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Houston Junkyard’s Guide to DIY Transmission Removal (Part 1)

mechanic working with a used transmission

If you’ve read our blog on the signs it’s time for a used replacement transmission and determined you need a new one, then this blog will be useful as you begin the transmission installation process. Here is part 1 or our Houston salvage yard’s detailed guide to DIY transmission removal.

Tools You’ll Need

  • Ratchet
  • Socket set
  • Extensions
  • Universal joint extension
  • Wrenches
  • Torque wrench
  • Breaker bar
  • 12-inch jacks + jack stands
  • Drain pan
  • Transmission jack
  • Transmission fluid

Steps for Removing Your Old Transmission

1: Safety First

Using your jack stands, raise the car about 24 inches high. Place them under the sides of the transmission so as to create space for the transmission jack later. We also recommend you place a ramp or something similar underneath the front tires, as well as a jack under the cross-member for further support. All of this ensures that, if your transmission bumps anything, your car won’t fall on top of you.

2: Battery

Open the battery cover and unscrew the clamp. Then, slide the cable off of the battery post. Set it aside so you make sure it doesn’t touch the post.

3: Shifter

We recommend you remove the shifter now, as doing so keeps things from getting greasy and messy inside the car. You do this by unscrewing the shifting knob and then removing it. Next, remove the shifter trim by prying it upwards and sliding it off. Now you can unscrew the nuts holding the shifting lever so you can also slide it off. At this point, you should see the shifter boot. Remove the 4 bolts holding it in place, followed by the shifter. This will aid in pouring in the transmission fluid later.

4: Exhaust

Not all cars require exhaust removal, so it helps to check how your transmission and exhaust pipes are laid out. If you do need to remove it, start with disconnecting the oxygen sensors from the downpipe. Next, disconnect the wiring harness, since this is easier than unscrewing each sensor. Simply press on the clip and pull the harness apart. Now, remove the nuts that hold the pipes with an 18mm socket from top to bottom. A universal socket will also work. Afterward, use a ratcheting wrench to remove the bolts behind the x pipe. Separate the exhaust pipes and set aside.

TIP: Spraying the exhaust fasteners with penetrating fluid will make this job easier.

5: Transmission Fluid

Now it’s time to drain the fluid. Doing so before removing the transmission will make it lighter and easier to remove. To drain it, place the drain pan underneath and use the box end of a 3/8 ratcheting wrench to open the drain plug. Be sure to screw the drain plug back in, but not too tightly.

6: Driveshaft

Ensure your car is in neutral and then turn the driveshaft so you can see 2/4 of the bolts. Set the parking brake and then use a 12 point wrench or socket to remove the bolts. Once removed, release the brake and turn the driveshaft again so you can see the other bolts. Re-engage the parking brake and then remove the bolts. Now you can easily slide the driveshaft out. Place the drain pan underneath the transmission just in case more fluid spills out.

TIP: If a driveshaft bolt is really tight, you can heat up the metal around the bolt to loosen it. You may also consider using a longer wrench for more leverage.

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Buying Used and Affordable Car Parts at Airline Auto Parts

When you experience car trouble, such as a dead engine or an aged transmission, you may consider taking it to an auto parts store or a car dealership to see if someone can sell you the necessary parts. You may then go to a mechanic and have them fix up your car. However, even though these options are out there, they may not always be the most economical course of action.

Airline Auto Parts in Houston Offers Affordability

When relying on a car dealership or auto parts store to sell you certain parts, it becomes much more expensive because they have to include their own costs in the sale price. On top of the price you pay for a certain car part, you also have to pay for the labor of installing it. On the other hand, if you buy used replacement engines or transmissions from a Houston salvage yard like ours, then you are getting the lowest possible price for parts that may otherwise cost a fortune, and you can install them yourself so you don’t have to pay for labor costs.

Flexible Buying Options at a Houston Salvage Yard

Another challenge that comes with buying car parts from a dealership or auto parts store is that they tend to have very limited stock. Typically, those who own older vehicles buy parts to ensure their vehicle is well taken care of for years to come, but it may be tough to track down the parts you need at certain stores.

At Airline Auto Parts, we stock used replacement car parts for all makes and models dating back for several decades so that you can have the greatest flexibility and accessibility possible. Additionally, we ship our parts nationwide, so if you are from out of town and have had a hard time finding a specific part but found it at our junkyard, we will happily ship it to you.

Shop Used Replacement Auto Parts at Our Houston Junk Yard

If you are in need of a used replacement engine, transmission, or other auto parts, please contact us and tell us about your make and model. We’ll gladly assist you so you can save money with quality used car parts that will last for years.

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Buy Used Car Parts at a Salvage Yard than an Auto Parts Store

Working on your beloved car and taking care of it to ensure it lasts for many years to come can be a lot of work. Although shopping at auto part stores is the default method for tracking down necessary parts for your automobile, salvage yards like ours in Houston should be your number one method. Here’s why shopping at our salvage yard is better than shopping at a typical car parts shop.

Auto Parts Stores Are Pricey

While you may have a decent selection to pick from, auto part stores often focus on newer cars, but they also add a hefty price tag to each part they carry so that they can cover their own costs and make a healthy profit. If you’re looking for multiple replacement parts, the costs will quickly add up. On the other hand, salvage yards like ours offer recycled used parts, so you can easily save thousands of dollars on necessary auto parts without sacrificing quality or your wallet.

Warranties and Promised Quality

At Airline Auto Parts in Houston, we offer warranties and extended warranties to ensure you get high quality used auto parts that will work. We understand that you need more than simply car parts that work. You need your safety to be a priority without sacrificing cost. This is why we test every car part we receive to make sure it’s performing well and will continue to do so for years to come.

Help Protect The Planet While You Shop Our Substantial Inventory

Unlike most junkyards, we stock all foreign and domestic vehicles, so rest assured we can help you find the part you’re looking for, whether it be an engine, transmission, or other car part. Additionally, by bringing your car to our Houston junkyard, we are able to properly dispose of harmful chemicals and keep perfectly working parts out of landfills, which ensures no harmful toxins are released into the water, air, or soil.

Contact Airline Auto Parts in Houston for Used Car Parts

Our Houston junkyard is proud to be a major supplier of recycled auto parts. If you are in need of a used replacement transmission, a used replacement engine, or other replacement car parts, please contact us today so we can help you find what you’re looking for.

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3 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Transmission

finishing a transmission replacement

The transmission is one of the most important parts of a car. Once it starts failing, you have to immediately repair or replace it. Cars will eventually need maintenance and repairs as a result of normal wear and tear, but if some other auto parts start failing, you can get away with holding off on repairs for a while. However, despite the fact that it’s such an impactful part, the need for a transmission replacement may go unnoticed, so here are three signs that it’s time to replace it.

Your Car is Noisier Than Usual

Some cars are just noisy, but some sounds should be more concerning than others. When driving a car that has a manual transmission, you might hear grinding sounds or notice a grinding feeling when you shift into a new gear. As for an automatic transmission, you may hear whining, humming, or even buzzing sounds whenever your car changes gears.

You’re Experiencing Delayed Movement When You Drive

A working transmission is meant to give the car owner a smooth drive at any speed. If you feel that your car is delaying or that it’s getting a bit bumpy and shaky when the gears change, this is a sure sign that your transmission is failing. It should go without saying that this delay in response can put you in a dangerous situation whenever you drive.

Something Smells Really Awful

You should pay attention to any strong, bad odors that don’t seem right or are unusual. When your transmission works properly, you don’t typically smell anything as you drive and switch gears. If your transmission fluid hasn’t been changed in a little too long, this means that your transmission hasn’t been lubricated in a while.

Often times you may notice a random burning smell. This could suggest that your transmission might be burning as a result of not being well-lubricated. When a transmission hasn’t been properly lubricated, it will inevitably break down and call for a replacement.

Airline Auto Parts in Houston Sells Used Replacement Transmissions

At our salvage yard, we recognize that transmissions are very expensive to replace, so car owners need them to be more affordable. This is why we regularly stock used transmissions and ship them nationwide. We also make sure to test every part we receive so that you can be confident that when you install your replacement transmission, it is of high quality and will last you for years to come. Contact us today if you’re in need of a replacement.

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Replace Your Transmission Instead of Buying a New Car

used replacement transmission for a vehicle

The Importance of Your Vehicle’s Transmission

The importance of a vehicle’s engine is something every driver understands, but the importance of the transmission may be something people are less familiar with. The transmission takes the power from the engine and harnesses it to the gears for a smooth drive at any given speed. It also helps you maintain an efficient fuel economy. Because the transmission is such a crucial part, it will likely turn out quite pricey if a repair is needed, so many Houston drivers consider buying a new car instead of dealing with a failed transmission. However, there are ways to significantly reduce the cost.

Replacing Auto Parts is Less Expensive Than Buying a New Car

Although the idea of having a brand new car sounds great and frees you from the worries that more issues may arise in the future, many drivers find themselves in a bind when they think about all new monthly payments. This is especially true if someone is attached to their car, which has always been reliable. Having to replace a transmission could turn out to be pricey, but it will never cost as much as it does to buy a new car. Additionally, car part replacement means that your car will be safer and work as good as new for a fraction of the cost of a new vehicle. If your transmission has needed a few repairs, it might be time to replace it so there will no longer be a need for excessive reparation.

At our salvage yard in Houston, we have an impressive inventory of used replacement transmissions for a plethora of makes and models. Buying from us is a fantastic alternative to paying a repair shop. This is because the repair shop will charge you not only for the part itself, but also for tracking down a suitable unit and installing it. Finding the unit at our affordable junkyard makes a significant difference in the total cost for the replacement process.

Contact Our Houston Salvage Yard Today

At Airline Auto Parts in Houston, we offer high quality, used auto parts that can save you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars. We test every single part we obtain, so we can assure you that whatever you find will work well and last. Contact our Houston junkyard today if you are in need of a replacement transmission to cut down on costs and prolong the life of your car.

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Save Money By Purchasing A Used Transmission

Save money by purchasing a used transmission

When it comes to replacing a transmission, buying a used transmission can save you a tremendous amount of money. Although prices vary depending on the year, make, and model of your automobile, buying a used transmission from a Houston junkyard can save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars.

Here at Airline Auto Parts, we have an extensive inventory of high-quality used transmissions, including ones for late model vehicles. This, coupled with our state-of-the-art locating system, gives us the ability to say “YES” to almost any request, helping you save precious time and money when searching for used auto parts.

Come To Airline Auto Parts For A Great Used Transmission

All of the used auto parts at our Houston salvage yard are cleaned and tested ahead of time. Therefore, you can be sure that any used transmission purchased from us will work great. In addition, we back all of our parts with a 6-month, money back guarantee warranty. This gives our customers peace of mind in knowing that in the rare event any issues arise with the used auto part they purchased from us, they can bring it back without hassle.

Established in 1989, our Houston salvage yard began as a small, local junkyard serving those in our area. Since then, we have evolved into a sophisticated auto recycling facility serving all of the Greater Houston area and nationwide. We are proud to be a valuable source of used auto parts for both auto repair facilities and retail customers alike.  

Contact Our Houston Junkyard Today

Built upon a foundation of honesty, trust, and dependability, Airline Auto Parts is an industry leader in recycled and used auto parts. Our full-service Houston salvage yard is your One Stop Shop for all of your used auto parts needs. Therefore, if you are in the market for a great used transmission or any other auto part, contact us today.

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Salvage Yards Beneficial to the Environment

Houston salvage yards such as Airline Auto Parts contribute to a better environment.

When it comes to the benefits of junkyards/salvage yards, much is made about the tremendous amount of money one can save when purchasing used auto parts. However, another added benefit that is often overlooked is the fact that salvage yards such as Houston’s Airline Auto Parts contribute to a healthier environment.

How Salvage Yards Benefit The Environment

Most Americans are environmentally conscious and understand the importance of limiting waste and recycling as much as possible. In Houston alone, there are thousands of automobiles that have been seized, abandoned, or are no longer working. When left to just rust away, these automobiles release harmful chemicals into the environment. Not only does this pollute the environment, but valuable metals and working parts go to waste as well. Thankfully, our Houston salvage yard gives a second life to these metals, thus reducing the amount of waste going into the environment.

Junk vehicles often contain materials and parts in great working condition. To simply just throw these materials and parts away would not only be wasteful, but detrimental to the environment as well. In addition, mining for metal releases harmful toxins into the water, air, and soil. Because salvage yards reuse metals from junk automobiles, we help cut down the amount of metal being mined.

Automobiles contain chemicals harmful to the environment such as: antifreeze, transmission fluid, and battery acid. When not handled and disposed of properly, these chemicals damage the soil, water, and surrounding wildlife. Salvage yards are trained to handle these materials properly according to government regulations, thus reducing the amount of hazardous waste released into the environment.  

Contact Airline Auto Parts Today

A famous motto regarding caring for the environment is, “Reduce. Reuse. Recycle!” Our Houston junkyard is proud of the fact that we practice this motto while providing our customers with high-quality used auto parts that work great. From used transmissions to used engines and more, we strive to be your one-stop spot for all of your used auto parts needs, regardless of make, model, or year. Contact us today.

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Tips to Purchasing a Used Transmission

Tips to purchasing a used transmission

When purchasing a transmission, one option is to buy a new or refurbished one from a dealership or auto parts store. However, purchasing new or refurbished parts can get extremely pricey, and you might not always find what you are looking for. This is why purchasing a used transmission is a great alternative to buying new.

You can often find used transmissions listed for sale online by private parties or salvage yards. However, when purchasing a used transmission, make sure to use the following tips to ensure that you get a quality unit that works great:

Check For Leaks In The Used Transmission

When it comes to used transmissions, leaks are always a concern. Purchasing a transmission with leaks will leave you with bigger problems that further dent your wallet. You can check for leaks by adding transmission fluid to the unit and seeing if any drips out after awhile. 

Check The Used Transmission’s Warranty

If you purchase the transmission from a reputable junkyard, they should have a warranty in place. Make sure you ask about the warranty so that you can determine whether or not you feel comfortable purchasing the part. Make sure the warranty is in writing, so that there is no confusion or surprises later on.

Ask About the Used Transmisson’s History

Some sellers have information regarding the history of the transmission. Ask for access to this information, as it can help you see if there are any risk factors. You can also look up a transmission report on CarFax, which lists where the vehicle has been and whether it was involved in any transmission related auto accidents.

Trust Our Houston Salvage Yard

While the aforementioned tips are a good guideline to follow when purchasing a used transmission, if you purchase from Airline Auto Parts, you can be sure to get a high-quality transmission that works great. All of our used auto parts are tested and cleaned ahead of time, and we back them with a 6-month money back guarantee. In the event we do not have what you are looking for, we will gladly order it for you. Our Houston junkyard/salvage yard strives to be your one-stop destination for all of your used auto parts needs, so contact us today for a great used transmission.

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Two Ways to Shop at a Houston Junkyard

An often over-looked resource for auto parts is the junkyard. Full of interesting and useful machines and parts, a full-service salvage yard such as Houston’s Airline Auto Parts can often be a one-stop destination for all of your used auto parts needs. From alternators to transmissions, tire rims to engines, our Houston salvage yard has what you are looking for.

For some, shopping at a junkyard seems like a daunting task. However, depending on your situation, the following two ways can make shopping at a Houston salvage yard both enjoyable and efficient:

Browsing Around A Houston Junkyard

Browsing around a junkyard without a definite agenda can be quite a pleasurable experience. For instance, let’s say you have a general idea of what you need (transmission, say) and come to our salvage yard. While here, you browse around our huge selection of quality used auto parts and spot a set of tire rims that would look great on your car. You end up purchasing the tire rims along with a great transmission. As a result, you have now upgraded your car’s condition in two different ways! This type of scenario happens all the time at our Houston junkyard. Customers come in with a general idea of what they need, and end up fulfilling needs in other areas as well.

Having A Set Mission at A Houston Junkyard

The other way to shop at our junkyard is to be on a focused mission. This involves knowing what you need ahead of time, and getting in and out as quickly as possible. At our salvage yard, we understand that when it comes to working on an automobile, time is precious to many. Not everyone has the luxury of slowly browsing our huge selection of used auto parts. This is why our salvage yard conveniently pulls and tests all of our parts ahead of time. Simply check online for your part or contact us by phone, so that it will be ready for you when you arrive. In the event we do not have the part in stock, we can order it for you, and back it with a 6-month guarantee.

Our Houston Salvage Yard Makes it Enjoyable and Easy

At Airline Auto Parts, we understand that shopping at a junkyard can seem overwhelming. Therefore, we have created a full-service salvage yard that makes shopping at a junkyard both enjoyable and easy. Whether you just have a general idea of what you’re looking for, or know exactly what you want, contact us today for all of your auto parts needs. We are here to make shopping at a junkyard enjoyable, while allowing you to spend less time looking for parts, and more time on actually improving your automobile!

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DIY Transmission Installation

DIY Transmission Installation.

If you followed our steps in the previous post on how to successfully remove a transmission, you are ready to install the replacement transmission. Hopefully, you came to our Houston salvage yard and purchased one of our high-quality used transmissions to replace the old one. Purchasing a great used transmission from our Houston junkyard and installing it yourself can save you hundreds or even thousands of dollars. The following are general Do It Yourself guidelines to installing an automatic transmission:

  1. Using a jack, raise your automobile and secure it with jack stands.
  2. Install the torque converter (make sure to fill converter with one quart of transmission fluid before installation). Push and wiggle the converter until you feel three “clicks” each time the converter drops into place. This signals that the converter is engaged.
  3. Install transmission brackets.
  4. Clean off any dirt, grease, or burs found on the transmission bell housing and engine. *Note: transmissions purchased from Airline Auto Parts are already cleaned in advance.
  5. Lift up one side of the transmission and have someone else slide the jack under the transmission pan. Slide the jack under the vehicle. Position the jack so that when raised, the transmission bell housing will be slightly behind the engine.
  6. Raise the transmission and slide the jack forward until the bell housing touches the back of engine. Line up the dowels with the dowel holes and push the transmission forward. When the dowel pins are in the dowel holes, install the bell housing bolts.
  7. Line up the torque converter holes with holes in the flywheel and install the torque converter bolts.
  8. Install the starter. *Note: Get both starter bolts started before fully tightening the bolts. 
  9. Attach all electrical connectors and vacuum hoses. 
  10. Install the transmission oil filler dipstick tube and new filler tube O-ring.
  11. Install cooler lines, shifter linkage, exhaust, flywheel/flex-plate cover, cross member and then driveshaft.
  12. Remove the jack from underneath the vehicle. Jack up your automobile and remove the jack stands.  Lower your automobile to the ground.

Find Everything You Need At Our Houston Salvage Yard

In addition to cleaning and testing all of our used parts in advance, another great thing about purchasing from Airline Auto Parts is that we back our parts with a 6-month guarantee. Therefore, purchasing from our reputable salvage yard will not only save you money, but give you peace of mind as well. If you are looking to purchase a great-working used transmission or have any questions regarding the installation process, do not hesitate to contact us today. We are your one stop shop for great used auto parts!