Gearbox Service? Recommended? RRS

[firefoxGC]

HI Everyone,
So going to start on a big trip towing a big van. My local dealer has recommended that i seriously consider a gearbox flush/check. Apparently this is about 1500 and removes/checks the box does the oil etc in it..

The car is still under a warranty and has done 120,000 on the clock. All is in very good condition, and we've certainly been setting the car up for the trip.

I believe the gear boxes are sealed for life..? The car is always serviced and maintained and will continue that way. If i had a gearbox failure this would be under warranty my understanding.

So would you do it? Has anyone done it and is it something i should consider.?
Apparently they have to replace the pan on it and a lot of other little things?

Regards
Justin

[101RRS]

I believe the gear boxes are sealed for life..?
Justin

This is a myth - the gearbox is not sealed for life - service interval is 240,000km or 10 years and much less if used in arduous conditions like city traffic, towing and offroad. The interval is still too long but not sealed for life.

I would get a steel pan put in and a mega flush done and a new oil seal where the gear linkage enters the gearbox. The oil can be expensive $60-$90 a litre if bought through the dealer but ZF supply 20litre drums for just under $600 so shop around for oil. In a mega flush you will use a lot. If you just do a drain and refill of the oil you only do the box itself where most of the oil actually resides in the plumbing, cooler and torque converter so if you just do a basic oil change most of the old oil stays in the system.

If you are setting up fopr towing I would also get the diff oil changed (easy and cheap) and the transfer case oil done (oil only available at the dealer so very very expensive)

Garry

[Rich84]

You can get the oil for about $30 per litre from independents. Less if you import from Germany or UK. You need about 14L. You also need a steel pan, gasket, bolts and a filter.

If you're technically minded it is a simple job.

120k is a good time to change the fluid, possibly a bit late even. Even ZF states the Lifeguard 6 fluid in the trans is only good for 100K KM. Less if you're towing a lot.

What seems to happen with these transmissions is the fluid undergoes normal wear (like any other atf or hydraulic fluid in general) accelerated by the fact that you have a torquey engine and in my case a regularly impatient driver, pushing 2.6t+ around, and of course as the fluid wears, its hydraulic, thermal and frictional properties slowly degrade. Specifically the first thing that seems to happen is the torque converter lockup clutch, which arguably undergoes the most friction of anything in the box, starts developing an abnormal glazing, which then causes it to shudder upon part engagement. That causes the clutch plate to wear more quickly, and worse, unevenly. That leads to more shudder.

My box is currently at the point where the converter is making a noise similar to rolling over one of those freeway edge ripple strips when cold at about 60-70kmh. Can be easily stopped/started by changing throttle position. It goes away when warmed up. I'm waiting for it to start making the noise all the time before I replace the converter. Also get a bit of flare in any gear if I get going moderately, then give it more. Hoping a new converter will take care of this.

[sniegy]

Get it serviced!

Replace the Pan with a metal one & replace the filter to changeable filters only. ( easy for later on )
Flush all fluid.

End of story!

Sent from my iPad using Forum Runner

[Piddler]

Do a search online for zf service agents you will find one locally. Much more economical than genuine Land Rover.
Cheers

[Rohan]

Was talking to Bill of A&B auto's who is the (insert deity of your choice) of the ZF transmission, he, in consultation with ZF, is recommending an oil change every 80,000km. I for one, will listen to him.

[101RRS]

Was talking to Bill of A&B auto's who is the (insert deity of your choice) of the ZF transmission, he, in consultation with ZF, is recommending an oil change every 80,000km. I for one, will listen to him.

Of course if you do a basic oil change more often this negates the need to do a mega flush later in the life of the gearbox. When A&B are talking about an oil change at 80K are they talking basic oil change or megaflush??

Cheers

Garry

[Rohan]

Of course if you do a basic oil change more often this negates the need to do a mega flush later in the life of the gearbox. When A&B are talking about an oil change at 80K are they talking basic oil change or megaflush??

Cheers

Garry

Not 100% sure Garry, I think oil change, but I'll check with him next time I see him. (we're in the same 4wd club).

[discotwinturbo]

I recently had my oil in the 6 speed ZF in my VW Touareg checked (sealed for life). They removed about a litre and arranged for it to be analysed. The report indicated that the oil we still in good condition and they advised absolutely no need to change.....and this was after 120000 and often attached to a 3.5 tonne trailer. Truck operators rely on oil analysis so no reason I can't rely on it.

But I am going to keep the Touareg as it is by far the most reliable car I have owned....so I shelled out and had the oil and filter changed.

After reading posts on here I was very surprised that the oil was in such good nick after so much heavy towing and distance covered.

Brett....

[Discophil]

I wish I had serviced mine. At 140,000 kms, my TC gave up as described by Rich84 and I have since spent $7k on a reconditioned tranny. Makes the cost of flushing/servicing very worthwhile.