Just had the gearbox oil changed out at 60000 miles. I was dubious because my local jaguar dealership said not to bother but the Indy said to do it so I pulled the trigger on a $1500 job and the results are fantastic and immediate. As soon as I engaged drive it snuck in so silkily it was amazing and it shifts up and down now with absolutely no feeling that it has done so. So. For those like me who are hesitant, hesitate no more and love your gearbox.

 

I definitely agree. On my car I had fluctuating or erratic revs at a constant speed and that was cured with a change of gearbox oil and filter, as well.

Best regards,

Thomas

 

I need to do this as well but have been putting it off. Car just hit 53k and want to make sure I get it done before 60k. They charged you $1500 for a gearbox service? Wow, that seems steep. Planning on doing it myself but was entertaining the idea of just having it done since I just haven't gotten around to it. Not if its going to run over 1k though, that's a bit crazy.

Nice to hear the positive result though! Mine shifts great but is a bit clunky at lower speeds and when cold, hoping it clears some of that up.

 

Hi 87LC2 ,
yeah $1500. Apparently the sump which is plastic, is one use only so they replaced it with a metal one so that in the future they can just clean the filter out and put the sump back on. The fluid as you know is expensive too. Mine shifted up and down no problem but had reached 68k miles so I just wanted to get it done before problems arise. Hope yours fixes the issues. Take care.

 

Yes ,the original sump is plastic and cannot be re-used, also because it the filter is integrated into the sump.

But if I see that I can buy a new sump, gasket, bolts and oil for roughly 300 EUR here in Europe, I do not see the necessity to switch to a metal sump for the money you state.

Best regards,

Thomas

 

Interesting, didn't even know replacing the pan with metal and a separate filter was an option. Yes, the Lifeguard fluid is rather pricey as well. Hopefully I can find time to get mine donw within the next month or so.

 

I did transmission oil change, Here is list of replaced parts:
mechatronics seal
bridge seals
valve seals
plastic oil pan with screws
Lifeguard oil

Did this myself after indy shop quoted $1000; my cost of parts ~$250.
Used car lift, acquaintances of mine has. Another $50,
I was doing ot on Saturday, so no rush. I took it really slow: no power screwdrivers. Did some minor maintenance like diff oil change. Used chance to take close look at everything underneath, replacing missing fasteners. Oh, yes: cleaning after myslef! Total 3 hours, =$200(?) ...and no tax!.
I figure it left me with about $500 beer money.

 

@Big Koshka That's my plan. What did you use to fill the trans? Looks tight under there, will any transfer pump work? Any issues with the fill plug, I've heard people say they've had issues with getting a typical tool on it because of the tight spot its in.

 

A german Zf specialist claims that if a pan leaks after 1-2 years after the oilchange done by a knowledgeble person 90% chance it is not a Zf pan.
bite the bullet go for it.
mie has 358tkm
Just met a guy who has a daimler super 8 with the about the same mileage first tranny and a 2,7 diesel with over 500tkm

 

To fill the trans, I have used a pump like this:



Regarding the fill plug, I have taken a suitable bit and then used a ring wrench to turn it. If you like, I hope that my explanation is clear, for clarity I can take a picture of the arrangement during the next days, latest a the weekend.

Best regards,

Thomas

 

I think I get the idea but a picture is always great, no hurry. I have a similar extractor/transfer pump so I can use that.

One thing I find odd is that all of the sudden it seems ZF Lifeguard 6 fluid is hard to find? Last time I checked it was all over Amazon and other sites but it seems to be more rare and much more expensive when I just looked. Wonder what happened there. Looks like Lifeguard 8 is readily available, is that a suitable replacement (sort of like the GM Deron series, its always backwards compatible?). How much fluid, thinking 7 liters should do it?

 

Ok, I'll see to take pictures.

The trans has a capacity of 9.92 liters or 10.5 US quarts, respectively. As you will not be able to drain all of it, i think that 7 or 8 liters should be sufficient. I did the job a few years ago and do not remember how much I had to use.

I cannot comment on the availability of the ZF Lifeguard 6 in the US as I live in Germany, and here it is readily available.

Best regards,

Thomas

 

Drain plug did not cause me any problem: previouse owner worked on it before me. Nevertheless: normal allen wrench will not fit there, neither will socket. I cut off about 6mm out of the short end of Allen wrench and that fit perfectly in. If you do that, you can use 'convincer' on long end.
I bought this for a transfer pump:
Yes it is tight there, I had to to make a nozzle for it:


While I was there I changed other pieces: rubbers are 19 years old! to remove sleeve you need to release latch, that thing is plastic immersed in lifeguuard fluid. I was very cautous not to breack it accidently. Latching new sleeve in place turned out to be more wrecking procedure: you have to press sleeve in HARD and then latch it. I used padded lever to push sleeve in and keep it there while operating latch.
It is not a difficult job not at all. I was just 'afraid' plastic part will dessintegrate in my hands!
Good luck!

 

My sincerest apology for not posting the pictures I promised before now,but I had an unexpected issue that hindered my going to my workshop before now.

Although it might be too late, here's the improvised tool I used to get the filling plug unscrewed:






Best regards,
Thomas