Having
a transmission problem is not the
worst thing that can happen. Chances are you
may only need a minor repair.
Even
if you need a transmission rebuild,
that's not necessarily a bad thing. Is the
vehicle in good condition? Is the engine strong?
It's not worth anything to anyone with a broken
transmission. How much is it worth
to you to have a reliably running vehicle?
Having your transmission rebuilt
is OK. It really works out and people decide
to do it everyday.
Answers
to Commonly Asked Questions...
Question:
How much is a new
transmission?
Answer:
First of all there is know such thing as a "new"
transmission, except when it's first installed at
the factory. We "rebuild" all transmissions
on site. Rebuilding includes a complete teardown,
inspection and replacement of worn, broken and/or
updated parts.
Question:
How much do you charge to
rebuild a transmission?
Answer:
Prices can vary between type of vehicle (year/make/model/),
type of transmission (automatic, manual, 3-speed,
4-speed, 5-speed, computer controlled or not) and
most importantly - what part(s) caused the problem.
Quoting a price or giving an "estimate"
is virtually impossible without actually being able
to diagnose the problem first. We
will perform a preliminary auto inspection and transmimssion
diagnosis for FREE.
Question:
What exactly does a "preliminary
diagnosis" include?
Answer:
We will check your transmission fluid level
and quality, test drive the vehicle if possible
and scan the computer for transmission related trouble
codes.
Question:
What if the "free"
diagnosis doesn't tell you anything?
Answer:
Usually we can tell what's going on with
just the preliminary check depending on the make
and model of the vehicle and type of problem.
If it is an intermittant, hard to reproduce problem
or we simply do not know with out further diagnosis
you will be informed and given the option
to continue at our hourly rate. If you decide
to have us proceed with the repair based on our
findings we will not charge you any diagnostic fee.
Question:
What if my transmission seems
to be slipping or shifting eratically?
Answer:
That does not necessarily mean your transmission
needs to be rebuilt. It may be just be an
inexpensive solenoid or simply just low on fluid.
We actually perform less expensive external transmission
repairs more often than major rebuilds. Never
assume the worst until the problem is properly diagnosed.
Question:
What about putting a used transmission in?
Answer:
You already have a used transmission.
In other words, you have the transmission removed,
you take it to your local auto recycler (junk yard)
for a core charge, he gives you the used transmission
he's had sitting around for a few years, you have
it installed and it doesn't shift. He gladly
refunds your money but only after you've paid to
have the used transmission installed and removed.
Someone else goes to the junkyard a few days later,
buys the same transmission, same story... Sometimes
buying a used transmission can actually work out.
Are you willing to take the risk that it won't to
save a little money? Try it and see!
Question:
What kind of warranty do you
offer?
Answer:
Every transmission rebuild comes with an
industry standard 12 month/12,000 mile nationwide
warranty. That means where ever you are we
will either direct you to the nearest Lee Myles
or a Lee Myles registered affiliate. At that
point we will work with that facility to get you
back on the road ASAP. We also offer extended
warrantys for additional amounts.
Question:
What if I have a problem beyond
the warranty time and/or mileage range?
Answer:
When we rebuild a transmission we DO NOT
cut corners to save money. It is literally
better than O.E. or original equipment. It
is built to and should last longer than the original.
You'll find we stand behind our work. If our
transmission rebuild fails outside of the warranty
period and it was something we did, we will fix
it at little or no cost to you. We don't rebuild
transmissions to last 12 months or 12,000 miles.
We build them to last the remaining life of the
vehicle, assuming it's been cared for.
Question:
How often should the fluid
be changed in an automatic transmission?
Answer:
Most manufacturers recommend every 30,000
miles under "normal" conditions.
Given what the fluid in an automatic transmission
does we recommend every 15,000 miles, especially
for severe duty applications such as towing and/or
hauling. Those who do not service their transmissions
may end up being customers of ours eventually.
Question:
What's the difference between
"servicing" and "flushing" a
transmission?
Answer:
Servicing a transmission involves pulling
the pan, draining anywhere from 2/3 to 3/4 of the
fluid and replacing the filter. Flushing involves
hooking up a machine to the cooling lines that back-flushes
most of the fluid out of the transmission and torque
converter without replacing the filter. While flushing
is'nt necessarily bad it does not include a filter
change, which is important. Don't trust the
local quicky lube place or tire shop to service
or flush your transmission. There are simply
too many variables that only an experienced transmission
shop are aware of, such as specific ATF formulations
for your vehicle and filling to the proper level.