Steve's Transmissions

Many automatic transmissions use torque converters to transfer power to your transmission. Torque converters can have a variety of troubles, like worn bearings, but a transmission expert can repair any damage to your torque converter that would hurt your transmission.

Transmission problems will behave differently depending on whether you're driving a manual or automatic transmission. Fortunately, transmission specialists are experts at both manual and automatic transmissions, so they can help figure out what's wrong no matter what kind you use.

While there may be those who contend that transmission fluid does not need to changed, here’s the inside story: The workings inside your transmission wear down and deposit bits of metal and plastic that contaminate the fluid. Flushing and changing the transmission fluid keeps it clean.

Is your transmission having trouble getting into first gear from a stop or while changing other gears? This could be anything from transmission fluid problems to shift cables or clutch linkage issues. Whatever the problem, a transmission expert can fix it.

Automatic transmission fluid that is in good condition is clear and red, has a mildly sweet aroma, and does not smell burned. When you check the transmission fluid dipstick, dark or dirty looking fluid, or fluid that smells burned needs to be replaced.

A sign of a problem with the transmission in an automatic is when it changes gears; shuddering, slipping, and shimmying are warnings that there may be a problem, and it should not be ignored. Fix a small problem before it becomes a major headache.

The check engine light is connected to a number of different sensors, and that includes sensors for your transmission. If it comes on for a transmission problem, the issues can get really serious really quickly, so you should get it to a transmission expert.

A main feature of the automatic transmission is the planetary gearset, which creates all of the different gear ratios that the transmission can produce. The three main components of this gearset are the sun gear, the planet gears and the planet gears’ carrier, and the ring gear.

Your car's transmission bridges the gap between the engine and the driveshaft. The complicated nature of the transmission means it gets a lot more wear and tear than other parts of the engine from the heat and friction of moving parts.

While all automobile transmissions perform the same function, their structure and assemblage vary slightly among manufacturers. Because our technicians are trained on all makes and models, we will be able to handle any problems that arise.

In addition to causing heat buildup in the transmission, when the transmission fluid is low or broken down, it does not lubricate as it should and can cause gears and bearings to wear down to the point where the transmission will need to be rebuilt or replaced.

Transmission issues can be a lot more dangerous than your car just not moving, such as losing power while driving on the freeway. This is why it's better to be safe than sorry and take your car to a transmission expert at the first sign of trouble.

If you notice oil stains on your driveway under your car, it is either engine oil or transmission fluid. Engine oil is brown or blackish; transmission fluid is red. If you cannot tell the color, place a piece of clean cardboard under the car. If the spots are red, bring your car in for a diagnostic transmission check.