Degradation in oil can lead to judder, noise and a deterioration in gear change quality.
ZF recommends oil and filter changes after 50,000 to 75,000 miles on all 5, 6 & 8 speed automatic gearboxes to ensure optimum performance.
From the factory, a fluid and filter change on this transmission is a very lengthy process. The sump and filter are normally one piece and fitting involves jacking the engine up and unbolting the mounts, plus the removal of the exhaust.
Get our easy to change Filter Conversion Kit
For all vehicles using the ZF 6HP26 automatic transmission – Discovery 3, Discovery 4, Range Rover Sport and Range Rover L322 models.
What were Land Rover thinking by saying the gearbox is sealed for life? No hard working fluid in a heavy vehicle like this can possibly last forever.
Yes, I agree. When you see the colour and smell of some of the gearbox fluid that comes out of relatively low mileage cars, it doe make you wonder what Land Rover was thinking. I guess it’s all about reducing the cost of ownership for the first owner which in most cases is a leasing company.
Has anyone had a gearbox flush and oil change done by a company who does it on site no filter change?
I would be very wary of anybody offering a mobile gearbox flushing service. You have to wonder how can they access the underside of the vehicle properly to check the gearbox fluid level and should something go wrong and some fluid is leaked or spilt, what are the environmental consequences and liability of carrying out such a service in a car park or on somebody’s drive. Always take your car to a proper garage with the proper machine and facilities to carry out the required work. It’s your pride and joy, dont take the risk!