785-357-7770 | 4000 SW Topeka Blvd Topeka, KS 66609
Transmission Repair Services
Smith Brothers Transmissions Transmission Repair Services
At Smith Brothers Transmissions, we understand the fear that often accompanies the mention of "transmission repair." Rest assured, there is hope. Whether you drive a manual or automatic vehicle, be it heavy-duty or low-range, your transmission plays a crucial role at the heart of your vehicle's drivetrain.
Responsible for translating the engine's power into forward motion, the transmission is a vital component. When issues arise with this critical part, it can permanently cripple your car. Fortunately, our seasoned experts possess extensive experience working on transmissions of all sizes and types.
To evade hefty transmission repair bills, follow the vehicle manufacturer's guidelines and have your transmission fluid flushed regularly. Your transmission houses numerous intricate moving parts that can rapidly deteriorate without proper lubrication. The best course of action is to let skilled technicians analyze your transmission fluid through sampling and predict when it will require replacement.
In some cases, our technicians don't have the opportunity to inspect a problem until after it has already occurred. While this situation may seem more severe than a routine transmission fluid change, it doesn't necessarily equate to disaster. Our technicians can systematically disassemble your transmission, identify any faults, and assess whether repairs are feasible. With access to an extensive network of parts suppliers, in-depth manufacturer knowledge, and expert repair skills, we can efficiently restore your transmission and get your vehicle back on the roads of Topeka, KS.
Our competitively priced transmission services include:
Automatic Transmission
Automatic transmissions shift gears seamlessly, optimizing driving performance by adjusting gears based on various factors. These transmissions typically feature four to five forward gear ratios, along with a Reverse, Park, and Neutral gear. Shifting between gears occurs automatically once the car is in Drive, eliminating the need for a clutch pedal or manual gear shifting, as in a Manual Transmission.
Given the complexity of automatic transmissions, issues should be meticulously assessed by professional auto mechanics.
Clutch
Your car's clutch serves the vital function of enabling the engine and gearbox to engage and disengage during gear changes. This process allows the engine's output shaft to keep spinning while relieving pressure on the gears, preventing them from shifting improperly.
After the next gear is smoothly selected, the clutch re-engages the engine and gearbox, restoring forward momentum. Over time, particularly in manual transmission vehicles operated incorrectly, the clutch can wear down, diminishing its effectiveness. A damaged clutch can lead to mid-gear change re-engagements of the engine and gearbox, which can significantly impact your transmission's health.
Four-Wheel Drive Transmission
Four-wheel drive (4x4) vehicles boast differential gears, front and rear axles, and a transfer case connected to the transmission. The maintenance of four-wheel drive vehicles necessitates care for the transfer case, front and rear differentials, and transmission fluids. For top-tier service regarding your four-wheel drive transmission, visit us at 4000 SW Topeka Blvd.
Front-Wheel Drive Transmission
In front-wheel drive vehicles, the engine exclusively drives the front wheels. Power flows through the transmission to the final drive, then splits and propels the two front wheels through the drive axles. Front-wheel drive vehicles position the engine, transmission, and related components at the front of the car. For front-wheel drive transmission repairs, rely on Smith Brothers Transmissions in Topeka, KS.
Manual Transmission
Manual Transmission vehicles involve the use of a clutch pedal and gear shift to manually change gears, determined by the vehicle's speed. Manual transmissions can encompass two to eight gears and are categorized into front-wheel drive and rear-wheel drive configurations. Typically, manual transmissions require less maintenance than automatic ones.
Transfer Cases
A transfer case is a component of four-wheel drive systems in four-wheel drive and all-wheel drive vehicles. It receives power from the transmission and directs it to both front and rear axles. Transfer cases can be chain-driven in most contemporary vehicles. These components connect to the transmission, front and rear axles through drive shafts to ensure maximum control.
Transmission Replacement
In motor vehicles, the term "transmission" usually refers to the gearbox. The transmission employs gears and gear trains to transmit speed and torque from a rotating power source to another device.
Vehicle owners can opt for the replacement of their car's transmission with a new, rebuilt, remanufactured, repaired, or used transmission. Our seasoned service technicians can guide you in making the best decision for your vehicle and budget.
Transmission Service, Diagnose and Repair
The transmission interfaces with key vehicle components and must function optimally for your safety. Transmission services include filter replacements and fluid drainage to prevent transmission damage.
Common transmission issues that may necessitate repairs include shifting problems, slipping, stalling, fluid leakage, and the illumination of the service light. If you suspect your vehicle may require transmission repair, do not hesitate to arrange an appointment with Smith Brothers Transmissions today.
Transmission Fluid FAQs
How often do you really need to change transmission fluid?
It's important to change your transmission fluid, but the type of transmission you have affects your ideal changing interval. Most cars on the road today have an automatic transmission. If you drive a car with an automatic transmission you need to change your transmission fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles. If your car has a manual transmission, it's recommended that you get the transmission fluid changed every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.What are signs that you need to change your transmission fluid?
The most obvious sign that it is time to change your transmission fluid is a warning light on the dashboard. Other signs may include the car's engine revving when you accelerate or go around corners, difficulty shifting, a chattering noise when you start driving, a slight burning smell or a puddle under your car. Like always, if you are uncertain about a noise, leak or feeling, we encourage you to bring your vehicle to us here at Smith Brothers Transmissions in Topeka.Does a car run better after transmission fluid change?
Yes. Changing your car's transmission fluid regularly is a great way to improve fuel efficiency. Your vehicle's transmission will run smoother after changing the fluid, which means your engine will perform better.What is the average life of a transmission?
Regular fluid changes, filter replacements, and following a proper maintenance schedule are crucial for maximizing transmission life. Neglecting these can significantly shorten its lifespan. Most modern automatic transmissions, with proper maintenance, can last anywhere from 100,000 to 200,000 miles. Manual transmissions typically last longer, often exceeding 250,000 miles with good care.Which type of transmission lasts the longest?
Opting for a manual transmission means simpler upkeep. They require less frequent servicing than automatics and aren't picky about specific oil types. Cars with stick shifts often enjoy a longer lifespan compared to their automatic siblings of the same model.To learn more about our Transmission services, call us at 785-357-7770 or request a quote by clicking below:
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I have a 1985 Chevy pickup that my dad bought new. He passed away in 2001 and the truck sat for years and was poorly taken care of, but today it only has 75k miles on it and I've gradually been spending more and more money on repairs. It's never going to be a "nice" truck, but it's mine. I live in Lawrence and a few days ago I was taking a tiller to Kansas City for repairs. I got to DeSoto and my transmission started acting up. I took all the back roads I could for the next 25 miles with a maximum speed of 30mph downhill. Somehow I made it home. I wasn't going to spend another two thousand dollars on a transmission for a 31 year old vehicle. I told a friend about my situation and he told me to go to Smith Brothers and that they were honest and would shoot me straight. I cleaned out everything I had in the truck and arranged for a tow. I happen to work for a company that provides tows across the U.S. so I was able to get my tow for free - if I had to pay for the tow, I probably would have just called a salvage company and took whatever scrap fee I could get. Seriously, how much is an '85 pick-up worth that only goes 25 mph? I called Smith Brothers and I asked them to give me a high and ow dollar estimate without ever seeing my truck but listening to my story. The low was $200 and and I can't honestly remember the high dollar estimate for a rebuilt transmission. All I could think about was it might only cost me $200 for repairs. I laughed on the phone and told them I'm not very lucky but would have my truck delivered to their shop. Yesterday, I got a call from Smith Brothers that my truck had been repaired. I hadn't even given them the go ahead to do the repairs. To my utter amazement, the total was $195 plus tax. Smith Brothers could have totally taken me for any amount they wanted to charge me. When it comes to transmissions, how much do most of us know about transmissions? I'm a good mechanic and can remember replacing my standard transmission on my Camaro decades ago and swapping out a straight 6-cylinder engine for a new 327 so it's not like I'm totally ignorant when it comes to car repairs. I was told my governor had stripped - whatever that meant. I spent the next hour watching YouTube videos on governor repairs. I'm still shocked that when I picked up my truck today that I got so incredibly lucky. While I was at their location, I was amazed to find out that they actually overhaul many of the transmissions right there in their shop. I remember paying $2500 for a transmission for a 2002 Explorer, but this company simply shipped off the bad transmission and replaced it with one from another vehicle. I showed up during the lunch hour and the phone rang constantly. The lot was jam packed and the stalls where full. All I could think about was that they took the time to diagnose and fix my 85 pick-up for $200. As I was leaving, Kyle told me they were moving soon. I told Kyle it didn't matter where they moved to, I would find them! Thank you Kyle, Rick and Matt. I only got to meet Kyle personally but spoke with Matt and Rick on the phone. Please, keep doing what you are doing. I may never need transmission work again, but if I do I'm going to Smith Brothers. Thank you tons!!!
Chris
It's been nearly a year since my transmission was worked on - my car runs better now then it did over a decade ago. Smith Brothers was suggested to me by two auto shops I use. It was also the lowest of three bids for my transmission work. Not only has the work been solid but they took additional steps to save me an extra few hundred once they found related transmission issues. I have, and will continue, to direct friends and family to this establishment.
Herm S
These folks top the charts in the transmission repair world...very precise and dedicated to excellence
RI
Testimonials
Taylor Phelps , 03/10/2021
Our Buick Enclave all of a sudden would not start, we were able to get it started luckily, we dropped it off with them on a whim, they diagnosed the issue for us in a great amount of time, A++. Then the replacement of diagnosed part ( Starter ) was also done quick, we had minimal down time with our vehicle, this is also our primary family vehicle as we are a family of six and our other car is a small Ford Focus, lol. But overall great service and time, would recommend, and I have recommended. Oh! Let's not forget price. The cost of diagnostic and parts and labor, was definitely under expected price. I can usually do most maintenance on my vehicles, however electrical systems are the hardest to diagnose and I did think it was the starter, but didn't want to chase gremlins, and with proximity to the transmission and lack of equipment to lift vehicle, this would have been a headache for me, and was definitely worth the price. I won't give the price. You ask why? Well, you cannot compare, diagnostic time, work time, labor intensity all changes with each vehicle, which does include the same model and year. Our vehicle had no code, yours could, sometimes even with codes, the problem seen may not really be the problem, there could be ten things causing one thing to fail when it's actually fine. So, bottom line, if you have the time and money, sure, do it yourself. However if your like most people (like me) the benefit of time and accuracy definitely make the service here worth more than I paid. I may be returning for front suspension work, I could do it, but I'd rather spend my one day off with family. Also my history with vehicles is definitely not novice, I've worked on my father's drag car, I've done most maintenance on my own vehicles and have done oil, brakes, alternator, rebuilt carbs on older cars, replaced crankshaft bearings, harmonic balance. Rebuilt the top end of my 83 AMC eagle station wagon, bored my father's 82 power ram 50, replaced most of chassis on 67 cougar (frame has rust now -_-, ) so I'm no slump when it comes to mechanics, I just value family time!