1000 rebuild kit or one of the dozens of others we have in stock, please visit the Next Gen Diesel store for the best American-made repair kits on the market.
