How You Can Save Money By Replacing Your Own Car's Transmission |
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John Markus
September 22, 2012
When it comes to auto repairs, things can start getting pretty pricey very fast. Every time you take your car into the shop, you have to worry about labor fees and product markups, in addition to anything else you may be charged for at the shop. When you add everything up, the cost of a minimal repair may seem like a lot of money. But what if you learned how to do the repair on your own? When considering time and equipment requirements, some auto repairs may be more practical to take into the shop, but there are some things you may be able to do on your own.
In the case of replacing a car's transmission, with a little practice and some basic guidelines, you may find that you have what it takes to get it done on your own. This could save you a lot of money, especially if you can find a quality used transmission for your vehicle. When you endeavor to replace your vehicle's transmission, you will want to make sure you have all the detailed instructions that you need, just to make sure you get it all put in perfectly. Here are some general instructions for transmission replacement, just to give you an idea of what you should expect.
Tools You Will Need
When you need to replace a transmission, there are a few specific tools you will need. You may be surprised at how many of these you already have out in the tool shed. You will need:
*A basic wrench set
*Jack stands and a floor jack
*A jack specific for the transmission-"Transmission jack"
*A torque converter holding tool
With your tools handy and a convenient working area, you are ready to begin.
Replacing A Transmission
Replacing an automatic transmission is going to be slightly different than it would be for a manual, so make sure you have the right instructions for your vehicle. In either case, you will use the floor jack to lift the car off the floor. Once it is lifted, you will use the jack stands to keep the vehicle securely in place. With the vehicle secure, you will remove any connectors, and the speedometer cable, from the transmission. Make sure to mark or carefully remember where everything goes so you can put it back together correctly.
Use the transmission jack to lift the transmission. With the old transmission completely unhooked, and the vehicle secure, you should be able to lift the old transmission out of the vehicle. With the old transmission properly removed, you are ready to begin replacing it with the new one.
With the new transmission placed on the jack, you can raise it into position. It is very important to make sure you put all the connectors and speedometer gear back into the right position, so be very careful. With your new transmission properly installed, you can carefully remove the jack stands and use the floor jack to lower the vehicle back to the ground.
As you can see, with some simple guidelines, some patience, and a willingness to work, you can save a lot of money by replacing your own transmission.
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John enjoys tinkering with his cars, and writing about many subjects including the automotive industry. Click to visit http://www.woodfins.com/Makes/242-Transmission.html which is a great resource for used transmissions.