Transmission Flush - Do or DON'T??

[mejim707]

I'm totally fine with getting a different pan if the aftermarket ones have trouble. That's not an issue but I was just asking for advice.

The kits on ECS and FCP are all sporadic. They have the pan and fluid or just pan, or the other parts. It's all over so I'm a little lost on what exactly to get.

But I'll keep digging.

[crystalworks]

Originally Posted by ard

Are people seriously telling this guy no-name AT pans are a good idea?!?!

There are MANY complaints with non-ZF pans…. They LOOK similar, but they leak.

I wont comment on fluid. I’m a ZF guy, 2x drain and fill every 70k. Pan every second time.

Agreed. Stick with ZF pans and seals. I've read too many stories of leaks from non OE pans. Pricing is 2x on the ZF parts if bought from FCP but if you buy another one in 40k miles, it's free so the price will drop per service the longer you own the truck.

As for fluids... as said before, only use ZF LG6 (or Pentosin, Liqui Moly, Redline) on a trans that has been serviced at regular intervals. ZF recommends 60k-80k. In any other circumstance, use the Valvoline Maxlife multivehicle fluid you posted.

Originally Posted by mejim707

I'm totally fine with getting a different pan if the aftermarket ones have trouble. That's not an issue but I was just asking for advice.

The kits on ECS and FCP are all sporadic. They have the pan and fluid or just pan, or the other parts. It's all over so I'm a little lost on what exactly to get.

But I'll keep digging.

What are the last 7 of your VIN? Real OEM should say exactly what you need if looked up that way.

[haigha]

Here's ZF's recommendation, updated January 1, 2022:

5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as 4HP20 automatic transmissions:
ZF 5-, 6-, 8- and 9-speed as well as the ZF 4HP20 automatic transmissions are filled maintenance-free with specially developed
semi-synthetic ATF oils. However, due to the many factors influencing the service life of transmissions in individual operation, ZF
recommends an oil change after 150,000 km for its transmissions. In operating conditions with high temperatures and loads, or
with unknown vehicle use in the past, it can make sense to change the transmission oil at shorter intervals.


https://aftermarket.zf.com/remotemed...e-ml-11-en.pdf

150k km is roughly 94k miles, so in line with the transmission shop's recommendation earlier in the thread.

When I did my research 2.5 years ago, there was also a six year recommendation. As I noted earlier, my fluid looked pristine at 15.5 years, ~40k miles.

[jeep]

I got the transmission, front and rear differential fluids all changed at 95k miles. The transmission pan was also replaced at the same time. The indy who did it approvingly asked who suggested getting it changed, it's was a good idea. The X5 has been running fine, hope I have prolonged it's life. With over 250k on your odometer it gives me real hope