Replacing your transmission (after the old one has failed) can be a bit confusing. Should you choose a rebuilt model, a used model, or a remanufactured (reman) model? The differences between rebuilds vs. remans are quite apparent, however, this article will compare rebuilt transmissions against Gearstar’s remanufactured transmissions.
Before continuing with this article, you may want to understand the terms “rebuilt” and “remanufactured”. Basically, these two words can appear as synonyms and can be used interchangeably. But in some cases (ex. explaining transmissions), they have different meanings:
Here, we compare these two common types of transmissions based on different factors: warranties, quality, turnaround time, etc.
When we talk about the difference in quality regarding rebuilt and reman transmissions, one must consider the components used. Rebuilt transmissions are typically patched with old components; however, they work as you would expect, but the parts are not new ones.
In contrast, remanufactured components are re-created, or somewhat refurbished with new parts, which makes them seemingly new systems. Also, reman transmissions are coupled in authorized (verified) shops, while rebuilt transmissions can be from any shop (verified or unverified).
While both rebuilt and remanufactured transmissions may be compatible with your vehicle, reman systems are more reliable and higher in quality. Additionally, remanufactured transmissions pass through a dyno testing process before leaving the workshop.
Typically, a remanufactured transmission is backed by a factory warranty that spans three years (3 years). The warranty period can be longer and not limited to a specific mileage. Interestingly, some manufacturers allow sellers/suppliers to work on systems at any transmission shop of choice.
Thus, this does not void the nationwide warranty for parts and labor coverage. When an owner sells the vehicle in which the reman transmission is being used in, it can transfer to the new owner if warranty coverage is still active.
Unlike reman transmissions, a rebuilt transmission typically comes with a 12-month/12,000 mile warranty. If you hit 12,000 miles (even if it has not been 12 months since you fixed the transmission), the warranty expires. In contrast, if the car is driven for 12 months (even if you have not hit 12,000 miles), the warranty expires.
This warranty is quite basic, but transmission repair costs are covered for up to 12 months. Nevertheless, you may not be allowed to fix the transmission (if it fails) in your repair shop of choice. Be sure to thoroughly read the warranty terms and conditions, as labor charges are not always inclusive in rebuilt transmissions.
Reman transmissions are ready from the factory – you have to place an order, and it gets shipped to your identified location. However, depending on your location and other related factors, it may take a few days before your reman transmission is delivered. Installation won’t take the whole day; you just need to hire a verified mechanic.
Hence, the estimated turnaround time for remanufactured transmissions is arguably 48 hours (2 days). In contrast, rebuilt transmissions go through a time-consuming rebuild process. The faulty transmission is removed, gets disassembled, and then compatible parts are used to “rebuild” the system.
Once the parts are readied, the mechanic reassembles the transmission and reinstalls it to the car. The entire process takes about 3-5 days, depending on all the parts/components needed to rebuild the transmission. If the needed transmission parts are scare, the turnaround time may take longer than 5 days.
The estimated cost of remanufactured transmissions ranges from $1300 – $3400, depending on the car model. Also, there are no surprise charges as pre-assembled components are built into the final pricing. In contrast, the cost for a rebuilt transmission can range from $1500 – $3500.
The mechanic/technician would estimate the cost of rebuilding your car’s transmission before disassembling the system. However, there may cases when you will be asked for payment on surprise charges for reasons the technician gives.
A used or preowned transmission is not advisable – you do not want to end up with someone else’s transmission problems.
If you have a Ford, GM or Mopar transmission, Gearstar has got you covered. Gearstar reman transmissions are high-performance, custom-built, and optimized with precision by expert master technicians. Arguably the finest transmissions on the market, Gearstar transmissions are dyno-tested for 100 miles before being shipped out, and backed with 3 years or 36,000 miles warranty (whichever occurs first from shipment date).
With over 19 years of experience as a leader in remanufacturing automatic transmissions, Gearstar has your covered. When considering choosing between a rebuilt vs. a remanufactured transmission, choose the latter of the two. For questions or requests, contact Gearstar today.
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Rebuilding a transmission is an in-depth process that requires a significant amount of labor. This involves removing the transmission, inspecting, cleaning and replacing “hard” parts and then reassembling the transmission as a completed unit with all of its “soft parts” or seals, gaskets, clutches, and bands. At the end of the day, this process requires a specialist.
A remanufactured transmission or “reman” is the same as a rebuild, but the work has already been completed by a remanufacturer to factory or “OEM” specifications. A team of specialists typically complete this work. They’re the ones who tear down and inspect all the components of the transmission, replace hard and soft parts and then reassemble it as a completed unit. This completed unit then sits on a shelf in a warehouse, waiting for installation into a vehicle.
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Repairing your transmission could mean anything from replacing a single part to a series of parts. Components like input shafts and solenoids may be replaced with relative ease, saving you time and money over a full-blown transmission rebuild. If your transmission is leaking fluid, it may just require replacing seals or gaskets. In both of these instances, the specific part may be covered under manufacturer warranty.
If the specific part is not covered under a warranty or your mechanic finds that your transmission needs more extensive repairs, then you may be in for a full transmission rebuild. This is where things get costly. General mechanics don’t often take on specialty transmission work like this. That means that you’ll have to visit a transmission specialist.
So how much are you looking at spending? A rebuild may cost you between $2800 and $3800 depending on labor, parts, and unforeseen circumstances. A rebuilt transmission is still relatively cheaper than a new one, which could cost between $4,000 and $8,000 depending on the make and model of your vehicle.
From Automatic Transmission Rebuilders Association: “ATRA has a minimum standard for rebuilt transmissions receiving a Golden Rule warranty. This helps to ensure that consumers receive the best product possible when purchasing a rebuilt transmission from an ATRA member shop. For more information, go to the ATRA Minimum Rebuild page.”
Along with money, time is also an important factor when considering a transmission rebuild. If your transmission is simple and widely available, a specialist may be able to rebuild it in a day. What you really have to factor in is how much time it takes your transmission specialist to diagnose the problem, remove your transmission, order parts (if necessary), complete the actual rebuild or repair and then reinstall the whole unit in your vehicle. There are also other factors that determine how long it takes to rebuild a transmission, but generally, a transmission shop dedicates a full day to each step in the repair or rebuild process.
When it comes to cost, labor is the biggest factor to consider when rebuilding a transmission. Experienced transmission rebuilders may average two common transmission rebuilds a day, but more complicated transmissions may take a full day to rebuild. Exotic and European models also add more time to the process given their complexity and specialty components.
A reman saves you and your transmission specialist time – bottom line. In a rebuild situation, the transmission must be removed, disassembled, parts purchased, reassembled, and installed back in your vehicle. All of this can take 3 to 5 days. Remanufacturing a transmission involves completely restoring a transmission back to factory (OEM) standards.
Because a remanufactured transmission is already complete and shipped directly from the remanufacturer there’s no need to spend time rebuilding. If your vehicle has a common transmission type, a wholesale retailer probably has a fully remanufactured unit already in stock and available. The time it takes to get you back on the road now only depends on ordering, shipping and installation which could take only 1 to 2 days.
A reman is also checked for quality and tested on a dynamometer or “dyno” to measure torque, power and RPMs, all to make sure that the transmission works properly and meets OEM specifications. They frequently come with a manufacturer warranty that’s good for around 3 years – something you won’t find when rebuilding a transmission.
If you have any questions regarding a remanufactured transmission, give General Transmission in Reno a call today. We’re a family owned transmission repair shop built on values and integrity and we’re more than happy to answer your questions. Contact us for an estimate on how much it is to rebuild a transmission at General Transmission!
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