I have recently purchased a 99 XJ8 vanden plas. Initially bought it to use for parts. But the car is in such fine condition I am hesitant to part it out. So the only issue with the car is the tranny is toast. Put it into drive and it eventually will pull away at a snails pace until it gets to thrid gear, then life is good. Reverse no problem.

So, real question is. I assume this requires a new trans. Rebuild possible? Advised? Used trans on Ebay are going for $600 through $1,200. However the Ford 5R55N Transmission which can be purchased used for $300 to 600.

Advice?

Norris

 

Lots of threads on the forums about rebuilding the transmission. It's usually the A drum needs replacing and valve body rebuild. The Ford transmission will not communicate with the TCM if it even fits.

 

Read up on replacing the A-drum, it is EASY.

 

I recently had my transmission rebuilt (Dallas, Texas area) at a cost of $3800 on my 1998 VDP. They had to replace one of the clutches and rebuild the valve assembly, upgrading both with new, presumably corrective designs and/or materials. That price included the mechanics labor for removal and re-install which is not an easy task.

This was a conscious decision, even though the cost of the repair was near the total value of the car, knowing we would never recoup that expense purely for the love of a very elegant automobile.

If you have the skill set to do this yourself, well, your time and labor have value too. Don't forget that. It's a tough call to make. Good Luck.

 

I spent $2,600 for mine to be rebuilt and that included removal and installation.
Improved A drum and an exchange valve body with new solenoids. You tube has
a video of a guy overhauling one in his living room. Shop around, prices vary wildly.
BMW and Mercedes use the same transmission. If everything else is great, then go for it. Keep in mind it doesn't matter how much you "invest", it will still be a $3,000
car. I "invest" more per year than I paid for it, but I enjoy the car.

 

I'm just finishing up mine. I put the forward A drum in it and a new valve body. Good to go afterwards. Total cost to fix transmission, about $900. Not including labor of course, I did this all myself which I don't recommended if you don't have a shop to do this in.

 

OK Guys. I have deceided I want to rebuild the trans. As a matter of fact i will be doing two. Both my origainl 99 XJ8 and my new 99 XJ8 vanden plasneed work. I never have done automatic transmission work in the past but have a Class A Mechcanic Friend who is going to help me. Just so I can properly prepare. Can someone confirm what the transmission model # is. I want to ensure I read up on the right methods for the correct trans. I

 

Your cars use the ZF transmission; here is the repair manual. (I hope; have had poor luck with the attachment capability on this forum). If not here, send me an email and I will email them to you. jameshartz@***.net

 

DIY on Forward Clutch Replacement:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...val-faq-48233/

DIY on rebuilding with photos - 5HP24 home repair by forum member avt007:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-bmw-x5-66718/

Forum thread on JTIS21 removal/install tranmission XJ8 & XJR:

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...s21-faq-57639/

Forum thread of ZF5HP24 transmission - extracts from the JTIS21 software

https://www.jaguarforums.com/forum/x...-cd-faq-54942/


I found this youtube videos on Jaguar XJ8 ZF5HP24 transmission rebuild DIY by AVI youtube contributor:

1st video shows transmission fault display - you might want to skip it


2nd video is on removal of the exhaust & flexible coupling on prop shaft - view of the transmission after it was removed


3rd video is a view of the exterior parts of the transmission


4th video is the disassembly of the parts of the transmission


5th video is the cleaning of the transmission body and its parts, also viewing the parts and how they function and how to assemble the parts, also shows damaged A clutch drum


6th video is some of the parts being reassembled


7th video is the creation of a test plate to test the transmission functions with the air pressure, also reassembly of the valve body


8th and last video is final assembling of the valve body pan and repainting the transmission, also the reinstall of the transmission to the engine, and reinstall of the exhaust system.


Here are a 5 PDF files on the ZF5hp24 transmission inspection/repair:

ZF5HP24 Main Control Valve Body inspection.pdf

BMW ZF5HP24 'A' clutch failure.pdf

ZF5HP24 Transmission Rebuild.pdf

ZF5HP24 DIY on BMW.pdf

ZF5hp24 Pages from Repair manual 1.pdf

Jim Lombardi