Another sad S8 owner because of the gearbox

[Adrian E]

Originally Posted by grizz

Unit20 in neston ..

They only use genuine parts with genuine oil ..

Nice plug - lol

What's your approach to changing the oil on a precautionary basis? Drain and replace filter and live with the litre or so of fluid that stays in the box, or do you flush in some way?

Any point at which you'd recommend just saving for a new box and not bothering on mileage/condition grounds?

Mine has been noticeably smoother shifting since an oil change - well worth doing if the box isn't beyond help

[PsYcHe]

If the box misbehaves badly, then good chance a flush won't fix it. PFs give plenty of warning (hunting/thumping), from what I understand, you don't get a lot of warning before the FL units go.

[Nollywood]

So far, mine's been pretty good. I must say, it's the fastest shifting tip I've owned. My PF ('96) 4,2 QS was quite slow, my PF ('98) S8 a bit better. But my current S8 is worlds apart, it changes up so quickly, even at moderate speeds. It'll only delay shifts (redline) in Sport mode.

No thumps, or slack in driveline.

[completelylostagain]

So I finally got my car to a ZF specialist and the gearbox is showing Fault Codes -Gear 1,2,3,4 and Gear ratio control. They also said that the drum was split.

They quoted £2050 + fluids all in and an 18 month warrenty (http://www.automaticgearbox.biz/about.html#) and thought that it would take a week to do: they also mentioned putting in oversized valves, is that a good thing?

Why does these expensive repairs alwys happen when the bank account is on empty?

I'm going to get it done, soon, but not just yet at the place above, unless anyone has another reccomendation?

[Nollywood]

2,050 is a lot of $$$. Really feel bad for you bud.

I can think of another option, might cost more, or less, but I doubt you'd like it.

[completelylostagain]

I'd prefer less rather but more.................................but please do share.

[Nollywood]

Originally Posted by completelylostagain

I'd prefer less rather but more.................................but please do share.

Bite the bullet, and manual her.

[completelylostagain]

Funny enough that's what the gearbox place said, and then they went on to say "there aren't any decent automatic 'boxes out there at the moment".

[completelylostagain]

I just found this in a Jaguar forum, apprently from ZF themselves:

http://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/xj...ce-more-55546/

Dear Distributor:

It has come to our attention there is confusion in the field regarding service intervals and fluid recommendations for ZF 5HP and 6HP applications.

ZF has promoted lifetime service for many 5HP and 6HP factory filled transmissions. Lifetime is not clearly defined and each OEM manufacture has there own philosophy. ZF stands behind lifetime recommendation where listed in the vehicle operator’s manual. ZF engineered and tested our fluids to retain its characteristics through normal lifetime operating conditions.

However, a spirited driving style, special environmental considerations and other individual driving factors may place higher than normal loads on transmission fluids. To assure proper operation it is advisable to perform a drain and fill at 100,000km/62,000 miles or eight years.

Due to the complexity of operation, high output of current engine offerings and the expectation drivers place on their ZF equipped vehicles ZF only endorses the use of ZF Lifeguard Fluids and parts or OEM approved fluids and parts. Fluids and parts not approved for use by ZF or the original equipment manufacturers have not been tested and may not meet the required demands.

Use of these fluids or parts will void factory warranties and warranties placed on aftermarket transmissions remanufactured by ZF. The use of any fluid additives is prohibited as the result will unpredictably change fluid properties potentially resulting in transmission failure.

Some fluids previously recommended were factory fill or available only in the European market. To simplify obtaining the correct recommended fluids ZF now offers Lifguardfluid5, Lifeguardfluid6 and Lifeguardfluid8.

Finally there are some customers that feel the need to perform a transmission oil service as part of their regular maintenance. Changing the fluid more often is entirely their decision. Properly performed oil service will not damage the transmission.

Most problems occur due to improper refill procedures, incorrect fluid and or non OE parts or with transmissions that already have a drivability problem. Use of ZF or OE parts and fluid is strongly recommended for best results,

[Nollywood]

The problematic ZF tip is the only slur in the otherwise perfect D2. A rebuild is good, if the car is for short term (2-3 years) ownership. If your D2 is more of a long term ownership car, 3 years and beyond, a manual conversion (with its cost implications) is a great idea.

I've been looking at starting mine now, just awaiting my pedal box (custom) to be completed, and hopefully, if the weather's still as good as it is now, teardown would begin. I don't want to be working on my car so close to winter, otherwise.

Good luck with your rebuild, buddy.