97 Disco 300tdi auto (4HP22) failing

[mike123]

Hi,

I think the auto is going on the Disco. Done 275,000kms, holds in first on cold mornings and then shifts up when warmer, occasionally forgets where reverse is (linkages have been checked and are OK) and has now started to hunt for the right gear every now and again. It seems to shift up but then drops back a split second later (happens when warm). It feels almost like it has no power when it does this but the power quickly returns.

Reading of other posts and forums and talking to ZF in Sydney it looks like I'm up for a rebuild. ZF thought that changing the fluid would only delay the inevitable.

ZF quoted end of last year approx $2900+GST for a reconditioned box but I would need to take out the old and put the new in myself. The technician there thought that it may have been a problem with the governor. One mechanic on the lower North Shore thought they could do it for about $5+K (everything done). I've found a auto transmission specialist in Ryde who will recondition the existing box with new seals, clutches,... (a full rebuild basically) for $2800+GST. Includes fluid. It will take them 3-4 days and they remove the box and reinstall it. Overall, this sounds like a reasonable price to my way of thinking.

Interested in what experience others have had when reconditioning transmissions.

Thanks in advance.

[sheerluck]

If it were me, I'd be tempted to give it a new filter and fluid and see how that goes first of all. For the sake of $80 and DIY it would be worth a go before shelling out anything major.

And those two quotes are nuts to my way of thinking. $750 for a second hand box with a warranty would seem more logical than spending more than the vehicle is worth.

Just my view though ;)

[edddo]

I went for a reco exchange unit for 4k+ when I got similar symptoms and advice a couple of years back. I considered second hand units but felt that as I do remote touring that I dont want any reliability doubts tagging along. If I just used the car for local trips I might have gone the 2nd hand path.
Paying out 4k on a D1 is painful but it waas the best option for me as Iplan to keep the car as long as possible/reasonable.

[MR LR]

I got quoted 2k for a complete rebuild last year, so I sold the car while it still worked fine.

[mike123]

I went for a reco exchange unit for 4k+ when I got similar symptoms and advice a couple of years back. I considered second hand units but felt that as I do remote touring that I dont want any reliability doubts tagging along. If I just used the car for local trips I might have gone the 2nd hand path.
Paying out 4k on a D1 is painful but it waas the best option for me as Iplan to keep the car as long as possible/reasonable.

Linds,
That is a good point - we regularly travel between Tamworth/Nundle and Sydney at least once a month and generally late at night. I'd hate it to fail totally that late as we generally loose mobile coverage when we head to Nundle.

On Monday I'll ring around some wreckers and see what they have as suggested as well and then make the call.

thanks, Mike