I’d like to get the gearbox oil changed or possibly megaflush. Any recommendations for anywhere to get it done in or close to London (preferably West)v

Many thanks.

Hi I have just called JT automatics Erith this morning 350 plus vat using ZF oil.I used them a few years ago on my ford explorer good job and price at the time they have been going since 1965

Afraid they are East London as well, but Brownchurch (very well known LR/Defender specialists) have done all my servicing for years, previously on the 110, and now on my L322.

They did my gearbox oil change earlier this year - they prefer just an oil swap (using genuine ZF oil) rather than a mega flush, and fit a new metal sump/filter rather than the usual plastic one. That was around £500 inc. VAT.

RRLondon is more Central/West, and I've heard some reasonable reviews of them from both LR and RR owners, one of my team at work had their Series II in there for some work a few weeks ago and was happy with them.

Depending on how West you are, Rovertune in Reading get very good reviews and I wouldn't hesitate to use them.

Or, as above, try a decent auto gearbox shop, or Bodsy on the LR/RR forums who does a mobile mega flush.

Thanks for the recommendations.

My current thinking after speaking with ZF UK is to find a transmission specialist, preferably a ZF approved one, to do the gearbox service to ZF specs which includes replacing the mechatronic sleeve and resetting the gearbox ECU. I've found a couple of places and will research them a bit more and update the thread with my thoughts.

Alternatively I am contemplating doing it myself if I can find a way to reset the gearbox ECU although this isn't essential.

I've just been reading the service schedules and realised my 10 yr old car is also now due diff, transfer box and axle fluid changes too... the joys of older cars...

paulbrown22 wrote:

They did my gearbox oil change earlier this year - they prefer just an oil swap (using genuine ZF oil) rather than a mega flush, and fit a new metal sump/filter rather than the usual plastic one.

My understanding is the Megaflush is a convenient way to change the gearbox oil but the two transmission specialists I've spoken to and ZF don't seem to do it that way so you'll need to come to your own conclusion.

I'm still trying to work out the metal/plastic sump/filter business. My understanding so far is that the factory sump/filter is a one piece unit however on some cars, not sure if this is the case on the FF or just Sport, it's very difficult to remove and replace without taking apart lots of other bits - cross members, exhaust etc. So the solution is that the old filter pipe is cut out (hacksaw) and the new separate filter and metal sump are used to replace it which makes replacement and future oil changes much easier.

WB

Lots of info on here if you search as to who and why.

Many have used Bodsy to do their gearbox flush etc. He is well respected and does come to you, but will need coordinating. Again search.

AIUI, the 8 speed, not yours, has a thermostat which prevents the cooler being drained, so you don't get all the oil out at a change. With a suitable machine the oil temp is raised to allow this.  Cheers
Richard

(there are no such things as an ordinary FullFat, an ordinary cat or too many tools)
2011 TDV8 Vogue Santorini Black
Gap IIDBT

Just my pennies worth , ZF recommend an oil change as opposed to a flush. I'm certainly not an expert but if the guys that manufacture it advise how to change the oil and filter then you couldn't go wrong following their advice.

Had mine done yesterday and my indie told me the hardest part of the job was a side step bolt that had to be drilled out !!! 2015 4.4 AB
GSXR 1000 K5
R1 1998

Sorry to nick a bit of your post WB but:

Fair point Dolph, and I agree the makers would know their designs, but I still wonder if leaving "old" oil in the cooler, (as I understand it) affects the new oil put in. We all try to remove all the oil on an engine oil change, but why consider leaving some old oil in a 'box. Cheers
Richard

(there are no such things as an ordinary FullFat, an ordinary cat or too many tools)
2011 TDV8 Vogue Santorini Black
Gap IIDBT

Hi Richard , i agree sir , i was merely pointing out ZF's own recommendation. I get mine done every 40k kilometres. Indie did say fluid removed smelled and looked like new, which was nice to hear. I also reset adaptations with the wonderful IID tool.

Regards
John 2015 4.4 AB
GSXR 1000 K5
R1 1998

I thought from reading other posts on here as well that the recommendation was to not reset adaptions immediately on changing the oil, but let the gearbox recalibrate itself a bit first?

I wasn't aware of a need for a delay in resetting the adaptions. I did drive about 50 kilometres before i did it but that was because of a meeting i had to get to and not from any knowledge  2015 4.4 AB
GSXR 1000 K5
R1 1998

John

Good to hear about the oil condtition and thank you for your reply. May make me go your route. Can I ask if you change the filter every time?

As to the adaptations, I agee the IID is great and I'll reset as you do. Cheers
Richard

(there are no such things as an ordinary FullFat, an ordinary cat or too many tools)
2011 TDV8 Vogue Santorini Black
Gap IIDBT

Yes to the filter change , indie uses the genuine ZF one. Not mad expensive and gives peace of mind. As i say , I'm far from an expert and i normally follow indies advice unless others on here can offer some wisdom he may not have. Good luck with whichever route you take 2015 4.4 AB
GSXR 1000 K5
R1 1998

The middle ground is for those without the oil changing machine - two (or better three) separate oil changes with a good drive in between to open the thermostat. With a new pan inc filter of course.

Just done mine this way.

. Cheers, Greg
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2011 Vogue SE 4.4 with lots of toys in Stornaway