Can You Just Replace The Part That Failed Inside The Transmission And Not Rebuild It?

Sometimes, but it may be an expensive mistake. If the labor required to access a failed part is slight, it is usually the right decision to proceed with the repair. On the other hand it may be the wrong decision if access to a part requires the removal of the transmission from the car or truck and its partial dis-assembly.

The deciding factor, in our opinion, as to whether a repair should be attempted is......cost versus benefit. In other words, if you spent $100 to cure a problem and it only lasted six months, its not the "end of the world". If you spent $1,000 to make a repair and it lasted the same six months, I doubt you would be happy with your decision.

Another way to look at this problem is to understand that, of the 2,000 to 3,000 parts inside an automatic transmission, wear occurs with every mile driven. Parts wear at different rates so that one part may be approaching 100% wear while others are at 98%, 95%, 80%, 70%, 50% and so on. If, in order to reach the part that has finally failed requires the removal and re-installation of the transmission, which may require five to twelve labor hours, the remaining parts should have enough life remaining to make the repair last a long time.

Before you decide to attempt a repair , insist your transmission specialist thoroughly educates you as to the pitfalls involved in the repair. What is the likelihood of success or other associated problems? Your number one concern should be "cost versus benefit". Are you going to get enough miles to make the investment......a good investment.