How To Know If Your Transmission Band Needs Adjustment?

The transmission bands play an integral role in shifting gears in your automatic transmission. But these metal straps can become worn or broken over time, and they aren’t able to properly keep the gears in place. 

You can experience slipping transmission. So, these issues indicate proper band adjustment. Let find out more transmission band adjustment symptoms for repairing a slipping transmission or other problems. 

Signs Of Transmission Band Adjustments: An rpm of over 3,500, acceleration delays, inability to reverse, harsh responses or strange noises when shifting gears, problems shifting gears, and many more – these are the signs that indicate band adjustments. 

What Are The Transmission Band Adjustment Symptoms?

When people face issues with the transmission band, they believe the answer is to adjust it or tighten it.

However, that isn’t always the case. You need to ensure whether or not a band adjustment is required by observing the symptoms.

There are other significant symptoms by which you can easily identify when your transmission band needs proper adjustment.

So, let’s learn more about those symptoms and how to detect transmission bad adjustments-

1. Leaking Transmission Fluid

If you notice red fluid underneath your car, then there is a chance of transmission band adjustment. It is dangerous if the fluid happens to leak onto a hot surface. 

2. Burning Smell

A burning smell can also be one of the symptoms of worn bands. Catching this problem early is crucial to being able to fix the transmission.

3. It Won’t Stay in Gear or Engage

This type of problem may also indicate issues with your automatic transmission band. 

4. Shifts Miss Gears or Delay

These problems can be due to a loose transmission band. If you do not take care of this problem, it can lead to overheating which causes serious internal damage.

5. Odd Noises

If you hear a humming, clunking, or buzzing sound from the transmission, this can also indicate a transmission band problem.

How To Detect Whether The Transmission Band Needs Adjustments Or Not?

Remember that if you are confused on how to determine whether your transmission is slipping, or the adjustments about bands, you should consult your mechanic to get an evaluation. You can also get an estimated cost for replacing.

If you need to adjust or replace the bands, you are in for a bigger repair. In this case, you will likely need to dismantle the transmission to resolve the issue.

It should come as no surprise that this is not something that a novice should take on. As such, you should expect to pay a mechanic to inspect and repair the transmission.

What to Do When You Detect Your transmission band needs adjustment?

Obviously, you have to adjust the pressure as per the owner’s manual. If you can’t do it yourself, take the car to a mechanic or repairing shop.

I am emphasizing installing a new one because maintaining the right pressure is very important.

Too low oil pressure or too much pressure can lead to a dangerous situation.

The problems with your vehicle’s transmission can often be resolved with adjustments or a minor repair. In fact, a simple adjustment can be done with some simple steps –

  1. Tighten the band adjustment screw to 72-inch lbs.
  2. Unscrew the band adjuster three and a half turns (3.5)
  3. Tighten the band adjustment screw’s locking nut.

Here, let me tell you the steps for replacing the pump and regulator in the easiest way possible.

Is It Expensive To Replace Transmission Bands?

Many customers will be surprised and relieved to learn that a problem with their vehicle’s transmission band does not necessarily mean a lot of money needs to be spent to repair it. 

So, if your transmission bands are old and over-worn, you may need them replaced altogether to prevent further damage being done to your transmission.

According to Transmission Repair Cost Guide readers, the average cost of transmission replacement ranges from $1800 to $3400. A used/salvage transmission ranges from $800 to $1500, a rebuilt transmission from $1100 to $2800, and a remanufactured from $1300 to $3400.

Final Thoughts

Bands and clutches must engage and release in a particular order to produce a certain outcome. The various functions that accomplish smooth and timely gear changes have to work in harmony. Band adjustments are done with this end in mind. 

If you encounter any of the above transmission band adjustment symptoms, your transmission band may need adjustments. And if you notice any of those symptoms, you will want to visit your mechanic.

Similar Posts