Thread: D3 TDV6 Transmission blues in Brisbane

As you're considering a double flush, why not just dump the oil the first time without dropping the pan to see if there's any improvement? If there is a worthwhile improvement then drop the oil again and also replace the filter.

Sounds like my circumstances two months ago. Early pan change but in need of a flush. Shudder in third. 270k on the clock. The dilemma of spending money with no guarantee of the outcome.

I bit the bullet as there seemed enough anecdotal evidence that it would work. Also, the fact it had the pan changed and new oil at some point gave me more confidence. If it had 270km without a fluid change, I don't think I would have gambled on it working.

I did the pan off, filter change (also replaced the leaking maltronics/metronics (however you spell it...) sleeve) double flush and new gasket. The results have been amazing. Even after the first flush it was like a new car. No shudder at all, not even towing and laboring up hill in third, which would always induce significant shudder, so much so, I'd usually knock it into sport and shift into second to manage it.

I had two tubes of Dr Tranny to put in after the second flush (did a week of driving before dropping the second time) but it was driving so well (and continues to, even after towing the camper 2000kms over the school holidays) I haven't put them in.

I bought the 20ltr drum of LG6, a genuine ZF filter (guy at shop used successful sales pitch: "Do you want the cheap, s@#t Chinese one? Or the the filter that works??) and the aluminum rubber gasket. The two flushes have used 10 ltrs. 6lts with pan off and 3.9 ltrs with just the drain and refill. I plan to drop again in Nov when I do the service. Then do the pan off and new filter in 70k km from there- if I've still got the car, as I'm having a bit of 183 kw and 600 nm D4 envy ATM.

As for doing the job, It's reasonably easy technically, just a bit fiddly with the pan bolts. Just need perseverance. All the info is on the forum. Having said that, the sleeve was a bit of a challenge as it was pretty difficult to remove with dirt and grit holding it in place. Also, there is a bit of oil left in the pan when you remove it, which is difficult not to spill. NB: Don't promise your brother you won't spill anything on the clean floor of his camper trailer business workshop .

The other benefit was I gained a IIDTool from the process and only spent about what a mega flush at the shop was going to cost me.

So, based on my experience, I wouldn't hesitate to do it.

Originally Posted by Dagilmo

Sounds like my circumstances two months ago. Early pan change but in need of a flush. Shudder in third. 270k on the clock. The dilemma of spending money with no guarantee of the outcome.

I bit the bullet as there seemed enough anecdotal evidence that it would work. Also, the fact it had the pan changed and new oil at some point gave me more confidence. If it had 270km without a fluid change, I don't think I would have gambled on it working.

I did the pan off, filter change (also replaced the leaking maltronics/metronics (however you spell it...) sleeve) double flush and new gasket. The results have been amazing. Even after the first flush it was like a new car. No shudder at all, not even towing and laboring up hill in third, which would always induce significant shudder, so much so, I'd usually knock it into sport and shift into second to manage it.

I had two tubes of Dr Tranny to put in after the second flush (did a week of driving before dropping the second time) but it was driving so well (and continues to, even after towing the camper 2000kms over the school holidays) I haven't put them in.

I bought the 20ltr drum of LG6, a genuine ZF filter (guy at shop used successful sales pitch: "Do you want the cheap, s@#t Chinese one? Or the the filter that works??) and the aluminum rubber gasket. The two flushes have used 10 ltrs. 6lts with pan off and 3.9 ltrs with just the drain and refill. I plan to drop again in Nov when I do the service. Then do the pan off and new filter in 70k km from there- if I've still got the car, as I'm having a bit of 183 kw and 600 nm D4 envy ATM.

As for doing the job, It's reasonably easy technically, just a bit fiddly with the pan bolts. Just need perseverance. All the info is on the forum. Having said that, the sleeve was a bit of a challenge as it was pretty difficult to remove with dirt and grit holding it in place. Also, there is a bit of oil left in the pan when you remove it, which is difficult not to spill. NB: Don't promise your brother you won't spill anything on the clean floor of his camper trailer business workshop .

The other benefit was I gained a IIDTool from the process and only spent about what a mega flush at the shop was going to cost me.

So, based on my experience, I wouldn't hesitate to do it.

thanks mate my line of thinking as ell. Its had 2 changes of fluid in it's life but is around 100,000km or so since it's last so definitely due for it.

Where did you source the filter, gasket and LG fluid from? I've seen the LG6 20L drums on fleabay but worried it might be knock off stuff and not genuine.

Do you recall what type of bolt heads the pan has? Normal metric heads or are they torx?

cheers
Peter

If you have no luck with flush/filter, pm me and I'll give you the details of the mob that rebuilt mine 6 weeks ago.
I say pm because I don't want to praise nor poo poo them, however happy with their work, value for money and quick turn around.
My results with rebuild were satisfactory and well priced, however I don't rebuild enough trans to pass judgement.

Cheers
Ralph

Originally Posted by PeterOZ

yup you can almost hear the twangs of country from the title.

Poor D3 transmission has finally started to protest after 240,000km. It has had the steel pan fitted by the dealer in Bris quite early on and had a subsequent transmission flush / filter but is well and truly due again.

It has developed what I am assuming is torque converter shudder around 1500 - 1800 RPM as it goes through the gears, normally around 3rd from memory.

Considering buying 20l drum of LG and a filter and doing the double flush to see if that might buy a bit more life.

At around $650 for fluid and filter it's a bit of a gamble. Any traps to doing this?

Failing that it probably requires a full rebuild and have no idea who is Brisbane is the best to go to with these ZF boxes. Melb and Syd seem to have lots of options.
any thoughts chaps?

Hi Peter,

Scott from The Transmission Centre at Slacks Creek did my 8 speed ZF full flush and pan replacement. He is a very knowledgeable guy when it comes to transmissions and runs a reputable business, that wont rip you off.

cheers
Geoff

Started getting the shudders in my 2008 TDV6 at about 220k. Oil change and a tube of Dr. Tranny.

Shudder has gone. Guys at Mr. Automotive said it could last 2k or 20k+. No way to tell. I’m well past 2k so here’s hoping for 20k+.

Originally Posted by PeterOZ

thanks mate my line of thinking as ell. Its had 2 changes of fluid in it's life but is around 100,000km or so since it's last so definitely due for it.

Where did you source the filter, gasket and LG fluid from? I've seen the LG6 20L drums on fleabay but worried it might be knock off stuff and not genuine.

Do you recall what type of bolt heads the pan has? Normal metric heads or are they torx?

cheers
Peter

Hi Pete,

I'm in Perth but here's some details from a previous post:

Driveline Autos Parts (ZF agents) in Osborne Park:

1. 20ltrs of LG6 for $467.00 (inc)
2. 2 x tube of Dr Tranny for $20.00 ea.
3. Ford sump gasket- an aluminum one with rubber vulcanized to the edge, apparently the best and won't leak.
4. ZF filter.
5. Grumpy but knowledgeable advice from a Richmond supporter. Can't imagine what he was like before they won the premiership last year.....

Mine has the torx bolts. I purchased a set of allen key style torx tools. They were invaluable.

thanks mate been trying to source fluid, filter and gasket here in Brisbane without success so far.