Showing posts with label transmission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label transmission. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Transmission Rebuild, Repair, or Replacement?

When a transmission fails, there are multiple ways the problem may be addressed. Knowing your options may help you decide which one is the best is for you.

Transmission Rebuild

Transmission rebuild means that the transmission will be disassembled and inspected. The damaged or worn parts are replaced until it reaches factory specifications. This may involve replacing not only the rubber gasket and bands, but also replacing any damaged moving parts in the transmission as well. However, transmission rebuild may be more complicated due to the nature of transmissions and the changes. Transmission rebuild lies on the fact that you can rebuild your transmission with updated parts that manufacturers created to address any weaknesses in the initial system.

Transmission Repair

When you go for transmission repair, you would want to consider more risks. Compared to a rebuild, transmission repair consists of replacing the minimum amount of parts to make the transmission operational. When failure causes too much damage within the transmission, repair may not be the best option. However, for many transmission malfunctions, a repair is all that is needed to get many more dependable miles of service.

Transmission Replacement

When luck is not in your hands when it comes to transmissions, you most likely will need a transmission replacement. However, you most likely will not be able to find truly “new” transmissions, as those are almost always exclusively for the production of new cars. If you purchase a transmission from the dealer, you’ll be getting a remanufactured transmission, which undergoes the same process as transmission rebuild, but a specialized, factory setting.

With all these options given, there is one question that you should ask yourself: “Is it worth the pay?” If you choose a quality specialist, then it certainly will be. But remember: an accurate price quote cannot be given to you without a proper diagnosis. So it is best for you to ask for a diagnostic run before you choose since actual prices will depend on the quality of the replacement parts and the amount and type the transmission has.

Sunbelt Valve Body Builder
 4819 N Cortez Ave. Tampa, FL 33614
(813)961-5560


Wednesday, March 26, 2014

What to do with a Blown Transmission

If there is one thing that car owners would not want to hear from their mechanic, that will be: YOUR TRANSMISSION IS BLOWN. Who would ever want to have a blown transmission? Nevertheless, this thing can happen and no one is exempted from having a blown transmission in Tampa FL. You just have to find yourself a very good transmission specialist to help you deal with the problem.

The transmission is the part that is most responsible for most of the vehicle’s engine functions and capabilities. As such, a blown transmission sets everything aback. Not only does it require a huge amount of money, it also causes a lot of setbacks to the car owner. This being said, preventing a transmission problem before it transforms into a major transmission disaster can spell the difference between a five hundred dollar minor auto repair to a five thousand dollar major car overhaul.


You know you are having problems with your transmission when you start having a hard time shifting gears. In cases of manual transmissions, there are instances when it just slips or shifts into neutral gear on its own. Because the transmission is a very important part of any vehicle, car owners should be responsible enough to remember to have a transmission specialist check it every 12,000 to 15,000 miles.

Another sign of transmission problem is when you encounter problems when starting the engine. A car with a blown transmission has a trouble turning over the ignition. It will be better to have your car checked when this happens.

Another tip that a transmission specialist in Tampa FL shared is that vibrations, trembles, and other car stuttering motions while your car is in motion can signal a poor tuning of your engine or a major transmission problem. Another sign that you need to look at is failure to accelerate even if you have applied significant pressure on the gas pedal. While these things may mean you are about to face a blown transmission, these can also mean that you are having a complete engine failure. Both scenarios are not good so you better be very observant and keen on what happens with your car.

While a leak from underneath the car may be a problem with the engine’s oil, it can also be a leak in the transmission fluid used to lubricate the gears as it shifts from one to the other. A leak in transmission fluid can lead to overheating of the engine as well as permanent electrical systems damage. You can do some first aid and use a stop leak solution mixed into the fluid; however, it will still be best to seek professional help in Tampa FL.

These are but warning signs that could help you figure out when you are having transmission problems that can lead to a blown transmission. The best thing to do when you observe any of these signs is to go to the nearest transmission specialist near you. Nothing can beat the services that industry professionals can give you.

Calvin's  Transmissions
6204 North Nebraska Avenue 
Tampa, FL 33604

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Save Up With Preventive Maintenance

If you pay proper attention to your car’s preventive maintenance and its other essential needs, you will save a lot of time, money and aggravation by avoiding some expensive transmission and body repairs. Here are some of the things you might want to know and that you can do yourself.

Check you batteries. Many batteries and transmission are so advanced they no longer require much maintenance. To be safe on this issue, however, you should know where your car battery is located and check it periodically to make sure it is not leaking acid and has adequate water to reduce the occurrence of overheating. Most batteries have a condition indicator that displays different colors to indicate how it’s functioning. It is best to know which one is your vehicle’s signal.

Antifreeze. Antifreeze keeps the transmission temperatures stable in all climate extremes and driving conditions. Always be sure you have the right level of antifreeze because fooling around with the cooling of your car’s complex transmission is an unnecessary risk. Invest on preventive maintenance such as fluids and other handy parts in your trunk in cases of emergencies. Antifreeze should be added when the engine is cool. Use a funnel as you would when adding motor oil to avoid splashing this greenish, toxic chemical on other parts of the car.

Tire alignment. To receive accurate assessment of your tire alignment, bring your car to a pro and have it put on a computerized tester. Having this test done every few weeks is also part of the preventive maintenance. You can also do this by testing the alignment on a flat street. Do not stir the car for a few seconds; if you notice that the car veers in one direction and you need to manually keep your car driving straight, make an alignment appointment with your trusted mechanic.

Air filter problems. Air filters are essential for your transmission. The air filter is on the engine are intake and prevents dust and dirt from entering the engine. Taking preventive maintenance on this part would include regular replacements and weekly or monthly cleaning.

When time comes to sell your car or make repairs, maintaining some of these basic areas will really pay off.

Calvin's Transmission
6204 North Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604
813-231-2171

Monday, January 27, 2014

Transmission and Diagnostics: Keeping a Safe Wheel

It is difficult to understand the causes of transmission slipping and what you could do to fix it once you are in the middle of the road. So before anything happens, get yourself informed.

There are two types of transmissions: a manual transmission that uses a clutch and is operated by the driver to change gears, and an automatic transmission that changes gear ratios as the vehicle moves. Both types of transmission can experience slipping especially if the vehicle hasn’t undergone proper diagnostics and repairs. See how things work under the hood and how to avoid unwanted stopping in the middle of a traffic jam.

  • ·   Identifying Transmission Slip- diagnostics play a huge role in transmission repair; the common sign of transmission slip is when the revolutions per minute increases at an unwanted rate, when the vehicle is taking too much time to change gear, and also problems involving the brakes. All these are explained by the transmission not properly transmitting to the internal combustion engine. There are two major causes of transmission slip: poor clean up or repairs on the defective parts, and the most important, the lack of transmission fluid. These problems can be easily identified and put into action with early diagnostics. For automatic transmission, problems are easily identified through a program that is set for the type of vehicle. In manual transmission, more work is given to mechanical engineers or technicians to do the work under the hood.
  • ·    Fixing Transmission Slip Problems- the easiest and most dependable way in fixing transmission slip is by keeping transmission fuels enough to keep those arts moving and changing smoothly. When worn out parts or defective parts are felt, make sure to have them replaced as soon as possible. Sometimes, readjustments are just needed to save more.
  • ·     Transmission maintenance- all the problems mentioned above can be avoided by being extra careful when driving and with proper maintenance. Never ride the brakes; letting your foot rest on the brake will make moving forward difficult for your transmission. The need to bring your car to a full stop before changing gear will lessen strains on the transmission as it moves at one direction.

 Diagnostics, maintenance, and repairs go together in keeping your transmission at its best. Never will you be scared to travel long distance again.

Guy's Automotive
3049 West Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa, FL 33614
813-353-1537

Friday, November 22, 2013

Transmission Preparations for the Winter Season

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Walking in a winter wonderland is not the best choice during blizzard storms in Brandon, FL. The more slippery and dangerous the roads become, the more your transmission needs to be in the right shape. Coping with the cold, snow and ice are the main requirements for your transmission preparations.
  • Battery and electrics- headlights and wipers require a huge amount in your car’s battery; as you drive through the harsh road at a high-speed, the faster your transmission wares out. It is necessary for you to avoid running electrical systems any longer than necessary; not only are you saving energy, but also are you saving yourself from transmission breakdown.
  • Antifreeze- if you notice a squealing noise as soon as the engine is started; then your water pump is in need for an anti-freeze; also, the frost bite can prevent the coolant to circulate through the transmission, making it easier for the transmission to overheat even in a few miles. Antifreeze products are great deals but it is advisable for you to use only one type.
  • Visibility and vision- as you drive through the snowfall, you will notice that the fog and mist contributes to the interrupted view. Also, sticky car windows are more difficult to clear out; make sure to clean both the inside and out of your windshield and add on some polishes to reduce sticky shields. Another issue of this matter are your headlights; make sure that the bulbs are new and the lenses are clean too. Your wipers will surely appreciate your efforts in helping clear out heavy debris and your transmission will thank you for the lighter job it requires.
  • Tires- It is obvious that your tires are in need of replacement during this kind of weather. Special winter tires are needed to reduce the need for your transmission to exert extra effort for them to get through the thick snowy road and add on to the safety of you and your family. Winter tires are made with higher silica content in the tread which prevents it from hardening at lower temperature and saves your transmission from the extra work.

Enjoy your winter trip by keeping your family safe and your vehicle ready for any circumstance.



Calvin's Transmission
6204 North Nebraska Avenue, Tampa, FL 33604
813-231-2171
http://www.calvinstransmissions.com/

Thursday, May 30, 2013

Automotive Recommendations For Gear Shifting Problems


Problems when shifting gears are very common in the automotive industry. This problem stems from glitches in the vehicle’s transmission and can easily be solved by an experienced mechanic in Brandon FL. Here are some automotive troubleshooting steps when dealing with gear shifting problems:
  1. Start your engine. Set the engine’s throttle right and a thorough and complete inspection. A diesel with a weak acceleration can use fuel injectors. It is important to fix acceleration and power issues before pursuing any automotive solutions to problems encountered when shifting gears. 
  2. Start with the basics. More often than not, problems when shifting gears start with the most basic automotive repair issues at hand. Since most automatic cars running in diesel use vacuum to modulate and control the shifting of gears, check the vacuum system of your vehicle. There may be loose connections in your vacuum lines. You can also use vacuum gauge to see if there are any vacuum leaks. If you do not see problems with the basic stuff, then go and see your mechanic in Brandon FL.
  3. Inspect switchover valve assemblies. Remove the black cover that protects the valve assembly. Inspect the valve assembly for any damages and leaks. Worn off levers, leaks in the input shaft seals, as well as loose or cracked connecting hoses should be accounted. Rebuild the valve assembly using overhaul kits available in various auto repair shops in Brandon FL. This is essential before you proceed to any transmission shift debugging.
  4. Replace your vacuum modulator. Consult your mechanic about this automotive troubleshooting guide. It is important that the vacuum modulator be replaced once it starts to show problems. Afterwards, reset the modulation pressure to the right level. Proper modulation pressure is vital to achieving smooth transmission shifting timing.
  5. Fine tune your transmission regularly for optimum performance. Once you have followed the steps listed above, consult your automotive mechanic about regular tune-up sessions. Fine tuning your transmission ensures that the shift patterns will give optimum timing performance. Automotive repair concerning transmissions does not need rocket scientists. All you have to do is have a presence of mind and keen observation of details.

If you other questions regarding problems when shifting gears, it is best to contact your automotive mechanic or an auto repair shop in Brandon FL. No one can fully answer your questions except for the most experienced mechanic in the field.




Clarke Automotive Systems
131 Central Dr. Brandon, FL 33510
813-685-2939
http://www.clarkeauto.net/