Rest assured that your car is in the expert hands of our trained transmission technicians who are experience in transmission repair Surrey, transmission repair Tsawassen, clutch repair Surrey & clutch repair Tsawassen. Whether you're looking for Transmission repair Burnaby, Clutch repair Vancouver or Differential repair Ladner, we specialize in complete rebuilding of all makes of automatic and standard transmissions. Standard transmission clutch replacements which include NEW Clutch disc, pressure plate, release bearing and machine flywheel. We carry a complete supply of new, used and rebuild differential crown and pinion sets, bearing kits, axles, seals and U-joints. We have complete computer diagnostic equipment, and an Authorized Lubrico Extended Warranty. Come see us for a Free Estimate.
AUTOMOTIVE REPAIR & TRANSMISSION SERVICE
Hey clutch repair Tsawassen or transmission repair Tsawassen, the next time you have trouble with your car, minivan or light truck, bring it on over to 12520 Vickers Way in Richmond, (Near Ikea) and let our experienced technicians take a look! Burnaby transmission repair, Vancouver clutch repair, Ladner Differential repair; should You Fix Up or Trade Up? Repairing an old car is almost always less expensive than buying a new one. Though a high repair bill is discouraging, it is likely a better financial decision than buying new.
Unique Specialization in Domestic AND Imports:
Premier Automotive provides the best in quality and service for all domestic and Import makes Premier Automotive will repair your vehicle right the first time! We take great pride in delivering honest, trustworthy import car repair and customer service.Premier Automotive offers the following services:
Car Care Services
- Distributorless Ignition
- Fuel Injection
- Ignition
- Ignition Wires & Cables
- Oil, Lube, and Filter
- Spark Plugs
Under-Car Services
- Alignment
- Anti-lock Brakes
- Brakes
- Chassis
- Driveline
- Exhaust
- Shocks
- Tires
Electronic Services
- Computer
- Diagnostic
- Drivability
- Engine Control
Internal Engine Services
- Cylinder Block
- Cylinder Head
- Timing
Transmission Services
- Automatic
- Clutches
- Four-wheel Drive
- Front-wheel Drive
- Manual
General Services
- Domestic General Repair
- Fleet Repairs - Gas or Diesel
- Import General Repair
- Off-Road
Heating & Cooling
- Air Conditioning
- Belts & Hose
- Radiators
Electrical Services
- Batteries
- Starters & Alternators
Heavy Duty Services
- Engine Overhaul
- Maintenance
Miscellaneous Services
- After hours drop off
- Free local shuttle service with repairs by appointment
- We offer most major brands of tires
- Good selection of new and used tires
- Pre-purchase inspections
- Pre trip inspection
- RV repair
- Trailer hitches and wiring
- Most extended warranties accepted
Towing
- Towing to Shop Only
TRANSMISSION REPAIR
Determining what problem(s) your car has may seem like an impossible task, especially to the untrained eyes and ears of the average driver. It may be helpful to think of your car’s inner workings as similar to that of the human body. For instance, if you have chest pain that could point toward any number of health issues, but if the chest pain exists in addition to difficulty breathing, then it is much more likely that asthma (or something very similar) is the cause. Automotive problems are diagnosed in a similar manner. Problems that involve electrical or mechanical systems typically exhibit distinct sensations and sounds that act as indicators that a certain process isn’t working the way it is intended to. As soon as you recognize that something seems a bit “off” with your vehicle’s functionality, it is time to assess the issue and look for a way to fix it. Diagnosing car problems yourself may seem like an impossible task, but try to think of it in terms of your own body. For instance, if your stomach begins to hurt without warning, you’ll probably start thinking of the last thing you ate in order to figure out why you’re having the pain. A similar type of thinking goes into diagnosing car trouble. The moment you start noticing something out of the ordinary, it’s time to start considering the problem and finding a way to fix it.
Your car’s transmission is a complex mechanical system that controls the application of power from the engine to the driveshaft. It experiences more wear and tear over time than most other parts of your vehicle due to the heat and friction produced by their many moving and interacting components. Major issues are bound to arise if your transmission is not well maintained and/or symptoms of a problem are not checked by a professional soon after they develop.
Burnaby transmission repair, Vancouver transmission repair or any transmission repairs or replacements are inconvenient, stressful and typically quite expensive, so it’s a good idea to pay attention to any activity that seems unusual. Adhering to the recommended maintenance procedures and schedule intended to prevent problems will help your transmission last longer, perform better and require fewer repairs over its lifespan. That said, if you’re having some car trouble, it is important to know what the most common types of transmission problems are so that you can easily diagnose them and get them fixed.
Lack of Response: Ever notice that while driving that the car hesitates or refuses to go into gear? If you have, then there is definitely something wrong. The moment a driver shifts from park to drive the car should immediately go into the proper gear. For automatic transmissions, you might notice that when shifting into drive or park that there is a delay before you feel the gear engage. This is usually a transmission-based concern. Manual transmissions can have the same lacking response issue, but after shifting into gear the engine’s RPMs will surge, but the car won’t move as fast as the engine sounds like it’s going. This is usually caused by a clutch that needs to be replaced, but may sometimes point to a more severe problem.
Whining, Clunking and Humming: It’s impossible to say exactly what your car will sound like when there is trouble with your transmission, but one thing is for sure, you’ll get a “I haven’t heard that sound before” feeling when you notice it. The sounds that are produced vary widely between different makes and models, but the best way to describe them is that you’ll probably hear a humming, buzzing or whining noise.
Manual transmissions will emit sounds that can be described as being slightly more mechanical, louder and abrupt sounding. A clunking sounds when you shift gears almost always lies within a transmission, while constant velocity joins or the differential may be the source if the clunking is coming from the underside of your car. As mentioned already, it is always best to get the problem diagnosed and repaired as soon as possible and not wait until later when you “find the time” or “have the money”. If you wait until later what would have been a relatively inexpensive repair can easily become a much more costly one.
Leaking/Low Fluid: A leak is probably the most recognizable symptom and should be repaired as soon as possible. Letting the fluid leak is one of the most common causes transmission break down. Automatic transmission fluid (ATF) is the life-blood of a transmission as it lubricates, cleans and conditions the seals and acts as hydraulic fluid. Without it (or even if it gets too low), the engine will seize up and stop working completely.
ATF is bright red in color, clear and smells somewhat sweet if everything is working correctly. If this is what you find on your driveway, then all that needs to be fixed is the hole. If the fluid is dark and/or has a burnt smell then it’s time to get the fluid changed or flushed and repairs might be required. To check if you’re running low on fluid, take your car for a short drive to warm it up and then lift the hood and read the dipstick (be sure the vehicle is on level ground). Unlike motor oil, transmission fluid is not burned off or consumed by a car so if the level is low then there is a leak somewhere that must be patched. It is recommended to top up the fluid anyway even if the leak still exists to make sure there is enough fluid for the transmission to function properly until you get it fixed.
To check the fluid level for a manual transmission, you must check at the transmission case (usually through the fill plug) – not with a dipstick under the hood.
Grinding or Shaking: A car is supposed to run smoothly and without any shaking, or jerking, and there is not supposed to be any grinding sounds. These all suggest that there is a problem with the gears. Manual transmissions commonly indicate problems by making a grinding noise or feeling when you shift into a gear. If the grinding occurs after engaging the clutch and shifting, this can be sign that the clutch may need to be replaced or adjusted. That said, it can also point towards several other issues including damaged or worn out gear synchronizes.
Automatic transmissions act a little differently. Instead of making a grinding noise, you will likely feel it take some time to wiggle into gear at first instead of the typical smooth transitions. As the problem gets worse, the transitions into the next gear become more jarring and involve more shaking. There are a few other reasons for grinding or shaking, but the appropriate course of action is still to have it inspected and serviced.
Burning Smell: Any burning smell coming from your car is a cause for concern. Overheating transmission fluid is one of the causes of a burning smell. Transmission fluid helps keep the parts lubricated and cooled so that they don’t get worn out and damaged. If the fluid breaks down, the system runs too hot which it results in increased friction and corrosive activity as well as the build up of additional sludge and debris. If this is not taken care of, the transmission will eventually damage itself enough to break down completely. The end result is an expensive replacement. Common causes include low fluid level or using the incorrect brand/type of fluid. To check for these, see the instructions in the section on Low/Leaking Fluid above.
Refuses to Go Into Gear: If the car will not shift after engaging the clutch and trying to move the stick, take a look at the fluid to make sure that it is at the right level. Other causes include using the incorrect thickness (type) of fluid and the clutch linkage or shift cables needing adjustment. The source of the problem could also be the vehicle’s computer system. If you’ve already inspected the fluid, you can try resetting it. To do this, detach the battery and let it stand for thirty minutes. Then, reattach and allow the system to reset itself. This usually takes around thirty minutes. If this doesn’t work either, then it’s time to take it to a mechanic.
Check Engine Light: The check engine light located on your car’s dashboard is a great early indicator that something is about to go wrong (or already has) with your car, and in particular with your transmission. While the light turns on for a number of reasons other than transmission issues, it very important not to ignore this helpful warning sign. There are sensors placed in many areas of a car’s engine that alert the computer if it senses unusual activity coming from a particular process. The sensors on a transmission can pick up on the slightest jerks and vibrations than you are not able to see or feel.
Take the vehicle in and have it inspected. They can take look and immediately tell what is happening through the use of similar diagnostic tools and the car’s computer. If you’d like to diagnose the problem yourself (and possibly save yourself a trip to the mechanic’s) you can buy a diagnostic scan tool that is plugged into the instrument panel on the driver’s side and return a code that corresponds to the part that needs attention. Whatever you do, do not assume that the check engine light can wait because it might be warning you of a serious problem in the near future.
Transmission Noisy in Neutral: Luckily, a transmission that is noisy (goes “bump”) when it is in neutral could have an inexpensive, simple solution such as adding some fluid or changing it. This could do the trick, as it does for several other issues on this list. If that doesn’t work, the transmission may require professional attention to replace worn out parts, most commonly the bearings, worn gear teeth or the reverse idler gear.
Gears Slipping: A transmission stays in a designated gear until a shift is performed by the driver (manual) or the computer (automatic). If the transmission is spontaneously slipping in an out of gear (or simply popping into neutral) while driving, I don’t need to tell you that this is a serious safety risk. When you need to step on the gas to avoid a dangerous situation, you need power delivered to the wheels, end of story. The cause can be the link that holds the gears is worn or broken. Get your car inspected and repaired as soon as possible.
Dragging or Slipping Clutch: A dragging clutch describes the symptom experienced by manual transmissions that involves the clutch disk failing to disengage the flywheel when the clutch pedal is pressed. The clutch is still spinning with the engine which makes it anywhere from difficult to impossible to change gears. This difficulty is accompanied by a grinding noise each time you try to change gears. Fortunately, this problem is considerably less expensive to repair than many other issues. More often than not, the cause of this is too much slack in the clutch pedal. With too much slack available, the linkage between the clutch disk and pedal can’t pull the clutch disk away from the flywheel.
It is important to keep up a regular maintenance schedule for your car. Many times major expensive repairs can be avoided if the vehicle is properly maintained. This is especially true if you notice something unusual. The car should be taken in immediately for service. Brushing up on your knowledge of transmissions (at least the basics) is highly recommended as it can help you save money by avoiding costly inspections and doing simple procedures such as changing transmission fluid yourself as well as making you knowledgeable enough to avoid being over-repaired, over charged or simply ripped off.
There is no engine component more complex and essential than a car’s transmission. Vehicles are usually described as 4, 5 or 6 “speed” meaning then have that many gear ratios to allow the vehicle to travel at the full range of speeds required and to make use of the engine’s output power as efficiently as possible. Due to their complexity, constant use and function within a vehicle’s operation, transmissions experience a lot of wear and tear. Add to this the fact that many owners forget to check and change the fluid on a regular basis and it’s easy to understand why so many people have transmission problems.
Factors that Affect the Cost
The cost of transmission repair varies widely based on a number of factors, the most important of which is the type and extent of the repairs being performed by the technicians. It all depends on how comprehensive the repairs are: from installing a few new parts to a complete overhaul. Transmission replacement is one of the most expensive jobs done by any technician, ranging on average from $1,500 to $3,500 depending on the extent of the damage. The upper end of the range is typically for a complete rebuild after a major mechanical failure. Basic repair jobs are on the lower side, from $1,000 to $2,000. For example, fixing a manual transmission often only requires a new clutch, a $900-$1,500. A sensor or solenoid replacement can cost between $200-1000.00. A single electrical or mechanical failure can cause the car’s engine to shut down and disable it entirely, so it is important to watch for these signs and get your car inspected at the first sign of trouble. A proper diagnostic check of the following items will determine the cost of the transmission repair.
- Is the check engine light on?
- Any electrical related issues
- Are the solenoid or sensors operating?
- Any Computer related issues
- Any Engine issues such as overheating, misfire or engine performance
- Any noises such as grinding/growling/clunking/whining or buzzing?
- Transmission is slipping between gears while driving or popping back to neutral
- Fluid smells like it is burned
- Clutch is dragging – clutch stays engaged and causes grinding noises when trying to shift
- Grinding or thumping when gear changes instead of smooth transitions
- Lag/delay between gear changes and/or higher than normal RPMs for a given speed or gear change
Vehicle’s Electrical and Computer Systems
The complex nature of the vehicles electrical or computer related components have an affect on how the transmission operates. If a sensor, solenoid, wiring or computer related component is not functioning properly the transmission will not work. A road test and diagnostic scan will determine if there is an electrical, computer or internal transmission failure. We have repaired many vehicles that have had a sensor, solenoid or computer related issues without the removal or replacement of the transmission saving our customers valuable time and money.
For example, a customer called us inquiring about the cost for a rebuilt transmission for a 2002 Lexus ES300 that would not shift gears, we asked our customer to bring the vehicle to our shop for a computer diagnostic check to determine the cause of the problem. On further examination and diagnosis, we determined the center shifter console was experiencing an electrical issue causing the transmission not to shift. In this case the transmission did not need to be repaired but only required the replacement of the shifter assembly.
Our customer was told by another transmission shop they needed a full rebuild at a cost of $4000.00. We repaired their car for less $1000.00 gaining another satisfied customer.
If problems are caught early on, minor repairs are far more budget-friendly as they do not require complete removal/disassembling or replacement of “hard” parts, though the costs vary depending on the make and model of the vehicle and several other factors. Making this decision is difficult for the average consumer, which is why it’s so important to call Premier Automotive to assist you in getting your vehicle back on the road as soon as possible.
At Premier Automotive, we carry the latest diagnostic equipment to determine the cause of the problem with your automatic or manual transmission. Sometimes it could just be a simple fix that does not require a rebuilt. Our recommendation is always bring the vehicle to our facility for a road test and diagnostic check.
Our goal at Premier Automotive is to make the automotive repair experience as pleasant as possible in order to ensure you receive high value, great work, and long-lasting results.
CLUTCH REPAIR
Do you need a quality clutch repair service? It’s extremely important that if you are having problems with your clutch system that you have it checked out immediately. A clutch plays an extremely important role in the life of a vehicle, because the vehicle uses this system in order to be able to switch gears. It doesn’t matter if you have an automatic clutch system or a manual clutch system; you need to make sure that these components are maintained properly. Therefore, the clutching system is certainly not something that can be taken lightly. If you are in need of a clutch repair service, it’s highly suggested that you have your clutch system checked immediately.
It’s highly advisable that you have your clutch repair needs met by a professional mechanic. When it comes to repairing the clutch system other parts of the vehicle may have to be dealt with. So, as you can see, clutch repair can actually be a pretty big deal. If you want the job done and you want the job done right, you only want professionals handling your clutch system. We encourage you that if you are having problems with your clutch system that you come and take advantage of the professional mechanics we have at our shop. They’ll have you back on the road and kicking it into overdrive before you know it.
We will also take the time to explain preventative and maintenance measures you can incorporate on your own, in order to keep your Transmission running smoothly and efficiently.
Premier Automotive offers affordable solutions for:
- Clutch installation
- Clutch parts, service and repair
- Flywheel grinding and balancing services
- Cars, small trucks & small SUV's
- All makes and models
- Import & Domestic
Premier Automotive is your premier source in BC for clutch repair Burnaby, Richmond, Vancouver, Surrey and surrounding areas. We have a full-line of clutches and clutch parts... clutches are what we do! We have a variety of clutch products available, and specialize in replacing your clutch with the components best suited to your need, for a great price, and a fast turnaround time. We stock and have complete access to all ACT, Exedy, RPS, Competition Clutch, Daiken as well as a wide variety of OEM Clutch options as well.
Premier Automotive offers lowest prices on over-the-counter clutch parts, aftermarket flywheel and clutch installation services. We offer the best warranties at the best price. When you come to Premier Automotive, we are going to supply the best components for same or less money as competitors. We do the right job the first time.
If you are looking for a fast and effective clutch service shop Premier Automotive is your answer! Our goal is to offer you higher quality components than our competitors for less money than the regular cost of installation using standard components.
We "guarantee" the absolute lowest price on over-the-counter clutch components, aftermarket flywheels and clutch installation services. With the latest equipment and specialty tools, Premier Automotive can turn around the clutch replacement on your vehicle in the same day that you book it in.
Our staff are the best clutch team around, and they pride themselves on doing great work at very reasonable prices. We are normally able to beat our competitors' prices, and we hope you'll reach out to us first for an estimate!
The Right Components for Your Vehicle
Many people do not realize that for a few extra dollars you have the opportunity to upgrade to a stronger clutch with a longer lifespan. Premier Automotive carries a complete line of clutches and clutch components from the top manufacturers. Each clutch line offers different levels or "stages" of strength and quality. Premier Automotive can make confident recommendations when it comes to choosing the right components for your vehicle.
Remember... we specialize in clutches and we will always explain the pros and cons of using one manufacturer’s components versus another. Giving our customers exactly what fits their needs for the least possible cost is what we do.
DIFFERENTIAL REPAIR
The differential is found on all modern cars and trucks, and also in many all-wheel-drive (full-time four-wheel-drive) vehicles. These all-wheel-drive vehicles need a differential between each set of drive wheels, and they need one between the front and the back wheels as well, because the front wheels travel a different distance through a turn than the rear wheels. A differential is the mechanical device that divides the engine torque and allows each output to spin at a different speed. There are front-wheel-drive differentials, rear-wheel-drive differentials and all-wheel-drive differentials.
The differential has three jobs:
- To aim the engine power at the wheels
- To act as the final gear reduction in the vehicle, slowing the rotational speed of the transmission one final time before it reaches the wheels
- Because the wheels on a car sometimes spin at different speeds and move slightly different distances when turning, a device is needed to allow each to rotate at a different speed (hence the name “differential”).
A small rear differential leak or a slight bearing whine is sometimes tempting to ignore. A proper repair involves disassembly of the differential and replacement of the worn parts. Doing nothing is far more expensive.
There are many possible causes of differential problems. Water sometimes dilutes the lubricant. Other times the rear differential oil is not replaced and over time breaks down. Still other times a bearing will fail and cause a seal to leak and/or ring and pinion gear misalignment.
Rear end differential gears operate at extreme pressure. A misalignment of a few thousandths of an inch can quickly destroy ring and pinion gears. When the pinion bearing in the above photo began to fail, it was due to a breakdown of the rear axle lubricant. The differential oil had not been replaced in over 150,000 miles.
Replacement of the bad bearing and the differential oil may have bought several additional years of service. Instead the vehicle was driven a few months with the bearing noise. Eventually the load became too great and the ring gear failed.
The broken teeth jammed, tore the rear cover and locked the rear differential. In seconds, a few hundred dollar repair became a few thousand dollar repair and a wrecker bill.
Rear differential leaks and noises can normally be repaired if address immediately. Better still they can often be prevented with proper maintenance. Doing nothing is a VERY expensive option . . .
PREMIER AUTOMOTIVE WARRANTY
At Premier Automotive, our warranties are the best in the business. Our Standard warranty is 2 years/40,000km warranty on all transmission and clutch repairs for non-commercial vehicles. Call us for other warranty details on other products and services. We will cover your transmission or clutch completely against failure of materials and workmanship during the warranty period indicated as long as you service your transmission annually.
We also service extended warranty for:
- Lubrico
- Global
- Ensurall
- ARI Fleet Services
Our priority is providing our customers with Superior Quality at a better Price and offering transmission repair burnaby, transmission repair vancouver, transmission repair surrey & surrounding areas throughout the Lower Mainland.
