How to Choose the Right Used Transmission

Know the vehicle specifications

Research the make, model, and other specifications of your vehicle. Make sure the transmission matches these specifications. Examine the engine type. Transmissions are sometimes designed to suit particular engines, so ensure the engine type fits the transmission. Also, look for transmission types that would suit your vehicle. There are three types of transmissions: manual, automatic, and semi-automatic. Thus, you should consider what kind of transmission your car uses.

Compatibility

After understanding the vehicle's specifications, cross-check it with the transmission you plan to buy. For this step, you can seek help or expert advice from a mechanic to determine that it is the exact specification. An incompatible transmission can lead to grave repairs and problems.

Reputation of the Seller

Always opt for a certified seller. If not, there is a huge chance of getting scammed or cheated. Look for certified auto part dealers and junkyards where you can find your perfect match. Turbo Auto Parts is a similar consolidator, which you can choose based on reputation and quality. We offer a 3-year part warranty on each used transmission and used engine. We also deliver your order free all around the U.S. So, if one does not want to get cheated with a defective product, always go for a reputable seller.

Warranty

Check whether the transmission comes with a sufficient warranty. This is a crucial feature because only the firms that have inspected the transmissions well will confidently give you a warranty over that product. At Turbo Auto Parts, our experts inspect every auto part and ensure its quality and durability before selling it. Thus, we give a standard three-year part warranty on our products. The basic is a minimum 30-day warranty. If the seller doesn't offer that, understand that there is some kind of trouble with the product.

Mileage

The used transmission's mileage is an essential factor to be considered. A transmission with low mileage will perform better and, hence, be more durable. Thus, opting for a transmission that has not run more than 100,000 miles is right. A transmission with more than that will require more repairs and maintenance costs. So, it is wise to choose a used transmission with less mileage.

Documentation

Verify the history of the used transmission. Proper documentation is necessary for this process. Consider the maintenance records to help you better understand the fluid change and filter replacement. Also, note some essential details about the previous owner and their usage patterns, such as performance and accident history.

Inspect the transmission

After considering the criteria mentioned above, it is also essential to do some tests to ensure the quality of the transmission. Some crucial tests are:

Visual inspection

Look for cracks and corrosion in its exterior body. Check the seals and gaskets for any signs of wear. Also, examine the transmission 's level. The transmission fluid should be clear, reddish, and not burned. If not, it is a sign of overheating or internal damage. It means leaks or any other related issues.

Check for leaks

Check for leakage. This could be tested by pouring fluid into the transmission. If it drips out, it means there is a leak. So, when looking for a used transmission, always examine it for leaks before opting for it.

Compression test

This step could evaluate the used transmission's internal condition. Experts and professionals should do these tests. This step is necessary only for manual transmissions run by manual gear changing.

Electronic diagnostic test

Error codes are diagnosed using a diagnostic scanner connected to the vehicle's OBD-II port. This test can help understand issues that might not be visible through physical inspection.

Functional tests

Torque Converter test

When the torque converter is manually rotated in a good used transmission, it should run smoothly and not make any noises. If it is rough to rotate, that could also be caused by internal issues. In addition to this, look for any visible damage on the torque converter, too.

Input/output shafts

Like the torque converter, rotate the input/output shaft by hand and look for smooth movement with no grinding. If there are any grinds, it means that the gears or bearings are damaged. Also, go for axial movement with the shafts. A little movement is normal, but too much can be because of internal damage.

Mechanical tests

Shift test

Manually gear and check whether each gear is smooth without grinding or delay.

Magnet inspection and Pan inspection

Check for large shavings or chunks of metal particles inside the pan. Also, remove the transmission pan and check for similar excessive metal shaving, wearing, or damage.

Conclusion

Choosing a used transmission over a new one is a wise decision, but to become smart, you should employ specific steps and tests to ensure that the transmission you bought is in good condition. Do cross-check for compatibility, warranty, and the reputation of the seller. Also, consider the documentation and proper inspection through tests. In this way, you can ensure the quality of the purchased transmission.

Turbo Auto Parts makes this process easy. With lakhs of satisfied customers' trust, Turbo delivers top-quality used engines and transmissions all around the U.S. Our collaboration with 5000 junkyards nationwide helps us provide auto parts of any make, model, year, and size at the most affordable rate. We also offer a 3-year part warranty and a 100% refund policy for all our products.

So next time you need a replacement for your transmission. Just log in to turboautoparts.com