ABOUT USED TRANSMISSIONS

WHAT IS A TRANSMISSION?

The transmission is the system that drives power from the engines to the wheels.

WHAT DOES THE TRANSMISSION LOOK LIKE?

Depending on the type of transmission, this system can appear different on a variety of vehicles. An automatic transmission will have a set of gears that look like a single planetary gear set. A manual transmission will have a set of shafts that are intermeshed with gears of different sizes.

Typically, a transmission will be shaped like a large cylinder in a metal casting. The average weight of a transmission is about 100 to 400 pounds.

WHERE IS THE TRANSMISSION LOCATED?

The transmission is located under the engine and it is usually level with the oil pan.

TYPES OF TRANSMISSIONS

There are two major types of transmission. First, there is the more common automatic transmission. Also, there are manual transmissions which are less common today but more common on older vehicles.

HOW MANY GEARS ARE IN A TRANSMISSION?

In a manual transmission, there could be anywhere from two to seven gears. When it comes to automatic transmission, the most common number of gears are six. However, there are some automatic transmissions with more than six gears.

HOW LONG DOES A TRANSMISSION LAST?

With the right service, a transmission can last as long as 300,000 miles. When looking for a used transmission, you will want to consider how well the transmission was maintained by the previous owner.

If the transmission was not well maintained, then it may have a life cycle of less than 50,000 miles.

SOME TIPS WHEN BUYING A TRANSMISSION

There are five things that you should check when buying a transmission:

• Always check for leaks - You will want to check for leaks around the transmission. One of the best ways to check for leaks is to place transmission fluid into the transmission and then check the fluid level after a few minutes to see if there is a depletion of fluids.
• Look at the body of the car - If the transmission is still in the vehicle, then look at the condition of the vehicle. Check to see if the vehicle has any damage on it. Also, check the other parts of the vehicle such as the wheels and the engine. If the vehicle appears to be well maintained, chances are the transmission was well maintained.
• Ask about the transmission or vehicle’s history - If possible, you should get a Carfax report on the vehicle with the transmission. This can help you find out if the vehicle has been in an accident or if the transmission has been damaged. Also, the Carfax report can show you the maintenance history of the vehicle.
• Get advice from a mechanic - Since a transmission can be a major investment, it is a good idea to bring a mechanic with you. A mechanic may be able to see things, in the transmission, that you might miss.

OTHER PARTS TO LOOK FOR WHEN BUYING A TRANSMISSION

If you are looking to buy a manual transmission, then you may be interested in buying a clutch. When it comes to all transmissions (both manual and automatic), there are certain parts that you may be interested in buying in addition to the transmission system:

• Transmission casting
• Torque converter
• Transmission pump
• Turbine
• Stator
• Torque converter clutch
• Planetary gears
• Brake bands and clutches

The above list are common parts found in a transmission. If you purchase an older transmission, then you may be interested in one or more of these parts to make sure that the transmission is in working order.