BobD
2nd September 2015, 11:43 AM
I just got my ZF transmission serviced for the fourth time at 200,000km and all is good, despite it being the same model as Graeme's which has the stator bush problem.
The transmission specialist reckons they don't have a problem with them provided they are serviced. If they are not serviced well before 100,000km they will always have a problem at around 150,000km. Servicing them after 100,000km is too late according to him.
Hopefully he is right. I specifically asked him to look for any signs of wear as I would rather replace the trans before it fails than have it fail in a remote area.
I have now decided to reduce the mileage I put on the D4 so that it stays good for remote trips. I bought a demo Skoda Yeti TDI 4x4 for my wife to use as her daily around town. It is just like a mini Discovery and is a good little car, getting 7.0 l/100km (calculated) on our first tank of around town driving. It is just what I was looking for as a second car. I was thinking of getting a second hand RRS TDV8 for her but decided to go with a smaller car. Obviously, the D4 is a much nicer drive but for around town the Yeti is quite nice.
I think I will have to sell the GQ with a 6.5 Chev V8 diesel as it now never gets driven, even off road. It is currently getting around 20l/100km no matter what I use it for. It used to be better but it is coming up towards 500,000km with the engine installed at 230,000km by a previous owner.
The transmission specialist reckons they don't have a problem with them provided they are serviced. If they are not serviced well before 100,000km they will always have a problem at around 150,000km. Servicing them after 100,000km is too late according to him.
Hopefully he is right. I specifically asked him to look for any signs of wear as I would rather replace the trans before it fails than have it fail in a remote area.
I have now decided to reduce the mileage I put on the D4 so that it stays good for remote trips. I bought a demo Skoda Yeti TDI 4x4 for my wife to use as her daily around town. It is just like a mini Discovery and is a good little car, getting 7.0 l/100km (calculated) on our first tank of around town driving. It is just what I was looking for as a second car. I was thinking of getting a second hand RRS TDV8 for her but decided to go with a smaller car. Obviously, the D4 is a much nicer drive but for around town the Yeti is quite nice.
I think I will have to sell the GQ with a 6.5 Chev V8 diesel as it now never gets driven, even off road. It is currently getting around 20l/100km no matter what I use it for. It used to be better but it is coming up towards 500,000km with the engine installed at 230,000km by a previous owner.