When the transmission on your car goes out, replacing it with a used part will save on repair costs. With a bit of research, you can find a used transmission at a fraction of the cost of a new one. Here are a few suggestions for securing a working part that’s right for you.

What to Look for When Buying a Used Transmission

1. Full Gear Shift With Minimal Effort

Take hold of the input shaft and rotate it to cycle the transmission through all gears. With a quality part, this should be possible with minimal effort. 

2. Clean Transmission Fluid & No Leaks

Visually inspect the transmission to verify that there are no leaks. If there is no fluid in the transmission, add a bit then wait a few minutes to ensure there are no issues. If there is fluid in the transmission, take note of the color. It should be anywhere from a bright red to dark red. Avoid anything with dark brown or black fluid as it could indicate the transmission hasn’t been properly maintained. 

3. Noise-Free Gear Rotation

As you rotate the input shaft, listen for unusual noises. Although the shaft may make some noise in the process, you should be on the lookout for anything out of the ordinary, such as grinding or noisy bearings. Any of these noises could indicate that the gear shift or clutch is bad.

Buying a quality used transmission can help get your car back on the road as inexpensively as possible. If you are looking for a reliable used transmission, stop by Stewart’s Used Auto Parts in Barkhamsted, CT. They have a massive inventory of parts that can be searched online. Call (860) 379-7541 to speak with a representative, and visit their website for more information. You can also follow them on Twitter.