Transmission Rebuilds in Hickory, NC
We tear automatic transmissions down, inspect them and rebuild them on our own bench in Hickory. We don't swap in a unit and hope it works. Import and domestic, backed by a written warranty.
A rebuild is what we do most. When your transmission comes into our Hickory shop for an overhaul, it comes out of the vehicle and onto the bench. We take it apart completely, clean the case and look at every part. Worn frictions, steels, seals, gaskets and bushings get replaced. Drums, planetaries, the pump and the valve body get checked for wear, and anything that won’t hold up gets replaced as well. Then the unit is reassembled, the clearances are checked and the clutch circuits are air-tested before it goes back in your vehicle.
That’s the difference between a specialist and a parts swap. A general shop might quote a replacement unit and hope it fixes the problem. We find out why yours failed, whether that’s a burnt clutch pack, a worn pump or a leaking seal, and we fix that cause so it doesn’t happen again.
We rebuild import and domestic automatics, from the GM 4L60E, 4L65E and 4L80E to Ford’s E4OD and 5R110W, Ram’s 45RFE and 68RFE, the 6L80, and Aisin units in Toyotas and other imports. If you drive a work truck around the Catawba Valley, odds are we’ve had your transmission family on the bench.
We’ll be straight with you about timing. Some parts ship quickly and some don’t. You’ll get an estimate before we start, and we’ll call you with updates while your vehicle is here. Every rebuild is backed by a written warranty. Ask for the terms on your unit.
Not sure you need a rebuild? Start with a diagnosis. Sometimes the fix is smaller than you’ve been told.
Signs you may need this service
- Engine revs climb but the vehicle doesn't pick up speed (slipping)
- A long delay before it engages when you shift into Drive or Reverse
- Dark, burnt-smelling fluid, or metal and friction debris in the pan
- Harsh, banging or flaring shifts that keep getting worse
- Another shop has told you the transmission needs to be replaced
These are common signs — a real inspection is what confirms the cause.
What we check
- Fluid condition and the debris in the pan and filter
- Clutch packs, friction plates and steel plates
- Drums, bands, planetary gear sets, bushings and thrust washers
- Valve body, solenoids, seals and the pump
- Torque converter condition
- Cooler and cooler lines, so old contamination isn't pumped back into a fresh unit
How it works
- 1Diagnose first. We road test it, scan for codes and check the fluid to confirm a rebuild is the right fix.
- 2Pull the transmission and tear it down completely on the bench.
- 3Clean the case, inspect every hard part, then replace worn parts along with new frictions, seals and gaskets.
- 4Reassemble, check clearances and air-test the clutch circuits before the unit goes back in.
- 5Refill, road test and call you when it's ready to pick up.
Frequently asked questions
Is a rebuild better than a used transmission?
It depends on the vehicle, its mileage and your budget. A rebuild means every wear part inside your own unit is inspected, and the worn ones are replaced. On an older vehicle, a used unit can be a reasonable lower-cost choice. We'll explain both options and let you decide.
How long does a rebuild take?
It depends on the unit and how quickly parts arrive. Common domestic units often move faster. Some import and newer units need parts that take time to ship. We'll give you an honest estimate up front and call you with updates. If the timeline changes, we'll tell you.
Is the rebuild covered by a warranty?
Yes. Our rebuilds are backed by a written warranty. Coverage can vary by unit, so ask for the terms on your unit before work starts and we'll put them in writing.
Do you rebuild heavy-duty truck transmissions?
Yes. Pickup transmissions are a big part of our work, including GM 4L80E, Ford E4OD and 5R110W, and Ram 68RFE units. Call with your year, make and engine and we'll tell you what to expect.
Transmission acting up? Let’s find out why.
Tell us what your vehicle is doing and we’ll take it from there. The request takes a couple of minutes, or call and talk to the shop directly. Se habla español.