I bought this '92 Maxima knowing it had a tranny problem. I looked around for a replacement, and contemplated swapping to a 5 speed, getting it repaired, or just buying a used one.

So I had it towed to the tranny shop yesterday. They're going to do diagnostics, and figure out what's wrong. It'll probably need a rebuild. Luckily they finance repairs. So, has anyone had their auto tranny rebuilt? How many trouble-free miles have you put on it? Anything I should look out for in case they're scamming me?

I'm used to working on my RX-7, but I know nothing about the Maxima, so it hurts me to have someone else working on my car, and having to pay them.

 

Don't worry, bro. Even the best of us has to 'suck it up' once in our lives. It's a learning process.

Now, I knock on wood when I say I've not had much in the way of problems with MY autoTRAGIC tranny, but rumor has it that rebuilds for these are $pendy. I'd almost be inclined to say buy a good (bite my tongue when I say that word...) used tranny and put it in.

But rebuilding yours WILL, I assume, give you a warranty at the very least.

 

rule of thumb I've heard is that is the new rebuilt tranny doesn't give your problems in the first 6000 miles/6 months you should be fine for a long time assuming quality parts are used. the 6 mo/6000 miles is a workmanship or failed item issue

 

I'm pretty sure the warranty is longer than that, so that's good to know.

Even if it is pricey, I keep telling myself I'm coming out on top. I bought this car, everything else in good condition (except stereo) for $400. And every single road worthy Maxima like this one that I've seen around here sells for around $3,000. That's actually the main reason why I bought it.

 

go for the 5 spd.. or at least get a price on it
-what tranny shop, aamco?
tranny problems suck.. since 70k i had a lazy ATF sensor and i can't drive my car unless its warm, but after it warms up, i get a few hard shifts but its perfect my
-max has about 130k , i change oil every 3000 and ATF every 7000,
-i plan to do a 5 spd swap during the spring/summer time

-be sure to update with your progress
good luck

 

I'd advise against a rebuild. Go for the completely remanufactured tranny instead. I had a rebuild done and it has gone out after only 20k. cost me $1650 too. But if they do everything right, you should be fine. I'm pretty convinced somebody screwed up on mine. The place that did it went out of business right as my problems began. I'm seriously contemplating the 5spd swap.

 

I'll be blunt,
Go with a Jasper unit.
They come with a 3yr/36k parts and labor warranty.
If it breaks let them pay for it again.
and ANY shop can use em

 

They're going to open it up, get a good assessment, and give me a total estimate. There's no way of knowing, he says, because the RE4F02A doesn't even have a pan to drop (as I noticed myself). This place is called Mr. Transmission. I know there are several in my town, but I don't know if they're a big chain.

I think the guy will pay special attention. We found out that his sons are friends with my brother, and we all went to the same high school, and all the connections we have, etc. etc.

And you know how sometimes you can just tell if someone's being honest? Anyways, I feel good about this place. And that has a lot of weight coming from me (mr. paranoid/skeptical).

 

He's now authorized to do up to $2,000 in repairs. He says not everything is messed up, but the things that need replacing are the expensive items. Something about the solanoid rack, the bellhousing-typ-thing which is attached to another part, the front planetary gearset, and I'm not sure on the details. I'm going to the shop today to do the paperwork.