zoopzop

Pertaining to my 2007 Acura TL:

Hey guys! So, having the valve covers and AC compressor replaced at 265k miles. The mechanic and I got to talking. I mentioned the flare it's had when shifting from 2nd to 3rd since I got it at 189k miles. Needless to say it's gotten a lot worse though the car is still completely driveable - I just let off the gas when it's going to shift or make sure to shift in the RPM range that doesn't trigger the flare (under 2k or over 3.2k).

When the trans goes would it be a better idea to get a used trans off of eBay or pay a shop to rebuild the trans? Everyone around here (I'm in the DFW) is quoting me at about $3500 for a rebuild. My concern then is that, being right up against 300k miles, that another large component will go and that it'll really be an endless hamster wheel of repairs to an even greater degree than it has been. So far the car has been amazing.

Next to no rust, dash is not cracked, leather seats are not split. I've had body work done to it so the exterior is in really, really good shape. The only time it stranded me was when the timing belt tensioner on this garbage Dayco kit went out after like 40k miles and I was STILL able to make it to shelter.

Including purchase price and repairs I have averaged about $450 per month since I got it, so, it's not like I haven't been fixing it. Bought it for $3400, put about $15,000 into repairs in the last 3.5 years. It's just that with the amount that I drive (20,000+ miles per year) I have to wonder if it'd just be a better idea to buy a brand new Honda and call it a day. If the trans goes before 300,000 miles and I drop $3500 on it, it's like, jeeze, might as well drive it another 100,000 miles you know lol?

TheSauceBoss

This is just my personal opinion, but if it isn't broken (yet), don't fix it.

I get trying to be proactive. But honestly, your trans could fail tomorrow, or it could fail three years from now. If you're okay with sticking around to find out, I would just roll with it as is.

Somewhat related, do you do regular fluid changes on the trans? Have the 3rd and 4th gear pressure switches been replaced? It would suck if you thought you needed to replace the entire trans when it may actually be something less serious, like your 3rd gear pressure switch.

*edit*

I looked through your post history and it appears you've been experiencing issues with the trans for awhile, that appear to be more complex.

In which case, I still would keep driving the car until it dies. That being said, you have the luxury of it not being (currently) in a pickle. You have time, time to search for a junkyard transmission, an ebay transmission that is either used or rebuilt....you even time to rebuild one out-of-car on your own time. Whether you do that yourself, or have a shop do it, it could still save you a significant amount of money. Is that option for everyone? Of course not, because you then have two transmissions instead of one. But at that point, it is much easier and time-effective when the original goes to just drop and swap, instead of waiting on a turn around time.

It all comes down to what you can manage budget-wise, and how much time and money the car is actually worth to you.

Pair of TLs

+1 ^^^

Replace the pressure switches!

thoiboi

The flare sounds consistent with folks not having done fluid changes, try changing it to some GM Synchromesh FM fluid like others have suggested here: https://www.google.com/search?client...Aacurazine.com

I've heard great things about that

Pair of TLs

Isn't this for manuals trans?

For automatics, just use Honda fluid, and change it more often as the car gets older.

zoopzop

Yes, the previous owner sold it because they thought the trans was shot when all it needed was the clutch oil pressure sensors and the 3x3 flush. I have kept up on the trans fluid by draining out the 3 quarts, then filling it back up every like 20 or 30 thousand miles.

I was thinking the best overall would be to hunt for a trans on eBay, buy it, and just sit on it until I need it. Like you said, that could be a while. I have felt it slip here and there, so, on top of the flare it has, I'm thinking it does not have much time left. But, it's better to have it on hand than go literally two weeks without a car and try and scramble to find one.

Would something like this be a bad idea? I literally have no idea what to look for on a trans.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/28453315218...AAAOSwE~thla7g

I have trouble believing it has 37k miles on it given the cars are 15 years old now.

Especially considering that this one is the same price with 150k miles on it:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/12392852147...0AAOSwHP1dl12u

csmeance

Best bet is not to buy an unknown trans and to have yours rebuilt with the upgraded parts to avoid future failures. SONNAX Makes a trans shift kit for our cars, I believe translab too. Have you tried trans shops like AAMCO?

Pair of TLs

ITA with the group.

Shop around your local trans shops while you have time--one who will do the shift kit for $3500 and guarantee the work..

Don't buy a ??? trans from somebody ??? especially if you don't know exactly what you are looking at and then try to find someone to put it in and stand by it.
One single issue with that swap will cost you more than you think you are saving.

If you decide to sell it after a year, a rebuilt trans is a plus.

Personally, I'd shoot for the 300K mark!

zoopzop

Okay cool, so, rebuild it is. I found a place that will do it for $4,000 total that includes a 50,000 mile warranty or $3500 with a 24,000 mile warranty, but, I'll keep shopping around. Which kit would result in the smoothest shifts?? Here's to 999,999 miles!

Plot Twist: my motor goes first

Also, my shop that just did the valve covers, AC compressor and condenser was saying that because the car is from Michigan, a lot of shops will charge me extra to do work on it because the bolts are wayyyyy more rusty than what everyone is used to down here. Does that sound like BS or nah?

Superunknown

It's possible. One seized up bolt in the wrong place can add all sorts of headaches. They might have to break out things like torches, welders and bolt extractors and remove it destructively. If all it takes is some penetrating oil and a few extra minutes then no big deal. But you don't know which way it's gonna go until you try.

csmeance

The 50K mile warranty is a hedge on saving $500 so ask them if they use different parts or a just an extension. Make sure they do the kit for the valve body and the torque converter lockup as those cause lots of issues.

The bolts may break and you may have an extra $100 added for various supplies that are needed. Also ask shop if they notice the trans mounts are torn or any other issues. Did your mechanic notice a rear main seal leak by any chance? Perfect time to have it fixed with the trans being removed.

Pair of TLs

Agree. Some shops get blown trans jobs that the car wasn't cared for and have chunks of rust fall in their faces. That's extra!

Scottwax

The Translab shift kit definitely makes a difference. Quicker shifts without being harsh, both up and down.