Zf Fluid

[1600dave]

G'day,

Just been to my local auto trans specialist (only one of them up here really) to get a price on servicing my ZF.

Anyway I mentioned Transmax Z, and he said he doesn't use that and instead uses some sort of Fuchs fluid (unsure what) and wasn't too keen on the Transmax Z (dunno why, didn't ask)

Anyone heard of this being used before, and any experiences?

I could get the genuine stuff from Ford, but really don't want to pay for it.

I was quoted $400 for a service, and ~$500 including a full flush.

Thanks

[KWIK F6]

Ive heard mixed reports on the tranzmax z fluid..some trans guys say dont use it cause it will ruin you trans and make it flare, and other say its good...I just installed a built up zf trans and was told by the guy who built it to use tranzmax z however my tuner said it was no good and genuine ford stuff was the best stuff to use....so I went the ford stuff to be safe...

[1600dave]

Yep I've read mixed results on the Transmax Z too, but never anything on the Fuchs which is what he wants to use, hence why I'm asking.

Also be keen to know what else has been used, pretty sure I saw Nulon mentioned somewhere too.

My car is only stock at the moment, with intetntions to do some work on it soon, that's why I want the trans in tip top condition first.

[1600dave]

Got a response from Fuchs, pretty quickly too which was nice for a change.

Kind of what I was expecting them to say...

  Quote

Hi Dave thanks for your enquiry but unfortunately the only approved and or suitable product is genuine Ford or ZF. The ZF fluid is not available for general resale so the only option is genuine Ford.

Fuchs as other oil companies may have a suitable but untested oil for the applications so hence this is the reason why we do not advertise such a product. I would recommend using genuine Ford but be very cautious if you choose to use another competitors product which is recommended for the application.

[Pazzo]

I use transmaxz and never had a problem, alot of guys on here with well over 400rwks using it. you should be right with it.

[Wenier]

As long as the fluid meets the requirements of the gearbox which is D3 then it should be fine. I use Elf but have used Fuchs engine oil before and found it to be very good. And most people rate the transmax Z. Basically ZF doesnt approve anything but their oil which I would say is what ford sells.

[Pazzo]

from what I have been told, the zf oil is used because in europe the temps get below -10. so the oil gets up to temp quicker, the transmax z take's a little longer, but once up to temp it's ok. so really first 10/15 mins of driving take it easy. had my auto done by bayswater auto's and happy as larry. been 10000ks now and no probs.

Edited 03/06/11 06:07 AM by pazzo xr6t

[GinjaNinja]

Genuine ZF fluid folks ONLY no nulon no transmax no australian royal lubricants no nothing

There is a reason why those are cheaper

[GinjaNinja]

  On 03/06/2011 at 4:52 AM, 1600dave said:

Got a response from Fuchs, pretty quickly too which was nice for a change.

Kind of what I was expecting them to say...

I'm glad there's a company that's honest, unlike the others (oh yeah our oil is the best blah blah blah what a load of crap)

[1600dave]

  On 04/06/2011 at 11:48 AM, GinjaNinja said:

There is a reason why those are cheaper

Be nice to know exactly what the differences in fluids are, or if they just want people to think theirs is the only thing suitable, so they can charge the prices they are!