What happens when someone rebuilds a transmission... and how do I tell if mine should be rebuilt or if I should just get a new one? Mine'* original at 130K. Is a rebuild just taking it apart and straightening it out or something? Sorry, I have no idea.

Rebuilds vary, depending on the condition of the internal parts when the trans is brought to them. At every rebuild, there is a kit that includes all the known gaskets, friction plates, and steel clutches. But there are pieces that these kits do not include, things like thrust washers (plastic washers that tend to be the first pieces that let go in a transmission), and other little tidbits.

After that, there are what are called "hardparts". These would include any gears, shafts, pistons, vavle bodes, and any other non-plastic pieces that are in transmissions. The rebuilder will clean and inspect all these parts, and toss out any part that is deemed unserviceable. This is why transmission rebuilds can vary in price so much. It all depends on whether or not the transmission just needs to be freshened up, or needs a complete overhaul due to lack of maintanance or abuse.

EDIT: Some transmission shops will teardown, inspect, and diagnose for free. BUT, the labor and parts to put it back together isn't. No shop can tell you exactly what is wrong with a transmission w/o tearing it apart first, which makes trans rebuilds an "all or nothing" affair.

Let'* keep in mind the thrust washers Brad mentions are common in his model of transmission which is not the same as Rachael'*. We haven't seen the same types of problems with thrust washers. (I don't want people to be scared about the kit not normally containing them, since a shop would replace them automatically if they need to be replaced)

Rach.. At 130K your transmission may or may not be in need. A new transmission is that..brand new parts 100% through. A rebuild looks at all the parts, replaces the normal wear items and then inspects and replaces any other parts that need to be replaced. If done well and properly..a rebuild is as good as a new transmission w/o the high cost.

hmmm okay thanks!