Rebuilding or clean valve body?

[Falcon_LS]

I had some transmission issues with my Montero a while ago. After trying something I read online (disabling overdrive and driving it hard, ensuring frequent shifts), the problem appeared to be fixed, but came back shortly after.

The transmission has almost 341,500 km (213,500 miles) on it, and never had anything other than cooler line flushes every 40,000 km (25,000 miles). I've mostly used Motorcraft Mercon V and Mitsubishi SP-III. It also went through an Auto-Rx treatment back in 2008.

I had it diagnosed by a transmission shop, who told me the valve body needs to be replaced as an entire assembly. Looking at the online price, this is over $875 and I have no idea if it's even available at the dealership or how much it costs here. I asked about having it rebuilt, but the guy told me the board is worn out.

I know very little about automatic transmissions, but 'the board is worn out' sounded pretty odd to me. It's like getting an engine rebuilt, and you're told the block is worn out and must be replaced.

Having said that, I'm confused about which route to take - clean the valve body by adding MMO, ARX or Liqui-Moly Transmission Flush, get the valve body rebuilt or just eat the cost and replace the valve body assembly.

I'm also considering whether I should get the entire transmission rebuilt, so I don't have to deal with any other issues for another 200,000 miles.

 

[Astro14]

Sure, a valve body can wear - the solenoids that operate the trans can wear the bores that they're in...and you don't get good line pressure...and poor shifting results...

I can't diagnose your trans, don't know the Mitsubishi, but a valve body replacment has fixed my two Volvos - and it's easy to do with the trans on the car - way cheaper than removing the trans and rebuilding it. It's a roll of the bones for you, often the trans is too far gone to be fixed with a valve body alone, but...if you trust the shop - I would go with their recommendation.

 

[Trav]

Quote:
The transmission has almost 341,500 km (213,500 miles) on it


With that many miles i wouldn't be surprised if that was the only worn part. IMO complete rebuild or replace would be a more reliable option.

 

[Falcon_LS]

Thanks for the input. To be honest, I'm starting to think about saving up for a complete rebuild with a new valve body in about 6 months. I'll drive it the way it is for the time being.

The dealership charges approximate $1,500 with a 2 year/40,000 (25,000 mile) warranty, which is way more than the transmission shop, but I'll just think of it as paying for the warranty. Their warranty also covers labor and parts, whereas the transmission shop only covers labor.

 

[The_Jeff]

I'd go with the transmission shop over the dealer; the dealer probably only has one transmission guy who works on them infrequently. That they don't want to do a rebuild right off the bat speaks highly of their competence and honesty. I'd rather have competent mechanics and a weak warranty I won't need than the opposite...

 

[sciphi]

Agreed, rebuild it at that mileage.

 

[229]

For a crutch I would replace VB gaskets and clean VB while it was off. During rebuild if they deem it needs a VB the price will go up. For the best "value" in a long term repair I would replace the transmission with a warrantied remanufactured unit.

 

[Trav]

Don't confuse foreign dealers with some of the ones (not all of course) in the U.S.
Some of the very best and most highly skilled mechanics work for dealers and know the cars they work on inside and out.
Chances are they did their apprenticeship there after school and the guy doing the transmission is a long time qualified tech.

It sounds to me like the dealer knows that with this kind of mileage the thing is done or close to it.
The independent could be doing a bait and switch, get the customer in for a valve body then come with the bad news and a high price once its apart.

 

[SteveSRT8]

Trav is right, many unscrupulous shops play that game.

But there is generally an honest indie shop in every community, and I would prefer their work to almost any name branded dealer in my area.

My favorite local trans rebuilder is so busy that you have to wait two weeks minimum! His rebuilds are done by a guy with over 40 years experience and a tremendous technical background who told me he simply could not stand working at the dealer!

 

[TooManyWheels]

Originally Posted By: Falcon_LS

I know very little about automatic transmissions, but 'the board is worn out' sounded pretty odd to me. It's like getting an engine rebuilt, and you're told the block is worn out and must be replaced.


It is an appropriate analogy. Many valve bodies can be rebuilt with larger valves by reaming the casting. That option may not be available for your specific transmission, however.

 

[rshaw125]

Also that mileage it maybe getting dirty in the valve body from the clutch material. I had a situation where my valve body was dirty. I cleaned and reinstalled. 2 weeks later it was dirty again. The clutch packs were done. A complete tear down, thorough cleaning and new parts solved the problem.

 

[mechtech2]

Some valve bodies have solenoids in them.
All sorts of stuff can wear or be faulty.

But for $875, I'd try a take down and cleaning first!