Originally Posted By: Quattro Pete
Originally Posted By: Smokescreen
If you look at the forums this is a known issue that periodically strikes.
Right, so what is the recommended course of action? Getting a brand new gearbox would likely exceed the value of the car. Getting a used gearbox is risky as the issue may pop up again. Can the existing box be effectively fixed?
Get a reman with a warranty from Jasper or someone, doesn't need to be an OEM new Toyota unit to last the rest of the car's usable life. I doubt a reman would exceed the value of a 2005 Corolla unless the car is trashed otherwise.
Fixing things like transmissions kind of depends on finding someone who knows what they are doing. If the shop says they can't/won't replace bearings, it's probably for good reason. If you can find someone with a lot of experience with these transmissions, go for it. If they tell you up front they don't want to open the thing up though, they probably have good reasons.
I know a guy with a transmission shop who will rebuild the existing trans in my truck for cheaper than I can get a reman unit, but he knows small Ford RWD automatics very well and is comfortable with them. I would not go down to Aamco and tell them, "I want you to rebuild the trans I already have in there." Transmissions are not for everybody. Most any shop, including where I work, will throw them in, but just because someone can remove & install doesn't mean you want them opening the thing up.