Quick Question - Trans pan gasket

[Purplefade]

Hi guys,
I have a 2005 4.4i with the 6 speed auto trans and just finished pulling the mech and valve body to replace the mech sleeve, adapter seal and pick up tubes.

My question - when I went to re-torque the pan bolts to 13nm it "exploded" the rubber pan gasket and dimpled the pan at each bolt hole... causing a pretty significant leak at the front of the pan. (Not real worried about the pan, I can correct that easily enough.)

The original gasket, from my last change, was "laminated" paper and nearly flat where the new gasket was rubber and about an 1/8th inch thick.

Pulling the pan down again to remove and replace the gasket, should I torque the rubber gasket at a lower nm or continue to hunt for the paper gasket which no one under the sun seems to carry anymore, including my two local BMW Dealerships...

Thoughts, suggestions?

Thanks!!


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[80stech]

If you are going to use a thick rubber gasket then you are going to have to torque accordingly. If you can see the edge clearly, just torque by hand (evenly) until you see a slight bulge. You are then going to have to retorque down the road. I don't know about the ZF trans but for the GM trans the metal laminated gasket is the cat's ass.

[Purplefade]

Originally Posted by 80stech

If you are going to use a thick rubber gasket then you are going to have to torque accordingly. If you can see the edge clearly, just torque by hand (evenly) until you see a slight bulge. You are then going to have to retorque down the road. I don't know about the ZF trans but for the GM trans the metal laminated gasket is the cat's ass.

Thanks 80stech!

I considered that too, torque maybe to 7 or 8 nm and come back after the first heat cycle and recheck. My preference would be to find an OEM gasket for sure - definitely love the metal lams, I used those back in my days of running Mustangs

May call FCPEuro in the morning and see what they have too... I really just didn't like the rubber, not to mention it caused a "loose fit" between the trans filter and pan...


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[Scott ZHP]

Call Cobra Transmission and see what they have/can get.

https://cobratransmission.com/index....1495_1497_1608

[Purplefade]

Thanks guys! Good new, I just ordered the correct ZF filter and corresponding reinforced laminate gasket from "International Parts Store". Even more amazing, it will be her today with their drop ship order so I'll have her back on the road tonight!


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[80stech]

[bcredliner]

Right, use OE or OEM gasket. Very important to use a torque wrench. Hand tighten, torque in two stages from center out alternating sides. Do not over torque. Not necessary to re-torque after heat cycle though you can do that when you top off the fluid if you want. I don't because it is so easy to over torque which can result in a leak. If pan has been damaged there is a good chance it won't seal properly. Don't use any gasket sealer.

[Purplefade]

Originally Posted by bcredliner

Right, use OE or OEM gasket. Very important to use a torque wrench. Hand tighten, torque in two stages from center out alternating sides. Do not over torque. Not necessary to re-torque after heat cycle though you can do that when you top off the fluid if you want. I don't because it is so easy to over torque which can result in a leak. If pan has been damaged there is a good chance it won't seal properly. Don't use any gasket sealer.

Man you nailed it... I unfortunately torqued the thicker rubber gasket to the factory 12nm which burst the gasket and dimpled the pan...

I tried my ass off to flatten the pan with an anvil and 1/2 inch steel metal float - and I got REAL close... but the sucker still drips - slow... but it drips.

Being my first venture into trans work on the X5, had I known the factory gasket was not rubber I would have ordered OEM and saved myself 175$ having to order a new trans pan.

Rest assured that will only happen once, never again! OEM gasket and filter in hand and as soon as my new pan and bolt set get here... I'll go through the process a 3rd time and, fingers crossed - be done!

Most time consuming transmission filter and fluid change I think I've ever done


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[Purplefade]

And finished!!

Ordered a new trans pan, 21 new bolts and an OEM gasket and everything is back together, not leaking and shifting MUCH better!! Lesson learned on that one, never again will I not buy OE/OEM parts.


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