Transmission Rebuild
In many cases, a transmission rebuild is the most cost-effective way to fix a failing transmission. SM Transmissions rebuilds automatic, manual and CVT units in-house at our Irving, TX shop, starting at $1,795 with parts, labor and installation included.
In-House Transmission Rebuilding in Irving, TX
The technicians at SM Transmissions excel at transmission rebuilding for all makes and models of Asian, European and domestic cars, trucks and SUVs. Unlike many shops that send units out or swap in a remanufactured unit from a catalog, we tear down and rebuild your transmission in our own shop. That keeps costs lower, keeps quality under our control, and means the person who diagnosed your vehicle is the person who rebuilds it.
If our free diagnostic determines that a rebuild is the best way to get your car back on the road, you receive a full report of the findings and a written estimate before any work begins. We believe in transparency and integrity in all our work, which is why our rebuilds are backed by warranties up to an unlimited-mileage lifetime warranty on labor.
What a Transmission Rebuild Includes
- Removal of the transmission and torque converter from the vehicle
- Complete disassembly, cleaning and inspection of every hard part: case, pump, planetary gear sets, drums, shafts and valve body
- Replacement of all soft parts: clutches, steels, bands, seals, gaskets, O-rings and filter
- Replacement of any worn or damaged hard parts, bushings and bearings
- Manufacturer updates and known-failure upgrades applied where they exist for your unit
- Torque converter replaced or rebuilt
- Reassembly to factory specifications, reinstallation, correct fluid and adaptive relearn
- Road test and final inspection before the vehicle is returned
Rebuild vs. Replace vs. Repair: Which Do You Need?
Repair is the answer when the diagnostic isolates one failed component such as a solenoid, valve body, seal or torque converter and the rest of the unit checks out. Rebuild is the answer when internal clutches, bands or hard parts are worn, which is what most slipping and overheating problems come down to. Replacement with a new or remanufactured unit is rarely necessary and usually the most expensive path. It makes sense mainly when the case is cracked or the unit is so damaged that rebuilding costs more than a replacement.
Transmission Replacement Cost vs. Rebuild Cost
Dealerships typically quote a new or remanufactured transmission rather than a rebuild, and the price reflects it. Because we rebuild in-house and reuse the good hard parts already in your unit, a rebuild at SM Transmissions is usually a fraction of a dealer replacement quote. Bring us the dealer estimate and we will tell you honestly whether a rebuild is the better option for your vehicle.
Free Transmission Diagnostic Before Any Rebuild
Before performing an invasive transmission rebuild we complete thorough diagnostics, including a free initial evaluation with a computer scan, fluid inspection, pressure test and road test. Our findings may show that simple transmission maintenance solves the issue, that a targeted repair is enough, or that a rebuild is necessary. Either way, you know why.
How Much Does a Transmission Rebuild Cost?
Transmission rebuild cost at SM Transmissions starts at $1,795 including parts, labor and installation. The final price depends on the type of transmission (a 4-speed domestic automatic costs less to rebuild than a 9-speed, a CVT or a dual-clutch), the extent of hard-part damage found on teardown, and whether the torque converter is replaced. Every rebuild comes with a written estimate up front, no hidden costs, and we work directly with extended warranty companies and insurance carriers.
Automatic Transmission Rebuilding
Automatic transmission rebuilding is what we do most. Our team rebuilds conventional automatics for all makes and models, applying the factory updates and known upgrades for your specific unit so the rebuilt transmission holds up better than the original did.
Manual Transmission Rebuilding
If your manual transmission grinds into gear, pops out of gear or has a bearing whine, we rebuild manual gearboxes too, including synchronizers, bearings, seals and shafts. We also handle clutch and flywheel replacement while the transmission is out.
CVT Transmission Rebuilding
Yes, a CVT can be rebuilt. We rebuild continuously variable transmissions for Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Mitsubishi, replacing the belt or chain, pulleys, bearings, valve body and seals as needed. It is a specialty most shops avoid. See our CVT transmission repair page for details.
Transmission Rebuild Warranty
Rebuilds are backed by warranties up to an unlimited-mileage lifetime warranty on labor, depending on the vehicle and job. The specific warranty for your rebuild is written on your estimate, so there are no surprises. Call (214) 854-1901 to schedule your free diagnostic in Irving.
Transmission rebuilds from $1,795
Parts, labor and installation included. Final price depends on the transmission type and what the teardown finds. Written estimate before any work.
- Free diagnostic and written estimate
- Free towing in DFW with repair
- Warranties up to unlimited-mileage lifetime on labor
- Extended warranty and insurance claims handled
How we rebuild a transmission
Teardown and inspection
The unit comes out and comes apart. Every hard part is cleaned, measured and inspected.
Soft parts and worn hard parts
All clutches, steels, bands, seals and gaskets replaced; worn hard parts, bushings and bearings corrected.
Updates and reassembly
Manufacturer updates applied, torque converter replaced or rebuilt, reassembled to spec.
Install, relearn, road test
Reinstalled with the correct fluid, adaptive relearn completed, road tested before pickup.
Transmission Rebuild FAQs
Cost, turnaround, warranty and what a rebuild really includes.
How much does it cost to rebuild a transmission?
Rebuilds at SM Transmissions start at $1,795 including parts, labor and installation. The final price depends on the transmission type, hard-part damage found on teardown, and whether the torque converter is replaced. You get a written estimate before work begins.
How long does it take to rebuild a transmission?
Turnaround depends on the unit and parts availability. We give you a firm timeline with the written estimate and keep you updated while the vehicle is in the shop. Because rebuilding is done in-house, we are not waiting on an outside shop.
How long does a rebuilt transmission last?
A properly rebuilt transmission with all soft parts replaced, worn hard parts corrected and factory updates applied should last as long as a new unit when it is maintained with regular fluid service. Our rebuilds carry warranties up to an unlimited-mileage lifetime warranty on labor.
Is a rebuilt transmission the same as a remanufactured one?
No. A rebuild repairs your own transmission, replacing worn parts and reusing the good ones. A remanufactured unit is a different transmission assembled elsewhere and swapped in. Rebuilding is usually less expensive and keeps the work in our shop.
Can you rebuild a CVT transmission?
Yes. We rebuild CVTs from Nissan, Honda, Toyota, Subaru and Mitsubishi in-house, including belt or chain, pulley, bearing, valve body and seal replacement.
Do you work with extended warranty and insurance companies?
Yes. We gladly work with extended warranty providers and insurance companies and handle the claim paperwork with you.
Is towing included?
Towing is free anywhere in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex when SM Transmissions performs the rebuild.