Transmission work is our specialty
Plenty of general repair shops send transmission jobs out. We do them here, and we have for over 15 years. That covers the whole drivetrain:
- Transmission fluid flushes and service
- Automatic transmission repair
- Manual transmission repair, plus clutch repair and replacement
- Transmission rebuilds and replacement
- Differential service and repair
- AWD and 4WD transfer cases
Because it is all under one roof, you get one diagnosis and one plan instead of being bounced between a general shop and a specialist.
Signs your transmission needs attention
Transmissions usually warn you before they quit. Bring the car in if you notice slipping, where the engine revs but the car does not pick up speed. Other signs are a delay when you shift into drive or reverse, hard or late shifts, a shudder at low speed, or a car stuck in one gear. Whining, humming or clunking noises, a burning smell, red fluid under the car, or a warning light on the dash all deserve a look too.
The steep grades around Woodinville and the stop-and-go crawl on Hwy 522 and I-405 are hard on a transmission. Heat is what wears out fluid and clutches inside the unit, and that kind of driving makes plenty of it.
A real diagnosis comes first
Do not let anyone talk you into a rebuild before a real diagnosis. A lot of shifting problems come from something smaller: low or burnt fluid, a leaking seal, a faulty sensor or solenoid, a wiring problem, or the computer that controls shifting.
We start by checking the fluid level and condition, scanning for codes, and driving the car to feel what it is doing. Then we tell you what we found, what fixes it, and what your options are. Sometimes a fluid service or one part solves it. Sometimes the unit really does need a rebuild or replacement, and if so, we explain why.
AWD, 4WD and differentials
All-wheel drive and four-wheel drive are everywhere here, and for good reason on wet roads and mountain passes. These systems add a transfer case and one or two differentials, each with its own fluid that often gets skipped. Old fluid there leads to whining, binding in tight turns, and worn gears.
Servicing those fluids on schedule is cheap insurance, and it is part of the 30K, 60K and 90K scheduled maintenance for many vehicles. If you run work trucks, our fleet service for local businesses keeps drivetrains on a regular schedule.
When it can wait and what affects the cost
A fluid service that is a little overdue can usually be planned around your week. Slipping, a flashing warning light, or a car that will not go into gear should not wait, because driving on it turns a repair into a rebuild.
Cost depends on what the diagnosis finds, the type of transmission (conventional automatic, CVT, dual-clutch or manual), whether it is AWD or 4WD, and parts availability for your vehicle. We give you a clear estimate first and work with your timeline and budget.
Get your transmission checked
Call us at 425-420-1630 or request an appointment below. We are at the back of Bear Creek Plaza near Hwy 522, open Monday to Friday 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and Saturdays by appointment. You can also leave your keys in our early morning and late night key drop box. Coming from Bothell? See our transmission repair page for Bothell drivers.