Has anyone used Cottman for repairs?

[95Bauer]

Your sincere inputs and experiences would be much appreciated. If asking this question inspires you to flame me....I'm prepared to read it...but won't engage or respond.

I hope this thread will be interesting & helpful to those that are curious. I did a search in this particular forum and didn't come up with anything.

Thanks!

 

[toy720]

Cottonmans are independently owned I live on the west side of fort wort texas and the one by me had a bad rep (not by personal experience) and they are now closed down. Cant say why but I could only speculate that they had high failure returns extreme pricing etc etc etc but this is only speculation.

 

[rizzjc]

I took a trip to one in Garner, from a recommendation of another shop. Basically, the jist of it was that I had replaced by own pinion seal, and later realized that I "upset" the bearing because I didn't do it properly. I wanted to see if I could get someone to properly set the pinion nut for me. They just said to bring it in for a free analysis. They didn't even look at the vehicle, had it for a day, and then tried to scare me once they had it in their garage that the only way to be sure was to rebuilt the rear-diff at about $600-$700, or I might blow it out on the highway and wreck, and kill myself. Now, mind you, I didn't know what I was doing when I did the seal, but I later read up on the procedure to set the pinion nut properly, and they proved they knew nothing about it, because they refused to just set it if it was not tight enough, or tell me if it was too tight.

So, although I didn't have any work done, and 20k miles later it is still fine, I can't say I'd go back to that shop again. They could have told me what they told me without parking my truck in the lot for a day.

 

[quasarsky]

thats quite a dip rizzjc. did you get out of it? LOL

 

[quasarsky]

glacier and bb say avoid cottsman at all costs. i agree

 

[rizzjc]

thats quite a dip rizzjc. did you get out of it? LOL

Yes, I did, thank you. I haven't been offroad since, and still find mud in various places.

 

[95Bauer]

I took a trip to one in Garner, from a recommendation of another shop. Basically, the jist of it was that I had replaced by own pinion seal, and later realized that I "upset" the bearing because I didn't do it properly. I wanted to see if I could get someone to properly set the pinion nut for me. They just said to bring it in for a free analysis. They didn't even look at the vehicle, had it for a day, and then tried to scare me once they had it in their garage that the only way to be sure was to rebuilt the rear-diff at about $600-$700, or I might blow it out on the highway and wreck, and kill myself. Now, mind you, I didn't know what I was doing when I did the seal, but I later read up on the procedure to set the pinion nut properly, and they proved they knew nothing about it, because they refused to just set it if it was not tight enough, or tell me if it was too tight.

So, although I didn't have any work done, and 20k miles later it is still fine, I can't say I'd go back to that shop again. They could have told me what they told me without parking my truck in the lot for a day.

Thanks for sharing Joe. I intentionally didn't mention this when starting this thread, but, my 95 (which you've seen before) is at that very shop right now. So far, we're in the issue analysis and discussions phase. I haven't authorized any repair work yet. This is quite a learning process. In my 28yrs of vehicle ownership, this is my first round with a transmission repair. My other cars have been 5 speed manual. The truck has been wonderful for 9+ yrs and just about to hit 172,000 miles. It pulls a 17' boat too. So, I can't really complain about the recent 1-2 shift (flare?) issue that has come up.

I'm getting a good education on how these repairs get done (I'm a Mech. Engr. but don't have a good set up to DIY this one at home). I'll likely post my final experience after the repair.

Thanks for your input. I hope we get more on this thread.

 

[95Bauer]

glacier and bb say avoid cottsman at all costs. i agree

Thanks for your input. I've heard similar warnings and can understand where you're coming from. But, if I cannot DIY this, where to go? I work with an independent shop for all my vehicles and they're great. However, they aren't set up for transmission work and couldn't refer me to another ind. shop. You might say, well how good are they then? I applaud their honesty for not wanting to use my transmission for practice and training at my expense. I think "honesty" is the key word here. Ref: previous post by rizzjc.

Another option is the Ford Dealership. I've heard the nasty stories from those also.

After reading the contents of this forum and inputs from Glacier and BB (my compliments by the way), this is the best place for information I know of.

The franchises definitely have a model they work from and I can understand they're in business to make money. Aren't we all?

But, I don't think implementing $2300 solutions for a $200 needed repair will last too long for franchises as people get better information and competing independent shops win over clients with honest and appropriate repairs.

These are my opinions... I look forward to hearing from those with more experience than me.

 

[rizzjc]

I'm getting a good education on how these repairs get done (I'm a Mech. Engr. but don't have a good set up to DIY this one at home). I'll likely post my final experience after the repair.

Thanks for your input. I hope we get more on this thread.

Oh, hey Dominic, didn't recognize it was you. Yeah, that was my only experience with them, and they didn't impress me. ESPECIALLY when they tried to scare me into rebuilding it for no reason or else I'd die on the highway or something. Just don't authorize anything, and you'll be fine. I'd be interested in what they say they want to do - I suspect rebuild the whole thing. With that many miles on it, I'd probably just deal with it until it died, or see if I couldn't figure it out myself (with everyone's help here, that is).

 

[boominXplorer]

I personally had a bad experiance with one in Fredericksburg Va. In my old 95 I was out late one night taking a friend home and I started loosing all forward gears. I finally limped it right to cottman. They said it needs a full rebuild yada yada. Me being 17 and having parents money it was whatever. It was rebuilt and worked good for about a week. One day I was getting on the interestate was in O/D and punched it and it came out of O/D into 3rd kinda harsh. I never got O/D ever again after that. I took it back 7 TIMES and still never had it fixed. Every time they would said its fixed and I would pick it up after hours and as soon as i get on the interstate I would see that it wasn't. I ended up selling the truck for almost free and getting my Mounty. If I knew what I know now (I'm 20 and lived on my own for 2 years) I would of fought till the end of it.

Basically get refrances for transmission shops from people that has had experiance, ask to take a look at the shop to see how it compares and see if they are using torque wrenches on the valve body not just 1/4 air ratchets as I have seen at some shops and so on.

A Good shop is going to diagnose the problem and might be able to aviod a rebuild. Watch out for the shops that as soon as you tell them the symtoms they say you need a rebuild.

my .02

 

[rizzjc]

Yep, I agree. I always look for a recommendation. Usually doesn't work out. Last one was my boat. Cost me $300, and I still had the problem. Ended up fixing it myself, after doing a bunch of debug (the thing I did NOT want to do) for about $5.

I got the recommendation for Cottman, but it was from another shop, actually just a quick lube, but one that puts my Amsoil ATF in for me, and just charges me the labor. I don't know howCottman's work is, but I will NEVER got back based on the fact that they automatically wanted me to rebuilt my rear-end .... which they could have said over the phone, even after I specifically asked them to just check the preload on the bearing. It's not as if they looked at it while it sat there all day.

 

[Bronco II]

Okay, let me start by saying I worked in the transmission repair industry for 12 years, I've worked at a few different shops & know how they should operate. I used to work for a Cottman Transmission in California, they are franchised ( individually owned ), customer experiences will very greatly from shop to shop. Cottman does send their service managers to a training school to learn how to sell repairs & rebuilds, but I'm sure they don't teach scare tactics. When I started at that particular Cottman the service manager ( which was a woman who knew nothing about transmissions, I think she got the job because her husband worked at another Cottman ) used scare tactics & would put the mechanics on the spot in front of the customers to try to sell rebuilds all the time. Other mechanics & I had to tell the owner of the shop that we refuse to work with her as the manager because we did not approve of her sales tactics, she was gone soon after that. The manager their now is pretty good, he was a mechanic before he was a service writer, he does not use scare tactics. Scare tactics are looked down upon in the automotive repair industry . If a shop uses scare tactics to try to sell you a repair, a rebuild, a part or any other services I would recommend leaving that shop & going else were for repairs or maintenance. I would recommend getting two or more quotes if you do not fell comfortable with a particular shop. Compare prices with parts & labor that are quoted from different shops, but be aware that in some cases cheaper is not always better, you know the saying "you get what you pay for". I wouldn't black list a whole string of franchised shops over bad experience at some of the shops, you will get good & bad business from many shops. I'm also not saying go to just only franchised shops either. And to go out on a high note, Cottman has merged with AAMCO Transmission. Cottman will now be using the AAMCO name, I'm guessing its due to AAMCO is known better nation wide. The Cottman I worked at is now an AAMCO .

 

[gijoecam]

I don't have any personal experience with any particular trans shop chain. I can, however, recommend a good way to find a good shop: Ask the racers. Every town has a dingy old parts shop or engine shop that all the racers take their engines too. The engine guys will know the good trans shops. That's how I found my local trans shop: I asked a drag racer that I work with! He suggested the place, I checked it out, priced them agains the others, and after speaking with the manager about the problems I had, he reassured me that he had fixed many of them himself, and could take care of it. Three fluid and filter changes, and a couple of axle issues later, and I'll never take my vehicles anyplace else for transmission and driveline issues. (and, of course, I'll only take it there when I can't do it myself LOL!)

 

[95Bauer]

Thanks for all the inputs! I will learn the results tomorrow morning when I go to pick up the truck. The rebuild is done and it's ready.

I intend to objectively and fairly report my experience, description of services and the end result.

Will it be or or or :fire: ? Will also include the $$$ part.

For starters, we've put about 150k miles with three fluid maintenance services over the nine years of owning it. It has always shifted smoothly and reliably. Pulled a 17' boat for 15 mile trips about two dozen times a year. Went to the shop as soon as symptoms started. No "living with it for awhile".

Hope the thread will be of interest.

 

[rizzjc]

I'm interested to know how it goes. I've got 140k almost, and the last trip to the mountains with a trailer kinda hurt it. When I got back it was shifting UP to O/D VERY hard when you picked your foot off the gas (a loud "clunk"). I babied it for a few weeks, and the symptoms cleared. I'm worried though. I've done pan service every 40k since new, and switched to full synthetic fluid at about 120k. I'm going to do the pan flush and new filter and see how that goes. But I was just talking to a friend today who recommended an older tranny guy around here and says he does what's needed, and nothing more, and charges half of what most places do. We'll see if I need to talk to him.

 

[95Bauer]

OK, so far so good, I'm glad to report.

Drove about 12 miles today...combination highway & around town. Shifts on time and smoothly. Yeah! Put 'er in 4WD too and no problems.

I also inspected the work area and under the hood.

Here's what was done: (the written bill of sale)
Remove, dissassemble, inspect, rebuild, reinstall transmission. Parts & Labor: $2049.18
Add external cooler: $140.00
Replace Rear main seal: $102.65
Enviro-shop fee: $25.00
Subtract: $100.00 for bringing in Terry Bradshaw coupon from Cottman website. I'm a 70's and 80's Steelers fan too.

WARRANTY: 6 mos. - 6000 miles.

Going back in two weeks for a free "check-out" by the Cottman shop. Included in the deal.

Paid the bill and got a verbal recap of the work from the owner. Seems like a nice guy. (I'm being sincere)

Summary: Ok, pretty pricey job. But, if this lasts and remains as reliable as it has been, I'll be very happy. At 172k miles now. Would like it to go trouble-free for another 30k. Maybe wishful thinking?

Comment on the external cooler. I agreed with this option. The existing tranny fluid lines going through the radiator were removed and rerouted to a new finned cooler (heat exchanger) mounted on the front external face of the radiator. It's fairly big with lots of surface area. Remembering my Thermodynamics and Heat Transfer lessons, I'm comfortable with that. Also, having the tranny fluid next to ambient air has got to be better than hot radiator fluid. Q=hAdT

However, tie wraps were used in one area to support the new hoses to the external cooler. Will have to keep an eye on those or replace with something more solid.

I'll try to post some pics soon.

What do ya'll think? (Remember, I'm not set up to DIY this.)

 

[rizzjc]

Wow, costing that much, and already having the tranny out, you'd think they'd have thrown in the rear main seal for "free". I agree, pretty expensive. Would be interesting to have a list of exactly what they did to it, and what they replaced, when they were in there. For that much money I'd like to think they replaced anything that could ever possibly wear out. How much would a brand spankin' new one be?! Probably a lot considering Ford wanted to charge me $2500 for just a transfer case.

I would also hope that your $2000 tranny job lasted WAY more than 30k. Heck you got 172k out of it the first time. If you get another 100k out of it, you'll be good. After spending this much I hope you've switched to synthetic in everything already!

 

[95Bauer]

4 weeks and 500 miles later, all is working fine.

Shifts are consistent, on time and smooth.

So far, so good.

I'll post again if anything changes (during the 6000 mile warranty period).

 

[rangerbury]

I guess it all goes back to the man behind the franchisor's sign. We have a Cottman here in town & the owner has been nothing but fair and competant every time I've been there with my cars and with relatives I've sent there over the past 10 years. He never gives me the bum's rush and always has time to sit and explain what he's doing. Good luck with your repair.

 

[wharriso]

I had a transmission shifting slow into 3rd on my 96 Grand Cherokee that I took to a Cottman Transmission on Cottman Avenue in Philly. I liked those guys and I would recommend them. They diagnosed my problem as a torque converter, about a $400.00 job but I didn't have the money to fix it right then. About a month later, I was ready to get the work done but they were booked up for the next week or so. I was impatient so I took it to another Cottman on Old York Road in Abington. BIG MISTAKE!!!! Those guys told me the only way they can diagnose the problem was to take the transmission apart. I later found out that once they take it apart they have to use a rebuild kit to put it back together so they will always tell you that you need an $1800.00 transmission rebuild. After scraping up the money for this rebuild, the transmission lasted about 89 days, just about the length of the warranty. The car stopped on the Ben Franklin Bridge! I had my family in the car and it was very scary. I had to wait about 15 minutes for the car to cool off, then the transmission would engage again. Once I finally got the car home, I had it towed back to the Cottman in Abington. They test drove it and claimed I didn't have a problem. I knew I couldn't get it home so I took it to the dealer about a mile away and rented a car there. They put the thing on a lift and showed me where Cottman Abington had put in a transmission that had a crack in it that was sealed with JB Weld. The told me the car needed a new transmission and charged me about 4 hours for thier diagnostic time. They gave me a break and charged me the internal rate so I only paid about $200.00. I then drove it back to the transmission place and told them what the dealer found. They explained to me that the problem was the torque converter and it destroyed the transmission. They said they would do me a favor and repair the problem but I would have to pay about $350.00 for parts. I made the mistake of leaving the receipt in the car where they said there was nothing wrong with the transmission so they took that, leaving me without proof.

Lessons learned: 1) There is a BIG difference between transmission repair places. 2) Most transmission problems can be diagnosed without taking the transmission apart. If someone tells you they need to take your transmission apart to diagnose the problem, they are probably lying and will continue to lie, don't trust them! 3) It's easy to swindle people in a transmission shop because they can tell you any damn thing the want.
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Suzuki K125