smartypants

Hi All :

With 98K on my 99 it looks like the transmission is totally pooched. Pulling away from a stop light, it seems to be in a higher gear than it should be and also getting really bad gear slippage. No CEL codes though but I'm thinking it's done.

Any chances it might be the torque converter ?

Has anyone had any experience with any re-builders in the GTA ? Anyone have any other brilliant thoughts on what I should do ?

YeuEmMaiMai

make SURE they do all of the updates. this means beeffed up differential gear and external oil filter along with 2nd gear oil jet

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

I'm not sure those updates are for the 4 speed.

smartypants

Thanks guys.

Yeah, I'm not sure those updates would apply to the 4-speed.

On a related note, is there such thing as a transmission rebuild kit from Honda ?

Thanks to all who reply !!

Mark.

victus1

Go and talk to Hi Tech transmissions in Markham. They replaced a rear main seal for me. From what they told me, they rebuild lots of TLs in house. So you don't get a swap with another tranny. They also replace engine mounts....I noticed a TL front mount on the floor of their shop.

smartypants

Thanks very much victus.

At least I know they'll know how to spell 3.2 TL......

smarty.

smartypants

Hi All :

I have a candidate rebuilder for my transmission, Altech Performance located in the west end. They have told me they have done many many TL's and specialize in Honda's. They also only use OEM factory Honda parts.

Has anyone used this place and can share their experiences ?

Thanks again to anyone who replies !!!

Smarty

victus1

Just wanted to add: wouldn't it be better and cheaper to swap in a used 06-07 Accord V6 transmission? You will spend a lot for a rebuild and still have the same fundamental problem which can cause early failure. A tranny swap is around $500-$600 labor + the price of a used AV6. You can also negotiate this price further by giving them your old tranny which they can rebuild and sell.

smartypants

Hi Victus :

I just don't know much about this swap. Is it "plug compatable" ? Are there ECU issues ? Then there's the issue of warranty plus buying a unit that you don't really know if it works ?

I'm not sure the complications would be worth the cost savings ? AllTech wants $2.2K to rebuild plus another $600 to do the timing belt.

Swapping the trans with a used one might cost ~~ $2K ?? ...with no warranty.

I'm open to saving money but I don't have the time or resources to "Frankenstien" my car


smarty.

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

If you have time and resources for a rebuild you have the same for a swap. Whatever warranty you get on the rebuild won't matter because the same issues will arise again. The accord swap is a known fix for our problematic transmissions. It may seem a better idea at first to get it rebuilt but sit and think for a minute. How much time does it save when you need it repaired again whether warrantied or not?? You will save now and in the future with the accord trans swap. Do a quick search and see how successful other members have been with it.

chuckton

If I'm not mistaken the accord swap isn't going to be as simple with his 99 as it will for the 00+. For his 99 which was the only year for the 4sp auto rebuid would be best and he shouldn't have any additional issues so long as the rebuild is done right and with the updated parts.

MilwaukeeDave

iTrader: (3)

Ok. Just do some research and find what your best bet will be. If that's true then get the rebuild done and just keep an eye on the fluid and how it's working. I had a problematic tranny rebuilt in my older SHO and it fucking went out again just outside the warranty. That really made me mad. Just be careful who you give your money too.

victus1

Ah yes, for a 99 the AV6 may not be a viable option.
Anyway, please keep us updated as to which shop you go to, how much you paid, and how satisfied you are with their service. This will really help others make an informed decision.

Also, some people have been saying to use kevlar clutches on a rebuild as they last longer. Ask the shop about this and see what they tell you.

smartypants

Current quote is $2,200 using only Honda OEM parts and a one year warrany. I've talked to the owner twice now and he seems a reasonable guy. Of course you never know until you get into trouble what the real customer experience will be.

He also says he's rebuilt several of these units and none have come back. Of course it would be nice to hear from someone who's actually dealt with this company.

As for kevlar clutches, I'm thinking straight OEM has lowest risk....

At this point they seem the logical choice.

smartypants

Thread update - Transmission now rebuilt and running for about a week. While it's early days, I think I can safely report that things are looking good.

I did not end up going with Alltech because they did not pass my on-site visit.

I ended up going with ANS transmission and while they are a small shop, I walked in the place and they were quite happy to show me around their shop. (ping !) They had an older Accord up on the hoist being worked on (ping !). They also had a separate small work area with two work benches on which transmissions were clearly being rebuilt (ping !) with trans parts all over the place. You might wonder why is this important ? I discovered in my research many "trans re-builders" remove and send the trans to another shop for the actual rebuild. While this is not all bad, it just gets complicated when there are warranty issues and you have two companies to deal with, plus both are getting margins off the same job usually resulting in higher costs to you.

At the end of the day the whole job cost me just under $2K for the trans rebuild plus timing belt kit install including all parts and labor. While I cannot predict what will happen to the trans in the mid to long term, I can report all is well at this very early stage.

BTW - With the rebuilt trans, I now know the early morning cold start significant "clunk" I've had for the last few years was a symptom of the trans going out, as it now no longer does this.

If anyone would like more details on my experiences or research, PM me and I will try and answer questions.