Pro-Tech Transmissions Ltd.

Professional Transmission Repair Services by Certified Automotive Technicians

Patti Vincent

What Is A Transfer Case?

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A transfer case is something found in all wheel and 4-wheel drive vehicles. In short, the transfer case will split engine power and send it to all 4 wheels through the front and rear axles. The transfer case itself contains one or more sets of low gears giving your vehicle the handle most demanding terrain.

The type of transfer case will vary greatly depending on your vehicle’s needs. An all-wheel drive vehicle is the simplest type of transfer case because you are always splitting up power from the engine to all 4 tires. On part time 4WD such as SUV’s and passenger trucks, your transfer case will need to be more complex as it sends power to two wheels most of the time and 4 wheels when switched into 4×4 mode.

transfer case service edmonton

Signs Your Transfer Case Is Failing

The ability to have 4-wheel drive or shift from 2WD to 4WD is something we take for granted during the winter months in Alberta. From time to time, the transfer cases can wear out, seals dry up and leak or completely fail. When that occurs, your vehicle should be seen as quickly as possible by a top transmission expert.

Just as any component, you should have your transfer case inspected and serviced periodically. Normal wear and tear on a transfer case can lead to complete replacement if not addresses soon enough.

Here are some signs your transfer case needs to be serviced:

Difficulty shifting gears

If leaks are not addressed soon enough, the remaining oil may not be enough lubricant for the gears in your transfer case. An early warning sign of this difficulty shifting gears. If you notice your transmission having difficulty shifting into high or low gears, you should have your vehicle diagnosed. Often times customers feel it’s a transmission issue when in fact it’s the transfer case that needs to be serviced.

Grinding noises

The transfer case has sets of seals keeping everything in place. When these seals break or wear out the gears grind on one another causing wear which eventually causes a failure. If you hear grinding noises, you should bring your vehicle in immediately. This quick action could be the different between a new seal and new transfer case.

Issues with 4WD slipping

Sometimes with the loss of fluid you’ll find your vehicle jumps in and out of 4 wheel drive. When this happens, typically there are broken parts of the gear that are causing this failure. Not having your transfer case looked at could cause a complete failure of the transfer case.

As you can see, the warning signs of a bad transfer case have to do with loss of fluid. If you notice fluid leaking from your vehicle, you should call us to have your vehicle diagnosed. The sooner you catch a leaking seal, the cheaper your repair will be.

At Pro-Tech Transmissions, we can’t stress enough the need for routine maintenance on your vehicle. Routine maintenance will allow us to identify small issues such as a leaking seal that will save on major transfer case, differential and transmission repairs.

Why Pro-Tech Transmissions

We’ve been rebuilding transmissions since 1999. Together our team brings over 40 years of experience to every transmission issue and we have the top transmission technician in Alberta.

Give us a call for a transmission diagnostic and we’ll diagnose what needs to be repaired to fix your vehicle issue and guide you to make the best decision for you and your vehicle.

Pro-Tech Transmissions can help with all of your transmission repair needs. If you are in the Edmonton area and have been looking for transmission assistance near me, search no further because we’ve got you covered! We also service transfer cases and more, so if you are looking for peace of mind, bring your car into our shop today!

Differential Service, Often Overlooked

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differential servicesOne of the most overlooked components on your vehicle is your differential. We all have been trained to change our engine oil frequently, monitor our transmission fluid and change routinely. One thing no-one talks about is the differential. Since the differential is underneath your truck, car or SUV, it rarely gets thought of.

Routinely you should change your differential oil every 30,000 to 50,000km.

The differential is a component every vehicle has. The gears are in constant movement as the wheels move. If you choose not to change your oil on regular intervals, the oil breaks down and you end up with metal grinding on metal as you lose the lubricating properties of the gear oil.

Your level of service is going to vary if you have both a front and rear differential. If your vehicle is front wheel drive, you have a front differential. If you have a rear wheel drive you have a rear differential and 4 wheel drives and all wheel drive vehicles have both a front and rear differential.

Signs your differential needs to be serviced can be:

  • Leaking Oil
  • Strange noises when accelerating or decelerating
  • Vibrations
  • Unusual smells such as a burnt oil smell
  • Difficulty steering

If you’re wondering if you should have your differential service, give us a call and we’ll let you know if it’s something you should address now or if it can wait.

Pro-Tech Transmissions is the best top transmission shop in Edmonton. We’ll give you a fair honest price for differential service with no hidden fees.

Why Pro-Tech Transmissions

At Pro-Tech Transmissions we’ve been rebuilding transmissions since 1999. Together our team brings over 40 years of experience to every transmission issue and we have the top transmission technician in Alberta.

Give us a call for a transmission diagnostic and we’ll diagnose what needs to be repaired to fix your vehicle issue and guide you to make the best decision for you and your vehicle.

Pro-Tech Transmissions can help with all of your transmission repair needs. If you are in the Edmonton area and have been looking for transmission assistance near me, search no further because we’ve got you covered! We also service transfer cases and more, so if you are looking for peace of mind, bring your car into our shop today!

What Is A Differential?

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Whether you have a front or rear differential is going to depend on the vehicle you’re driving.  Front wheel drives have a front differential, rear wheel drive vehicles have a rear differential and 4 wheel / all wheel vehicles will have both a front and rear differential.

The differential is a component of your vehicles driveline axle that contains gears that play a pivotal role in how your vehicle makes turns. The differential is designed to help your vehicle maintain traction on the road surface when turning. The differential accounts for wheel speed during a turn allowing the outside wheel to rotate faster that the inside tire providing a smooth turn. Based on your vehicle, your differential my include additional functions.

differential service edmonton

Different types of differentials

Open Differential

  • An open differential is the most basic differential you’ll find. It accounts for variations of individual wheel speed or slip, nothing else.

Limited Slip Differential

  • Similar to the open differential, the limited slip provides the same function but also transfers torque to each wheel. During a hard turn, the limited slip differential will power the vehicle through turns without the tires slipping on the road surface.

Locking Differential

  • Locking differentials are often found on off-road vehicles, some performance cars that need to send equal amounts of power to each wheel. This feature allows for a “fixed axle” on your vehicle. Locking differentials will provide maximum traction providing a big benefit for off-roading or rock climbing.

Torque Vectoring Differential

  • Also known as an active differential is the most advanced differential on the market. This differential uses sensors and electronics to gather road & car data then electronically adjust settings of the differential for maximum driving experience. These differentials are often found in rear wheel and all wheel drive vehicles such as BMW, Subaru, Audi’s and other high-performance vehicles.

No matter what differential(s) you have on your vehicle, maintenance should be a priority due to the complexity of the system. Learn more about servicing your differential here.

At Pro-Tech Transmission, we are the best top transmission shop in Alberta. You can expect a fair and honest price with no hidden fees.

Why Pro-Tech Transmissions

At Pro-Tech Transmissions we’ve been rebuilding transmissions since 1999. Together our team brings over 40 years of experience to every transmission issue and we have the top transmission technician in Alberta.

Give us a call for a transmission diagnostic and we’ll diagnose what needs to be repaired to fix your vehicle issue and guide you to make the best decision for you and your vehicle.

Pro-Tech Transmissions can help with all of your transmission repair needs. If you are in the Edmonton area and have been looking for transmission assistance near me, search no further because we’ve got you covered! We also service transfer cases and more, so if you are looking for peace of mind, bring your car into our shop today!

Signs Your Transmission Is Failing

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One of the questions that people always have is how do they know if their transmission is failing. The problem with transmission failure is that the signs of it failing will vary with the type of transmission your vehicle has. Generally, if you hear a whining noise when the car starts picking up speed, it is a strong sign of transmission issues.

The other sure sign of a transmission issue that the car does not shift correctly. Regardless, you will always want to get your vehicle looked at before these otherwise arguably minor issues turn major.

At Pro-Tech Transmissions we often find our customers come in thinking they need a new transmission when it is something minor.

What are Some of the Most Common Signs of Transmission Failure?

As soon as you begin to feel that transmission slipping, think of that as a count down timer to complete failure. If you think that the transmission is acting up, make sure to get the car checked, because if not then it is possible that you’d be stranded in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, there are a couple of telltale signs of transmission failure, which include:

  • Slipping gears which means delayed engagement or reaction
  • You see the transmission warning light
  • Smell something burning
  • Bad shifts
  • Fluid leaking
  • Odd sounds like something this grinding

What Does it Cost to Repair a Transmission?

You should never let transmission issues go unattended. At times what could very easily be changed with changing the transmission fluid can end up escalating into a blown transmission. So, you’ll always want to have a professional diagnose the problem and determine how much is required to repair it.

Repairing a transmission can cost anywhere from $90 to over $5000. For instance, a transmission fluid change if it does the trick can cost just $90 to $100, which includes parts like the gasket and filter. However, in some cars changing the transmission fluid can be very expensive.

Should I Fix the Transmission?

You first need to determine if the car is worth it and see if it will cost you more to fix the car as compared to selling it. Our recommendation is to have a professional quote a price for fixing the transmission or replacing it if that’s the only way to get the vehicle back on the road.

Generally, if the value of your vehicle is less than the repair, we recommend selling and looking for a new vehicle. Other time if your car has a lot of life let in it, i.e. the engine is still in good condition, then it might be worth fixing the transmission.

Note – Don’t Drive a Car with Transmission Issues

Depending on if you have a CVT, Manual or a standard Automatic transmission, the problems you experience will vary. CVT transmissions are often problematic to rebuild but spotting a problem is easier as most cars with this transmission have sensors that turn on lights indicating a problem. A regular automatic while often touted as being more reliable is hard to troubleshoot if you’re not a mechanic until you start hearing grinding noises. The same goes for a manual transmission. So, make sure to visit a mechanic who should run a battery of tests to find out what’s wrong.

Why Pro-Tech Transmissions

At Pro-Tech Transmissions we’ve been rebuilding transmissions since 1999. Together our team brings over 40 years of experience to every transmission issue and we have the top transmission technician in Alberta.

Give us a call for a transmission diagnostic and we’ll diagnose what needs to be repaired to fix your vehicle issue and guide you to make the best decision for you and your vehicle.

Pro-Tech Transmissions can help with all of your transmission repair needs. If you are in the Edmonton area and have been looking for transmission assistance near me, search no further because we’ve got you covered! We also service transfer cases and more, so if you are looking for peace of mind, bring your car into our shop today!

How to Check Transmission Fluid

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If you notice that your car is experiencing issues like noises or hesitation while shifting, it could be a matter of checking your transmission fluid, which is what your transmission depends on entirely. Low fluid levels can affect the way your transmission operates, which is why it is important that you check this aspect regularly. This will help prevent disastrous consequences and the following information will guide you through the process:

  1. Make sure your car is on level ground and start the engine. Your engine must be running throughout the entire process, so do not turn it off until you are finished. The engine and transmission must be at normal operating temperatures.
  2. Work the shifter slowly through the gears while holding your foot on the brake.
  3. Put the shifter back into the park and set the parking brake. Once this step is done, you can carefully open your hood and find the transmission dipstick.
  4. Wipe the dipstick using a clean rag or paper towel and slide it back all the way down into the transmission fill tube.
  5. Pull the dipstick back out and check the fluid level against the markings on the end of the dipstick, which should be pinkish and almost clear. If you notice that there are particles in it or that it smells, get your mechanic to look into it further.  
  6. If you notice that your transmission fluid is clear but does not reach the full line on the dipstick, use a funnel to pour enough transmission fluid down the dipstick tube to reach the desired line. It is very important that you don’t overfill the tube, so be careful with this step.
  7. Always use the fluid that is recommended by the manufacturer, as this will make a big difference. Using a different type of fluid will affect the performance of your transmission.

It is important to know that checking your transmission fluid level requires you to work under the hood of your car with your engine running. You need to be very careful throughout the entire process; otherwise, it can be very dangerous, so make sure you are aware of any moving components so that you can watch out for them. This includes fans, pulleys and fan belts, just to name a few. If this is a procedure you are uncomfortable with, you need to take your car to your mechanic or local service station so that they can complete your transmission fluid check for you.

Pro-Tech Transmissions can help with all of your transmission repair needs. If you are in the Edmonton area and have been looking for transmission assistance near me, search no further because we’ve got you covered! We also service transfer cases and more, so if you are looking for peace of mind, bring your car into our shop today!

Transmission Problems Guide

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Transmission problems are common and poor maintenance and lack of service are the main causes. External factors like defects may cause problems too and regardless of the issue, you must deal with it right away to prevent severe damage that could cause transmission failure. Solving the problem will also prevent repairs and replacements, which can be very expensive.

The following are the most common transmission problems, so keep this information in mind the next time you’re having trouble:

Low fluid levels and leaks

These are the most common causes of transmission problems and leaks are generally caused by a fault in the transmission itself, causing fluid to escape. Transmission cannot run smoothly unless it has the proper amount of fluid because a lesser amount can cause insufficient cooling and hydraulic pressure load. Faulty bolts, damaged gaskets or ruptured fluid lines can all cause leaks, so you need to find the underlying cause of the leak so that you can stop it right away.

Burnt fluid

This is normally the result of debris or other contaminants present in the fluid, which can cause inefficient lubricating and cooling of the transmission. Overheating or use of the wrong type of fluid can also result in burnt fluid and allowing it to keep running in this state will cause the build-up of sludge and debris, and transmission failure may occur as a result. A transmission flush is generally recommended in these cases with a filter and fluid exchange.

Solenoid problems

This is the part of your car that controls fluid flow throughout the transmission and is an electro-hydraulic valve that can become damaged if there are insufficient fluid levels or electronic problems because it can cause irregular fluid flow. This will cause a number of transmission problems, so if you experience slipping or gear shifting problems and low fluids or leaks are not the cause, then the solenoid is likely the problem. Connecting a scanner to the car’s computer can help you diagnose this issue and will confirm if it’s the solenoid that is the culprit.

Grinding, shaking or strange noises

If you see that your car is acting strange and you are experiencing jerking or noises that were not always present, it may be a sign that there is a problem with the transmission. It’s hard to identify the cause in this situation because the problem could be anything, so have your car’s computer checked for any error codes and do everything you can to find the cause of the problem so that it doesn’t get any worse.

Pro-Tech Transmissions can help you get to the root of the problem. We are located in Edmonton and offer transfer case service and transmission repairs, so if you have been searching for a reliable company near me, look no further and contact us today!