I'm doing a DIY gearbox and filter service using genuine ZF components and correct spec fluid, I have a question about the harness (mechatronic) sleeve that is prone to leaking. Mine is fine, but as the pan is dropped i though i might do a precautionary change.
It looks like the sleeve is hidden behind a transmission support- can it be removed without removing this support? If the support is removed, do i need to support the gearbox with a suitable transmission jack(which I don't have, which is why I'm asking!)? Ive seen a youtube videa of someone working on an s type and it appeared that they didn't support the transmission and did remove this support to change the sleeve.
Thanks in advance for any tips.

 

Hello bigbaddog
Here is a link to change the ZF 6HP26 (I believe your 2012 car would have the 6HP26 6-speed not the 6HP28) fluid, filter, and mechatronic sleeve. The link is in french (unfortunately, my french is limited to Coupe Deville) but lots of pictures and translators readily available on the internet. This fellow did drop the transmission support for better access.
JAGUAR XKR 2007

I just changed my car's filter and fluid but, at 32k miles, decided to leave the sleeve alone as not having any leaks there. If it does leak lin a few years, I'll have a chance to exchange the transmission fluid again. While access looked tight, I do think I could have replaced the sleeve without removing the transmission support. My car took 7 liters of fluid (7 came out, 7 liters plus 1 liter extra to refill which accounts for overflow and spillage when filling) and I used Motorcraft MERCON SP rather than the much more expensive ZF Lifeguard 6. Transmission shifts very well after the service although no problems beforehand either.

Good luck.

 

If its not leaking…

 

I changed the fluid/filter and also the sleeve 2 weeks ago at 32000 miles. I was able to change the sleeve without dropping anything but the heat shield that has to come out to change the oil. Getting the new sleeve in was a pain and I had to carefully pry it into position enough to engage the locking ring. So far no leaks.

 

.............. then it will after you don't change it.

 

ZF lifeguard 6 is a Shell rebranded fluid (M1375.4), in the UK you can buy it from Smith and Allan for £97 for 20 litres, which is what I did. The jaguar manual makes no mention of ZF, it actually states Shell M1375.4 which says it all.

 

bigbaddog,

Here is another video - this one by ZF - showing (in English) the procedure for transmission fluid service for 6HP transmissions. I recently had this service performed by a shop and my tranny had a slow leak of transmission fluid after I brought it home. I took it back to the shop, they redid the service and the leak persisted. I took it to another shop for a third attempt, and they got it right.

The culprit was not the mechatronics sleeve in my case. It was the fact that the first shop did not follow the bolt tightening pattern - shown in this video - for attaching the new pan. Of course, I don't know if your mechatronics sleeve could be a problem, but the bolt tightening procedure is clearly critical to getting the service done right.

Good luck!

 

It might fail…. Mine hasn’t yet at 160,000 kms. but I have had that fluid changed 3 times now.
Did you know there is a zf supplied metal pan…

 

BIll Mack- thanks Bill but I was only asking about the mechatronic sleeve- I have seen this video several times and have actually done 2 pan drop services before on other cars. It was really about whether the gearbox support can be removed without supporting the gearbox with a transmission jack.
This change went well and I now have a super smooth freshly serviced gearbox.
Interesting, my filter pan had a small historical leak from the front edge, I suspect it wasn't very well fitted from the factory.
Regarding the metal pan- I know Audi and others use metal pans on certain models- would be interested to know if one is available for the 6hp28?

 

I´ve heard ( read ) that, too!

I am sure, it is a Land Rover Part Number!

PLEASE could anybody tell us that part number? On my next tranny oil flush/change I would love to order the all metal oil pan/filter!

Thanks in advance, Hermann

 

which is what happened to mine (when doing a cooler line full fluid exchange), though I replaced the pan and gasket along with the sleeve even though the pan wasn't leaking.

 

Remove the heat shields. Remove the filter/pan. Install a wood block (2 by 4) under the flat edges of the transmission. Install a service jack under the wood block. Jack the transmission slightly. Remove the 4 bolts for the trans support bracket. Use the jack to SLOWLY lower the trans.

You only need to lower it a few inches to get good access to the sleeve.

I've lowered the trans this way twice now with no issues. Make sure the jack is centered under the block, and the block is in good contact with the transmission edges.

You would use the same procedure to change the transmission mount (without removing the pan/filter.).