Gearbox Service

[Ean Austral]

Gday All,


Just wondering when people have serviced the ZF6HP26 gearbox that have already had the steel pan fitted are you using genuine filter or aftermarket kit. I remember being told that there have been issue's with the non genuine gaskets.


Also I never replaced the mechatronics plug when I fitted the pan so wondering if I should do it when I finally get around to doing the service.


The oil has 50,000ks on it so am not in a rush, but plan on giving the car a birthday over a few days soon so gearbox service is on the list.


Cheers Ean

[Grappler]

The metal pan has a different gasket to the plastic.
The plastic uses an o ring type of gasket whereas the metal is an ordinary fibre gasket. I had to re-torque the torx screw on the metal pan a couple of time to get a perfect leak free result. The pan screws are a different length, too.
I used a ZF filter and this is separate to the pan unlike the plastic one

Is your plug leaking? If its leaking you can replace the mechatronics plug sleeving and o ring. There is a tab on the inside to release the sleeve. Good instructions on ZF site http://www.zftranspart.com/images/custom/mecha.pdf

[Ean Austral]

The metal pan has a different gasket to the plastic.
The plastic uses an o ring type of gasket whereas the metal is an ordinary fibre gasket. I had to re-torque the torx screw on the metal pan a couple of time to get a perfect leak free result. The pan screws are a different length, too.
I used a ZF filter and this is separate to the pan unlike the plastic one

Is your plug leaking? If its leaking you can replace the mechatronics plug sleeving and o ring. There is a tab on the inside to release the sleeve. Good instructions on ZF site http://www.zftranspart.com/images/custom/mecha.pdf


No the plug isn't leaking, but sure as hell when I do the next service it will likely leak if I don't have a spare handy.


For the cost of the gearbox, I guess spending $50 extra for genuine filter and gasket is piece of mind and cheap if I have to spend time doing it again.


Thanks for the reply, and the link


cheers Ean

[Graeme]

As the seal requires the sump to be off to release its lock, it could be expensive to have to replace it before the next oil change is due.

[vbrab]

Have only used the genuine filter and gasket kit when doing trans oil change, and the the seal on the Mechatronics plug wasn't leaking at 180,000, but did it then, have not done it on 2 subsequent fluid changes, so perhaps does not need to be done each oil change.
Mechatronics Plug seal is a real cow to change, and you must be very careful when you pull plug out to note position of how it came out to try and slot it back in same way first go, as you do not want bridge the terminals, as evidently the system has a static charge that can fry your box electronics if bridged.
Exercise maximum care with the plug seal change.

I have used Hylomar paste and get a good seal, and give gasket and pan 2 coats before fitting.
Auto trans experts tell me they use Toyota gasket/trans sealant.