LR3 Transmission Flush

[brickpaul65]

I have searched around and have found a few threads on various forums where people have discussed fluid flushing (both old school drain/add/drain/add and the flush systems) as well as replace the pan and filter adding new fluid.

Unfortunately I have not seen any post really discussing the results or people saying they have done it. A few people siad everything was fine. There just is not a wealth of information out there.

I know the transmission is a zf sealed unit. The fluid is recommended to be changed at 150K. The question I have is are there advantages to doing it sooner? I just struggle with the concept of more than 100,000 miles on a tranny and not just changing the fluid. I know technology has improved etc.

Basically, I have 103,000 miles on my '06 LR3 and would love to keep putting them on. I am not having any issues. I was just considering preventative maintenance.

Has any one done this? If so did you use something like a powerflush option (which fluid did you refill with) or manual fill (fluid choice)?

I would also like to replace the fluid in the diffs and tranfer case. Any fluid recommendations? I used royal purple in my two wrx's.

Thanks guys. Sorry for the post but I just could not see a whole lot of results discussion.

 

[racehorse]

Hi brickpaul65,

You might have more success with this particular topic at other dedicated land rover sites - land rover world range rover forum, etc. It's been discussed and outlined pretty well on those dedicated land rover sites.

I'm not a tech, but based on what I have learned i would change it now at 103k. Change the diffs and transfer case also. If you wheel your rover change your diff fluid more often, perhaps every 25k after this exchange. That's what I like to do.

It's expensive to have the tranny service done and/or a little more involved if you do it yourself than a normal tranny fluid exchange on a different vehicle. The zf is an expensive component to replace hence the support from rover owners for changing it more often (some say 75k others 100k but most agree not to wait until 150k) than not especially if you run it hot or pull a trailer, etc. Keep the zf happy.

Others can chime in but my take on it is do not flush the tranny fluid, just replace it.

 

[baja5337]

I'd change it

Land Rover also specifies in they service manual that if the vehicle is used under "arduous" conditions to service the transmission twice as often so every 75k miles

 

[nwoods]

Change it! And get the parts third party, like from British Pacific. Way cheaper. LR wants far too much money for that filter pan. I personally would do it every 50,000 miles, but I drove my LR3 pretty hard.

 

[brickpaul65]

Change it! And get the parts third party, like from British Pacific. Way cheaper. LR wants far too much money for that filter pan. I personally would do it every 50,000 miles, but I drove my LR3 pretty hard.

So you would recommend changing the pan/filter and fluid.

Thoughts on fluid replacement method?
1. Drain what ever comes out with the pan change and refill with new
2. Replace pan/filter and fill. Drive a bit, drain, and refill.
3. Drain and fill. Drive a little bit. Replace pan/filter and refill.

1. Is what I was thinking should be just fine.
2. A little more conservative.
3. This is what I would think is better than 2 because I would think the new filter would see the cleanest fluid since it would have been diluted with the new oil twice before running.

 

[nwoods]

I just did method 1

 

[proper4wd]

Most of these trucks get the drain/refill procedure (and occasionally a new pan) when the electrical collar sleeve leaks and needs replacement. It is an involved job to replace the pan because the center crossmember needs to come out (the bolts are usually rusted in place and tool access requires some creativity) and the passenger side engine mount needs to be unbolted and the engine jacked up on that side, and the passenger side exhaust needs to come out. The bolts from the manifold to the downpipe usually break.

With experience doing many of these in the shop, I would not do it in my driveway at home.

 

[unseenone]

Just to clarify a point here. I have heard this countless times and it is totally incorrect. "I know the transmission is a zf sealed unit. The fluid is recommended to be changed at 150K.

What this essentially means, is that it is sealed until they can sell you another one. The fluid is rated for about 75k miles, 60k if you do a lot of towing, or if you ever overheat it, then it should be changed immediately thereafter. Lifeguard 6 is the fluid, if you choose to fit a metal ZF pan, reduce by about a quart.

Differentials should be changed about ever 30k or so.

Transfer Case should be done about ever 60k.

Nobody ever said, oh man, I wish I had not changed the oil so often!

LR3/RRS drive train parts are available at http://www.lucky8llc.com
Differential rebuilding kits, bearings, seals, ring & pinion, transmissions, transfer cases, drive shafts. Also full line of LR OEM parts, etc.