Should You Rebuild or Replace Your International MV Series Transmission?

The International MV Series trucks are reliable vehicles for long hauls, serving in various industries like delivery, construction, and municipal services. However, even the toughest trucks are not immune to transmission issues. So, when your MV Series truck’s transmission begins to slip or show signs of wear, you’re faced with a tough decision: Should you rebuild or replace your transmission?

Let’s dive into the pros and cons of both options, and help you determine the best course of action for your International MV Series transmission.

Signs Your Transmission Needs Attention

Before we weigh the pros and cons of rebuilding or replacing, it’s important to recognize the warning signs that your transmission is on its way out. Ignoring these early indicators can lead to catastrophic failure and more expensive repairs for your Internation MV Series truck. Look out for:

• Gear slippage: Truck slipping out of gear during operation.
• Unusual noises: Grinding, whining, or clunking noises.
• Delayed engagement: Hesitation when shifting from park to drive or between gears.
• Fluid leaks: Transmission fluid on the ground under your truck.
• Burnt fluid: Discolored or burnt-smelling transmission fluid.
• Dashboard warning light: The transmission warning light or check engine light may illuminate.

When these signs start to appear, it’s time to make a decision: rebuild or replace?

What Does a Transmission Rebuild Entail?

A transmission rebuild involves disassembling the existing transmission, cleaning all of the internal parts, and replacing only the damaged or worn components. Common parts that are replaced during a rebuild include:

• Clutch plates
• Seals
• Gaskets
• Bearings
• O-rings

Once the repairs are made, the transmission is reassembled, tested, and installed back into your International MV Series truck. Rebuilding is essentially about reconditioning the transmission so that it operates like new, but with some of the original parts still in place.

Pros of Rebuilding

1. Cost-Effective: Rebuilding a transmission typically costs less than replacing it. Since only the damaged components are replaced, you save on the cost of a new or remanufactured unit.
2. Faster Turnaround: A rebuild, especially when done by a qualified technician, can often be completed in a shorter time frame than waiting for a replacement transmission to arrive and be installed.
3. Retains Original Transmission: For some operators, maintaining the original transmission can be appealing, especially if the truck has low mileage or has been well-maintained.

Cons of Rebuilding

1. Partial Fix: Since not all parts are replaced, a rebuild may not address every potential issue within the transmission. Future repairs could be necessary if other components fail down the road.
2. Limited Warranty: Rebuilt transmissions often come with shorter warranties compared to new or remanufactured units. If something goes wrong, you might find yourself back in the shop sooner than expected.
3. Skill-Dependent: The success of a rebuild depends heavily on the skill of the technician. If not done correctly, the transmission could suffer premature failure.

What Does A Transmission Replacement Involve?

A transmission replacement involves removing your old transmission and installing a brand-new or remanufactured transmission. A remanufactured transmission is one that has been completely overhauled, with all worn components replaced and tested to meet factory specifications, and ensures your International MV Series runs at peak condition.

Pros of Replacing

1. Reliability: A brand-new or fully remanufactured transmission will offer the highest level of reliability. All components are new or restored to factory standards, which means you’re less likely to encounter issues in the near future.
2. Comprehensive Warranty: New or remanufactured transmissions often come with extended warranties, giving you peace of mind. You’re covered if something goes wrong within a specified period or mileage range.
3. Complete Solution: When you replace a transmission, you are replacing every part, not just the faulty ones. This means that you are less likely to have any lingering issues or future breakdowns related to transmission wear.

Cons of Replacing

1. Higher Cost: A replacement transmission, particularly a new one, will be much more expensive than a rebuild. You are paying for the full cost of a new unit, including all internal parts and labor.
2. Longer Downtime: Depending on availability, ordering and receiving a replacement transmission could take longer. In the meantime, your truck could be out of service, causing potential downtime and loss of productivity.
3. Overkill for Minor Issues: In some cases, if only minor parts of your transmission are failing, a full replacement may feel excessive, especially given the price difference.

Factors to Consider

When deciding whether to rebuild or replace your International MV Series transmission, there are a few factors to weigh:

• Age and Mileage of the Truck: If your truck is relatively new and has low mileage, a rebuild might make sense because most of the transmission’s components should still be in good condition. On the other hand, if your truck has been through years of hard work and high mileage, a replacement may be the smarter option to ensure the longevity of the vehicle.
• Cost vs. Long-Term Value: While rebuilding may save you money in the short term, replacing your transmission could offer better long-term value by providing a more reliable and durable solution. Consider how long you plan to keep the truck in service, as this may impact your decision. The decision still depends on the extent of damage.
• Urgency: If you need your truck back on the road as quickly as possible, a rebuild might be the faster option. However, if you can afford to wait for a new or remanufactured transmission, the reliability might be worth the extra time.

Conclusion

So, should you rebuild or replace your International MV Series transmission? It depends on the specific condition of your truck and the severity of the transmission issues. For minor issues and a relatively new transmission, a rebuild could be a cost-effective and quick solution. However, if your truck has high mileage or if you’re dealing with multiple transmission failures, replacement might be the better long-term choice for reliability and peace of mind.

Whichever option you choose, working with Diesel Time LLC’s skilled and experienced technician will ensure your truck is back in service as quickly and efficiently as possible. Our team offers quality service and advice to fix your transmission and return it to optimal performance. If you want more information about heavy-duty trucks, check out our article on preventive maintenance.