Zf Fluid

[rednose]

  On 17/01/2012 at 3:16 AM, fadz said:

Just for reference...

I have flushed and changed the pan gasket with Transmax Z, no problems....

Now have 350rwKW and just done a flush again with transmax Z, also no problems.

There seem to be a few guys running the Transmax with no issues apart from hard shifts when cold, others have had problems and gone back to LG6. I think it just comes down to whether your willing to take a gamble on alt oils, but at the price of LG6 I understand why people want to try. I went genuine as I thought I'll do it once and that will be that. But who's to say that my box won't sh*t itself and need a rebuild. Just go with what you feel comfortable with.

Edited 17/01/12 07:00 AM by rednose

[fadz]

  On 17/01/2012 at 7:00 AM, rednose said:

There seem to be a few guys running the Transmax with no issues apart from hard shifts when cold, others have had problems and gone back to LG6. I think it just comes down to whether your willing to take a gamble on alt oils, but at the price of LG6 I understand why people want to try. I went genuine as I thought I'll do it once and that will be that. But who's to say that my box won't sh*t itself and need a rebuild. Just go with what you feel comfortable with.

There was enough good feedback with the Transmax Z so I took the 'risk'

At the price of Transmax I can afford to do regular oil changes. Changing the filter every second time.

Now this isn't technical proof, but an ex Aston Martin mechanic that now works at the Audi service department (where I'm currently employed) has great experience with the ZF gearbox.

Both Aston and Audi use the ZF across their range of various vehicles.

He done the flush and service on my ZF and he said judging from the smell, texture and specs of the fluid its virtually the same.

Also informing me that Aston do regular fluid changes on the ZF gearbox as part of the service plan.

Ford don't think that... LOL

Is this because the Aston is likely prone to more stress? Maybe...

I may be able to use genuine Audi ZF oil that I can source at cost from work, but I will have to research exactly which one as we use many times and I can't really cross reference part numbers.

[1600dave]

  On 17/01/2012 at 7:48 AM, fadz said:

There was enough good feedback with the Transmax Z so I took the 'risk'

At the price of Transmax I can afford to do regular oil changes. Changing the filter every second time.

Now this isn't technical proof, but an ex Aston Martin mechanic that now works at the Audi service department (where I'm currently employed) has great experience with the ZF gearbox.

Both Aston and Audi use the ZF across their range of various vehicles.

He done the flush and service on my ZF and he said judging from the smell, texture and specs of the fluid its virtually the same.

Also informing me that Aston do regular fluid changes on the ZF gearbox as part of the service plan.

Ford don't think that... LOL

Is this because the Aston is likely prone to more stress? Maybe...

I may be able to use genuine Audi ZF oil that I can source at cost from work, but I will have to research exactly which one as we use many times and I can't really cross reference part numbers.

Castrol explain the differences and why they don't recommend it in their sponsors section of the forum.

[Vevapower]

Guys IMO any ATF that is close to the properties of the ZF oil will be fine, and actually some with higher flash points will actaully be better for your box if you've modded or do a lot of towing. Page 6 is where the relavent info is.

Also I know of at least 4 ATF oils that can be used in the ZF with of course transmax being one of them.

Actaully ZF USA actually suggest in an article that I read that Transmax Z would be a better option if the performance was increased or if the was a lot of fast highway driving.

I'm running Trans Z and have had no dramas, going to take a look at the Gulf Western MSDS and see how close to the ZF is actually is.

Lifeguardfluid6.pdf

[SuckSqueezeBangBlow]

Intetesting that zf fluid isnt even synthetic

[Vevapower]

  On 17/01/2012 at 10:55 AM, JC807 said:

Intetesting that zf fluid isnt even synthetic

Bugger yeah I forgot to mention that, that tripped me out too!

I found a manufacturer (car) that only allows a certain ATF for their 6HP26 and it aint ZF lifegaurd and this is the part that your not going to belive!

It's $5.00 per litre!!!!!

[SuckSqueezeBangBlow]

do tell

[fadz]

  On 17/01/2012 at 8:29 AM, 1600dave said:

Castrol explain the differences and why they don't recommend it in their sponsors section of the forum.

They certainly do. They wouldnt want to breach contracts/law......

[SuckSqueezeBangBlow]

I picked up 12 litres of Transmax Z. I'm currently using genuine (its been serviced twice in 60k). I hope this will be enough for a decent flush.

[fadz]

  On 18/01/2012 at 9:05 AM, JC807 said:

I picked up 12 litres of Transmax Z. I'm currently using genuine (its been serviced twice in 60k). I hope this will be enough for a decent flush.

Should be plenty. As you noticed its different colour so you will be able to tell once its completely flushed through and clean.