Thread: Easter Transmission Service - sealed for life I dont think so

Well I thought Id get in over easter and service the transmission.
4.4TDV8 2019 - model with 83,000kms on the clock -

Its been used for some light towing - like box trailer to the tip on week ends for example - but nothing heavy

I brought a new transmission pan with the incorporated filter - from IM Parts and 20 litres of the Ravenol 8HP fluid from the same place.

Dropped about 3.5 litres out by opening the drain plug. Replaced the pan at this point after letting it drip maybe another 0.5 l. if you take the rubber vibration dampener off the exhaust the pan will come out / go back in pretty easily - Also 10Nm bolt torque on the pan bolts -get a little torque wrench to be sure as my internal calibration was way out on this!!

Refilled then drove the car maybe 10kms. Waited for it to cool down a bit then dropped the oil again - refilled and went for another drive - Did this 4 times then drove then care for a day doing errands etc over easter.

Wanted to do this to be sure to move the oil though the entire system including the coolers to get the most complete flush.

Then drained drove and refilled again. The final refill was per the ZF procedure - jack the car so all 4 wheels are off the ground and can turn - cycle through the gears with your foot on the brake, slight revs and hold for 10 secs each. -put it in sport mode, paddle shift to 1st then 2nd letting the wheels turn. Back to Park rev to 2000 rpm for 30 seconds.

Oil temp between 30 - 50 degrees - fill until the fluid "just dribbles" out the fill plug hole then seal it up.

I have about a litre of so of fluid left over - a long protracted flush over a few days but the shifting has gone from pretty smooth to SILKY smooth, and I feel much better about getting rid of any contaminants. The magnets has some dust but nothing to raise suspicions.

The oil that came out didn't smell burnt but was very dark and nasty - heres a pic of the first drop with some new oil in the filler hose for comparison.
IMG_20240326_132740.jpg

Heres a pic of the the first drain (right) - 4 drains (middle) and new fluid for comparison (left)
IMG_20240329_111810.jpg

I did the first few with a 1l tom thumb pump - what a PIA - went to bursons and picked up a cheap 8l pneumatic filler - Highly recommend you get one of these for this job - so much easier ...... sorry not sure how to rotate the pics !

IMG_20240329_111910.jpg

Anyway there is just no way these boxes can be sealed for life - very misleading by JLR in my view. They last just long enough to get out of warranty then fizz if not looked after.

I also did the front and rear diff and the transfer case

Heres the rear diff and transfer case - cant remember which is which now but both equally as nasty and I'm glad its out of the car.
IMG_20240326_132618.jpg

Have a good one

Steve

I am doing the same with my L320 - with each change I am noticing less and less contaminants in the oil which has got to be good.

Garry