My '03 STR has a small transmission fluid drip coming from between the engine and trans (we originally thought it was the rear main seal). The engine and trans have been separated and it looks like there is a front seal on the trans that is leaking. Apparently there is some disassembly involved in getting to the part and a few other seals and bushings need to be replaced during the service. The estimate is close to $3k (which includes new fluid). And this is not even dealer prices. Does anybody have any experience with this issue??

 

I'm truly sorry that you are experiencing transmission problems. The ZF transmissions are well-respected in the industry but expensive as hell to repair, even for supposedly minor issues (and let's hope yours is indeed minor)....

It sounds as if an independent transmission shop is in the process of attempting to fix yours. Can you share the name of the shop and how you came to trust them? I'm wondering if it is one of the national chains....

I'll admit it - a ridiculously expensive transmission failure is what scares me the most about our 2005 S-Type. And that is precisely why I intend to change the fluid at some point down the road if we keep the car long enough. That may not prevent an eventual transmission failure, but new, clean fluid is always better than old, possibly sludgy fluid....

 

My general mechanic removed the transmission from the car and is going to send it to a local transmission shop (not a chain) to open it up and replace the seal. I've had no problem with the operation of the transmission. It was shifting great. I just noticed a few drops of fluid on the ground and thought it was goint to be an easy fix.

I'd guess if the ZF can handle the power of the STR (and more in other cars), it should last forever with 3.0 engine.