Member Since: 05 Aug 2020
Location: Sutton Coldfield
Posts: 1211
Gearbox oil, change or leave alone?
So I’ve been going through changing all the fluids across the vehicle over the last few weeks and considering the colour of what’s coming out, glad I have been.
Next plan is to change the gearbox oil, and swap the sump out for the powerful 2 part metal one while I’m at it, however I’m seeing mixed write up as to whether to or not.
Instinct is to replace, as we all know oil gets clogged up with filth and breaks down over time, but a lot of right ups push the “leave it alone” for gearbox as they say even just changing oil can lead to issues, what’s the main feal on here?
Gearbox is great, with no hesitation at all on gear changes and really smooth, so change or leave alone?
Cheers2008 HSE Stornoway Grey
My Wife thinks the D3 is a hobby, The D3 thinks the wife is 💕
2nd Oct 2021 2:26 pm
aja4x4
Member Since: 14 Apr 2019
Location: Westbury
Posts: 2459
I would suggest a mega flush would be perfect solution for you.Andrew
D3 2.7tdv6 2005
D4 3.0 SDV6 Commercial died and gone to LR heaven
D5 3.0 SDV6 HSE
2nd Oct 2021 2:31 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10383
It is worth changing if everything is well with the gearbox now.
Personally I wouldn't be changing the filter and sump because:-
1) The filter really isn't dirty after 100K miles.
2) You just end up with leaks (particulalry with metal sumps). Plastic sumps can't be fitted without jacking the engine up, away from the engine mount.
3) waste of time and money and messing around under the car
The fluid has be removed by a combination of pumping it out the cooler hose at the front, and removing the sump plug. Both methods are required. Gets about 7 litres out.
Search FILO on here for how to do DIY.
Avoid filling with red gearbox oils, straw colour should be used specified for ZF6HP__ gearboxes
2nd Oct 2021 2:41 pm
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
Drain oil, measure what comes out, refill with exact same amount, do again in a few months time.
Filter is not a super fine job like fuel and oil filters.
2nd Oct 2021 4:18 pm
Pete K
Member Since: 15 Jan 2016
Location: GL
Posts: 10383
Trouble with that is, you get about 2 litres out of a total 8+
So you aren’t changing much
2nd Oct 2021 5:09 pm
kajtzu
Member Since: 11 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6581
Mega flush
2nd Oct 2021 6:22 pm
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
Pete K wrote:
Trouble with that is, you get about 2 litres out of a total 8+
So you aren’t changing much
Iirc 3.5 litres last time I did it?
Or just pump it out at the front, gets 6 or 7 litres, which is how I do it now as almost mess free.
2nd Oct 2021 8:35 pm
PROFSR G
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Lost
Posts: 4694
You should at least change the oil, I usually get 4 litres out and if left overnight perhaps a bit more using forced air. Refill and run it up to full temp through gears then drain and refill again.
That will hopefully stave off any major worries until you are inclined to do the full monty.
Remember, ZF say 60 to 80k for a transmission service max and every 40k thereafter!! yµ (idµ - eAµ) ψ=mψ
2nd Oct 2021 9:30 pm
gizze
Member Since: 20 Feb 2012
Location: Norfolk
Posts: 36
I have done quite a few of these on ZF6 boxes, what I would say is this.
Flush 12-14 litres through the system via the intercooler, don't bother changing the filter.
I have taken apart filters at 200k miles and they are fine still.
The fluid at 80-100k is however not.
I have had cars that are flaring, going into limp mode going into 2nd or 3rd, and clucking very heavily on changes, where a complete oil flush and adaption reset* has made them feel like new.
And been good for another 80-100k miles again too.
Complete flush can be done on at home in under an hour and for less than £100.
*Not everyone agress on adaption reset, I get that, but I have done loads and not been an issue for me with completely new fluid.MY15 BMW 5 Series Touring
Porsche 996 C4 911
Need another Disco to fiddle with.
9th Oct 2021 11:35 am
Bracechenko
Member Since: 29 Jun 2021
Location: Cardiff
Posts: 178
I have a D3 on 143k and had the mega flush done. Same as you, all things were working fine beforehand and I'm happy to report that everything is working perfectly since it's been done. I now have the peace of mind that the oil is healthy and good for the rest of the car's life.
I should also point out that I had the adaption reset done at the same time. Initially pooed myself as thought there was some juddering/pulsing on heavy load on my 1st test drive after the work (I had a full ECU remap too so there was a lot more power). However, it was the gearbox just sorting itself out with re-learning.
As said, car drives absolutely fine now. Super smooth gear changes and rock solid transmission of power to the road even with the higher torque and power that it's dealing with - very happy.
12th Oct 2021 9:56 am
PROFSR G
Member Since: 06 Mar 2017
Location: Lost
Posts: 4694
You're good for the next 40k before it has to be changed again, (assuming you still own it) but not the rest of the car's life. yµ (idµ - eAµ) ψ=mψ
Having experience both a oil & sump change & a megaflush type oil exchange i'd go with the megaflush every time.
Oil & Sump change to a Britpart 2 piece sump resulted in a leaking sump which took a visit to LR to resolve with a genuine fitment & a gearbox that wasn't showing any issue with one that changed like a dog in the low gears which later we realised was due to the garage who fitted the Britpart item incorrectly filling the box to the required level. Probably resulting in long term damage.
Megaflush took 8 or so ltrs out & put 8 or so ltrs back in, no leaks, no fuss, just a ticket from the machine to prove what was done & two little test bottles with samples of the new & old oil for comparison.
I'm sure many have had no issue at all but this is my personal experience for what it's worth.
Cheers n Gone Nick MY16 D4 Landmark SDV6 (The Ice Maiden)
Uncle Ray's spare wheel protector
MY08 D3 HSE Stornoway (Miss Moneypit) The money tree withered......
13th Oct 2021 4:51 pm
lynalldiscovery
Member Since: 22 Dec 2009
Location: Maidstone
Posts: 7274
You dont have to change the sump to change the oil.
13th Oct 2021 5:17 pm
KevinD3
Member Since: 05 Aug 2020
Location: Sutton Coldfield
Posts: 1211
Hi lynalldiscovery, absolutely know you don’t have to change the sump when changing the gearbox oil was looking at doing it so I could change the filter, and as you have to Jack he engine to get a new standard sump & filter back in, along with he fact I’ve never liked an unguarded, plastic sump sticking out of the bottom of a car that’s meant to go over the rough and ruts, I thought I’d do it while I was there.
Listening to the posts on here though, sounds like the filter will be ok so have PM’d Bodsey for a flush quote when he’s about.2008 HSE Stornoway Grey
My Wife thinks the D3 is a hobby, The D3 thinks the wife is 💕
13th Oct 2021 6:40 pm
munst
Member Since: 16 Sep 2020
Location: GLOS
Posts: 155
If the sump is exposed then you are missing some of the factory under plates surely?
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was looking at doing it so I could change the filter, and as you have to Jack he engine to get a new standard sump & filter back in, along with he fact I’ve never liked an unguarded, plastic sump sticking out of the bottom of a car that’s meant to go over the rough and ruts, I thought I’d do it while I was there.
