The Transmission Doctors
Automatic & Manual Transmission Service, Transmission Repair, & Transmission Rebuild
Transmissions
Every automobile on the road today is equipped with a transmission. Transmissions play a key role in distributing the power from the engine to the differential. This power is then applied to the road to make the car move. There are three different ways transmissions distribute torque to the road. First, there is a rear wheel drive transmission which allows the motors torque to be transferred through the transmission to the rear differential. These units are referred to as rear wheel drive automobiles. Second, there is a front wheel drive transmission which allows the motors torque to be transferred through the transmission to the differential. This differential is internally mounted in the transmission. These transmissions are referred to as front wheel drive automobiles. Third, there are all wheel drive transmissions which allow the motors torque to be transferred through the transmission to both differentials. One is internally mounted in the transmission and the other is mounted behind the transmission. These transmissions transfer torque to all four wheels and are known as all wheel drives. Automobiles carry one of the following types of transmissions below:
Hydraulic Automatic Transmission
- This transmission system uses a torque converter, fluid, and friction clutches to accomplish gear change by hydraulically locking and unlocking a system of planetary gears. These systems have a defined seat of gear ranges, often with a parking pawl that locks the output shaft of the transmission to keep the vehicle from rolling either forward or backward.
Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)
- CVT units use a belt to allow a change seamlessly through a continuous range of effective gear ratios. It differs from a hydraulic automatic transmission because they do not have a fixed number of gear ratios.
Semi-Automatic Transmission / Automated Manual Transmission (SAT)
- SAT units utilize a regular clutch and gear setup, and are automatically operated by the use of sensors, actuators, and pneumatics. These units are based on an electronic control unit and a hydraulic system that supervise the use of the clutch and gear shifting. This allows the driver to change gears without using a clutch, either sequentially or automatically.
3 Most Common Transmission Problems
- Low Fluid Levels or Leaks – Transmission fluid levels and leaks are common transmission problems. Low transmission fluid levels are generally caused by leaks in the system. Symptoms of low transmission fluid levels usually are gear slippage, slow shifting, or possibly no shifting.
- Torque Converter Issues – The torque converter works in conjunction with the transmission pump, to lubricate the unit with transmission fluid. The torque converter also reduces heat inside the transmission, by the locking and unlocking of clutches inside the converter. Torque converter failure can be recognized in several ways. The three most common ways to recognize failure is no movement, fine brass like material in the transmission pan, or shuttering.
- Overheating Issues – Overheating of the unit is reached when the transmission gets above 215 degrees, or if the engine over heats. The transmission can also over heat due to internal failure or transmission cooler failure. Overheating prematurely wears the friction material off of the clutches. This could cause gear slippage, slow shifting, or possibly no shifting.
Rebuilding Transmissions vs. Buying Remanufactured Transmissions
- Rebuilt Transmissions – A transmission rebuild consists of new friction clutches, a gasket kit, filter, torque converter, banner kit, seal kit, shift kit, o-ring kit, synthetic fluid, and all updates that are common from the factory for failing. Rebuilds are built in house with a higher quality because a certified transmission technician rebuilds your unit from start to finish.
Remanufactured Transmissions – Remanufactured transmissions are built on an assembly line in bulk, by day laborers, that are not certified transmission technicians. They rarely do any updates to the unit to further its life like a transmission rebuilder would. Most of these units do not come with any labor warranties. This process leaves you paying the bill for labor to remove the unit.
Transmission Warranties
We offer several different types of warranties, depending on which level of service you decide best fits your budget. All units we rebuild are built the same way. No matter if you get a 1 year warranty or a 3 year warranty.
- 3 year/ 100,000 mile warranty on parts and labor.
- 2 year/ 24,000 mile warranty on parts and labor.
- 1 year/ 12,000 mile warranty on parts and labor.
- 6 month/ 6,000 mile warranty on just parts.
Vehicles Serviced
We provide top notch maintenance service for all types of vehicles both foreign and domestic. We are certified to service and repair the following makes.
- Acura
- Audi
- BMW
- Buick
- Cadillac
- Chevrolet
- Chrysler
- Dodge
- Fiat
- Ford
- GMC
- Honda
- Hummer
- Hyundai
- Infiniti
- Isuzu
- Jaguar
- Jeep
- Kia
- Land Rover
- Lexus
- Lincoln
- Mazda
- Mercedes-Benz
- Mercury
- Mini
- Mitsubishi
- Nissan
- Pontiac
- Ram
- Saab
- Saturn
- Scion
- Subaru
- Suzuki
- Toyota
- Volkswagen
- Volvo
Service Areas
We provide auto repair and maintenance services in Shelby County, Jefferson County, and the surrounding areas. We service but are not limited to the following areas.
Alabaster, Bessemer, Brierfield, Calera, Chelsea, Harpersville, Helena, Jemison, Leeds, McCalla, Montevallo, Pelham, Pleasant Grove, Saginaw, Shelby, Siluria, Vestavia Hills, Homewood, Columbiana, Vincent, Mountain Brook, & surrounding areas.