Gearbox oil changed
#1
07-05-2019, 12:06 PM
Gearbox oil changed
Hi guys just a reminder that your gearbox has a filter and it's good practice to get the oil changed this is mine from my car I inherited all bad maintenance from previous owner
#2
07-05-2019, 12:38 PM
Very excellent point, service the gearbox fluid. As you chaps say "this side of the pond" we call it an automatic transmission.😉
Originally Bentley intended this fluid to be lifetime. Not such a good idea.
Originally Bentley intended this fluid to be lifetime. Not such a good idea.
#3
07-05-2019, 01:20 PM
Not Bentley that intended this to to be a life fill, rather ZF designed the 5/6/8HP gearboxes to be life fills. They, in turn supply these gearboxes to Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, LR, Hyundai, some Fords, etc. and specify no oil change interval. If the gearbox fails, then ZF warrants a full replacement to match the car mfg warranty. So, the intention was the gearbox is good until warranty expires (then both ZF and the mfgr are off the hook). With no service interval, then "we the owners" are responsible. These dealers don't even have repair procedures on ZF HP boxes, just remove/replace.
The design came about driven by the EPA in the US along with its counterparts in Europe and ROW to design cars with less fluid change intervals. This is where the extended coolant formulas came from along with extended oil change intervals. Differentials are another example. Many mfgrs no longer have or specify a change interval at all, or at any mileage.
ZF really made out like a bandit though. They specified their own brand transmission oils (lifeguard) and refuse to review/test/approve any other brands creating an illusive exclusive requirement. Then, they do not mass market their oils in quart containers, mostly only 55 gal drums to their system and dealers. So, for those of us cornered into buying 6/8/10 quarts of lifeguard get a little shocked to find it around 10 times the cost of mainstream trans oils (Pretty smart marketing ZF).
I've done a lot of ZF oil changes especially in Jaguars. What many discovered, you can get around the LG oil using Motorcraft Mercon SP which is the oil that Ford specifies for changes in the ZF6HP26 transmissions used in the Navigator. Ford tested their own oil and found SP works.
This is just a chat and I am not endorsing Mercon SP or recommending it to anyone. Also not trying to create a debate.
Changing the fluid around 50K mile intervals is probably smarter than rolling the dice the transmission will last a lifetime, which BTW, is pretty loose and undefined. Mfgrs will NOT put it in print, but lifetime as they define it ends at the life of the factory warranty. But the rest of us "consumers" become pretty confused what lifetime means.
The design came about driven by the EPA in the US along with its counterparts in Europe and ROW to design cars with less fluid change intervals. This is where the extended coolant formulas came from along with extended oil change intervals. Differentials are another example. Many mfgrs no longer have or specify a change interval at all, or at any mileage.
ZF really made out like a bandit though. They specified their own brand transmission oils (lifeguard) and refuse to review/test/approve any other brands creating an illusive exclusive requirement. Then, they do not mass market their oils in quart containers, mostly only 55 gal drums to their system and dealers. So, for those of us cornered into buying 6/8/10 quarts of lifeguard get a little shocked to find it around 10 times the cost of mainstream trans oils (Pretty smart marketing ZF).
I've done a lot of ZF oil changes especially in Jaguars. What many discovered, you can get around the LG oil using Motorcraft Mercon SP which is the oil that Ford specifies for changes in the ZF6HP26 transmissions used in the Navigator. Ford tested their own oil and found SP works.
This is just a chat and I am not endorsing Mercon SP or recommending it to anyone. Also not trying to create a debate.
Changing the fluid around 50K mile intervals is probably smarter than rolling the dice the transmission will last a lifetime, which BTW, is pretty loose and undefined. Mfgrs will NOT put it in print, but lifetime as they define it ends at the life of the factory warranty. But the rest of us "consumers" become pretty confused what lifetime means.
#4
07-05-2019, 01:28 PM
Not Bentley that intended this to to be a life fill, rather ZF designed the 5/6/8HP gearboxes to be life fills. They, in turn supply these gearboxes to Bentley, BMW, Jaguar, LR, Hyundai, some Fords, etc. and specify no oil change interval. If the gearbox fails, then ZF warrants a full replacement to match the car mfg warranty. So, the intention was the gearbox is good until warranty expires (then both ZF and the mfgr are off the hook). With no service interval, then "we the owners" are responsible. These dealers don't even have repair procedures on ZF HP boxes, just remove/replace.
The design came about driven by the EPA in the US along with its counterparts in Europe and ROW to design cars with less fluid change intervals. This is where the extended coolant formulas came from along with extended oil change intervals. Differentials are another example. Many mfgrs no longer have or specify a change interval at all, or at any mileage.
ZF really made out like a bandit though. They specified their own brand transmission oils (lifeguard) and refuse to review/test/approve any other brands creating an illusive exclusive requirement. Then, they do not mass market their oils in quart containers, mostly only 55 gal drums to their system and dealers. So, for those of us cornered into buying 6/8/10 quarts of lifeguard get a little shocked to find it around 10 times the cost of mainstream trans oils (Pretty smart marketing ZF).
I've done a lot of ZF oil changes especially in Jaguars. What many discovered, you can get around the LG oil using Motorcraft Mercon SP which is the oil that Ford specifies for changes in the ZF6HP26 transmissions used in the Navigator. Ford tested their own oil and found SP works.
This is just a chat and I am not endorsing Mercon SP or recommending it to anyone. Also not trying to create a debate.
Changing the fluid around 50K mile intervals is probably smarter than rolling the dice the transmission will last a lifetime, which BTW, is pretty loose and undefined. Mfgrs will NOT put it in print, but lifetime as they define it ends at the life of the factory warranty. But the rest of us "consumers" become pretty confused what lifetime means.
The design came about driven by the EPA in the US along with its counterparts in Europe and ROW to design cars with less fluid change intervals. This is where the extended coolant formulas came from along with extended oil change intervals. Differentials are another example. Many mfgrs no longer have or specify a change interval at all, or at any mileage.
ZF really made out like a bandit though. They specified their own brand transmission oils (lifeguard) and refuse to review/test/approve any other brands creating an illusive exclusive requirement. Then, they do not mass market their oils in quart containers, mostly only 55 gal drums to their system and dealers. So, for those of us cornered into buying 6/8/10 quarts of lifeguard get a little shocked to find it around 10 times the cost of mainstream trans oils (Pretty smart marketing ZF).
I've done a lot of ZF oil changes especially in Jaguars. What many discovered, you can get around the LG oil using Motorcraft Mercon SP which is the oil that Ford specifies for changes in the ZF6HP26 transmissions used in the Navigator. Ford tested their own oil and found SP works.
This is just a chat and I am not endorsing Mercon SP or recommending it to anyone. Also not trying to create a debate.
Changing the fluid around 50K mile intervals is probably smarter than rolling the dice the transmission will last a lifetime, which BTW, is pretty loose and undefined. Mfgrs will NOT put it in print, but lifetime as they define it ends at the life of the factory warranty. But the rest of us "consumers" become pretty confused what lifetime means.
#5
07-05-2019, 01:57 PM
Yes indeed. Marketing and product profit get in the way of knowing when to make good decisions.
Another area that is perplexing and I have not performed the PM maintenance is the front and rear differential and transfer case. The specified fluid for them I've never heard of and could not cross reference. So what gives on the front and rear differential and transfer case fluid?
Another area that is perplexing and I have not performed the PM maintenance is the front and rear differential and transfer case. The specified fluid for them I've never heard of and could not cross reference. So what gives on the front and rear differential and transfer case fluid?
#6
07-05-2019, 02:04 PM
Guess it’s time to do a little research.
In the mean time, anyone have their own write up on how to do this? I don’t mind turning a wrench to save a dollar.
In the mean time, anyone have their own write up on how to do this? I don’t mind turning a wrench to save a dollar.
#7
07-05-2019, 02:51 PM
I've got an auto trans on the 1965 Mustang the Bentley is a gearbox as it's British 😂😂
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#8
07-05-2019, 03:02 PM
While we have a few knowledgeable guys here can I ask your thoughts.
I had the trans oil changed as when I was coming to a stop and the gearbox selected 1st gear it clunked into gear then when I stopped and put it in reverse it did the same as if the fluid was low now I'm worried that it could be something more serious 🙈 I'll go back to the transmittion garage next week but until then throw your knowledge in my direction please .
I had the trans oil changed as when I was coming to a stop and the gearbox selected 1st gear it clunked into gear then when I stopped and put it in reverse it did the same as if the fluid was low now I'm worried that it could be something more serious 🙈 I'll go back to the transmittion garage next week but until then throw your knowledge in my direction please .
#9
07-05-2019, 03:14 PM
While we have a few knowledgeable guys here can I ask your thoughts.
I had the trans oil changed as when I was coming to a stop and the gearbox selected 1st gear it clunked into gear then when I stopped and put it in reverse it did the same as if the fluid was low now I'm worried that it could be something more serious 🙈 I'll go back to the transmittion garage next week but until then throw your knowledge in my direction please .
I had the trans oil changed as when I was coming to a stop and the gearbox selected 1st gear it clunked into gear then when I stopped and put it in reverse it did the same as if the fluid was low now I'm worried that it could be something more serious 🙈 I'll go back to the transmittion garage next week but until then throw your knowledge in my direction please .
The book refers to a VAG tool to add transmission fluid. Simply make a 90-degree bend in soft copper tubing and that will work. Obviously some type of pump is needed to push the fluid from under the car.
#10
07-05-2019, 03:20 PM
The way to check the level: engine running remove the large hexagonal drain plug and push fluid into the hole until it starts to run out allow excessive oil to drain and reinstall the plug. Should that procedure not be followed there would be insufficient fluid in the transmission. The temperature of the transmission is also critical at check. Please don't quote me on this I think it's 100 degrees C?
The book refers to a VAG tool to add transmission fluid. Simply make a 90-degree bend in soft copper tubing and that will work. Obviously some type of pump is needed to push the fluid from under the car.
The book refers to a VAG tool to add transmission fluid. Simply make a 90-degree bend in soft copper tubing and that will work. Obviously some type of pump is needed to push the fluid from under the car.
#11
07-05-2019, 03:24 PM
In no way am I doubting their proficiency. This would have to be double-checked as a cautionary measure.
#13
07-05-2019, 03:42 PM
I think I've read somewhere people have paid between $700 to $1,000?
When I did mine I bought the ZF lifeguard fluid. I think it used 6 liters at $25 a liter. Not sure on a 06 but 05 and 04 uses the same filter as Audi which was about $30. The later style filter is about $100 online.
When I did mine I bought the ZF lifeguard fluid. I think it used 6 liters at $25 a liter. Not sure on a 06 but 05 and 04 uses the same filter as Audi which was about $30. The later style filter is about $100 online.
#15
07-05-2019, 03:58 PM
One would hope so. The shifting symptoms are somewhat indicative of insufficient fluid. Of course could be other things but sounds like the transmission worked okay before changing fluid?
In no way am I doubting their proficiency. This would have to be double-checked as a cautionary measure.
In no way am I doubting their proficiency. This would have to be double-checked as a cautionary measure.