ZF transmission oil and sleeve change writeup with pics FAQ
#21
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Glasgow, Scotland UK
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#22
#23
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I replaced all the fluid in my tranny by disconnecting the cooler return line from the transmission, attaching a clear hose to it and draining into a bucket. This way you get all the bad fluid out and all the good fluid in.
Simply fill the pan full and start the engine. With foot on the brake shift through all gears and back to park, turn off the ignition when you see bubble/air in the clear hose. Fill the pan back up and repeat.
Repeat until you see new bright transmission fluid coming out the hose.
Re-attach the coolant return line and fill one last time and PRESTO!!!!
Simply fill the pan full and start the engine. With foot on the brake shift through all gears and back to park, turn off the ignition when you see bubble/air in the clear hose. Fill the pan back up and repeat.
Repeat until you see new bright transmission fluid coming out the hose.
Re-attach the coolant return line and fill one last time and PRESTO!!!!
#24
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#28
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First thought is that there MUST be cars with an external cooler for ZF as standard (er, don't know any though, sorry). Anyone towing regularly probably fitted one, too.
Some cars with the ZF 6HP26:
03-07 Aston Martin DB9
04-06 BMW 545i, 04-07 5 Series, 04-07 6 Series incl 645ci & 645Li, 02-05 745, 06 750
Ford 2005 Explorer
probably Maserati Quattroporte Automatica
Maserati GT
Some Mercs (MBs), I don't have a list though.
Plus there are cars with variants (6HP26A, 6HP26X etc).
Some cars with the ZF 6HP26:
03-07 Aston Martin DB9
04-06 BMW 545i, 04-07 5 Series, 04-07 6 Series incl 645ci & 645Li, 02-05 745, 06 750
Ford 2005 Explorer
probably Maserati Quattroporte Automatica
Maserati GT
Some Mercs (MBs), I don't have a list though.
Plus there are cars with variants (6HP26A, 6HP26X etc).
#29
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With ZF recommending fluid changes every 50kmiles and Jaguar at 100kmiles,
with each drain and fill with 6 qts of fluid at $10-40/qt requires 4 cycles to change out 93.8% of the fluid. It may be worth looking into if there is an oil cooler port on the case that can be tapped into that can change the fluid out with 1/2 the required amount of fluid and save 12 x ($10-40) in extra fluid.
with each drain and fill with 6 qts of fluid at $10-40/qt requires 4 cycles to change out 93.8% of the fluid. It may be worth looking into if there is an oil cooler port on the case that can be tapped into that can change the fluid out with 1/2 the required amount of fluid and save 12 x ($10-40) in extra fluid.
#31
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Can't get under my car right now but I thought there was at least a loop going out to (and back from LOL) the front of the car, and likely going through the main coolant radiator. Not suitable to tap into? I'd have thought it would be.
(I think they go into the coolant rad to assist in heating it up when cold but cooling it otherwise.)
(I think they go into the coolant rad to assist in heating it up when cold but cooling it otherwise.)
#32
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When you pull the trans pan to change the filter look for the return line dumping into the pan area. This is the line you unscrew and connect the clear hose onto that goes into the drain bucket, (after you replace the pan that is).
Remember to shut off the ingition at first sign of air bubbles in the line and you're good.
Remember to shut off the ingition at first sign of air bubbles in the line and you're good.
#33
#34
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I've done this on several brands of auto transmissions. The ZF is no different. You can even rig up a fill hose where you unscrew the return line, so as to fill easier. You have to find a suitable fitting, but this still beats the stock fill method.
(This is how all transmission shops "flush your trannies by the way).
(This is how all transmission shops "flush your trannies by the way).
#37
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I am interested - We just purchased a '05 XJ wit 46K on the clock, and I will probably do this at 60K. I have noticed that the car has a small "thump" on downshift, particularly on fast stops. The transmission shifts smoothly and the car drives GREAT! Should I be concerned about this, or is it normal?
I can't wait to serve out my waiting period so I can view this threads photos.
I can't wait to serve out my waiting period so I can view this threads photos.
#38
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I am interested - We just purchased a '05 XJ wit 46K on the clock, and I will probably do this at 60K. I have noticed that the car has a small "thump" on downshift, particularly on fast stops. The transmission shifts smoothly and the car drives GREAT! Should I be concerned about this, or is it normal?
I can't wait to serve out my waiting period so I can view this threads photos.
I can't wait to serve out my waiting period so I can view this threads photos.
#40
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Jerry, to expand on the "normal" comment from yesterday. Do a quick search using the term "lurch". That is what it is normally called. I don't find the down shift part as bad as I find the "delayed take off" from a quick/rolling stop. That part drives me nuts.