I recently witnessed oil stains under the car. Upon investigating, it looks like it is leaking at the back of the pan. All bolts are tight and leak does not appear to be coming from anywhere else. Pan was installed about 5 years ago and no issues until now. Car has only been driven about 7K miles.
Do these plastic pans fatigue in some way? Has anyone seen this before? Looking to learn before I drain and replace the pan.
Thanks

 

Most likely the wire connector seal, especially if it wasn't replaced the last time the pan was off. Pan has to come off anyhow to replace this seal. Cheap replacement pans that include this seal and bolts are available on Ebay

 

I'd say the same thing, it is likely the connector sleeve seal. Best is to inspect it from under the car, but it is sort of dead center, so you likely have to lift all 4 corners. If you suspect a leak, first clean everything with a degreaser, drive some more and then re-inspect. I suppose there is the possibility of an output shaft seal leaking too, but it is not common.

Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

The area around the output shaft is dry. Could not see anything leaking at the rear above the pan but that does not mean it isn't the issue.
Time to do more checking. You say I have to pull the pan anyway to change that seal?

 

Not quite sure what the connector seal looks like when checking Ebay. Do these cheap aftermarket pans with filters work well?
Last time I used a ZF pan and Lifeguard 6
Thanks

 

Work for me. Had a 86 928, Too many cars. Sold it, sad.

 

Well, I ordered a pan with what looks like 2 different seals besides what the pan uses. I hope that is correct. Are there supposed to be 2 sleeve seals for wiring?

 

It looks like this:

 

Any idea what this other piece is in the upper right corner?
Thanks

 

That is the bridge seal. It goes above the valve body. It is known to wear and cause issues. If you are up to it, "while there" with the pan, you can remove the valve body and replace that bridge seal, as well as count (4) tube seals in the same general area. This is all done from the bottom pan, the transmission remains bolted o the engine.

 

Anything special i should know about replacing that bridge seal? Where are and where would I get these "tube seals"?
Got a link or a picture?
Thanks

 

Good write-up here:

Transmission Fault ZF BMW Jaguar Range Rover 6hp26 6hp28

 

Any idea where i can find those 4 tube seals? I see them on Ebay and other sites but was hoping to pick some up tomorrow.
Do Ford, BMW or Jaguar dealers stock these? Transmission shops?

Thanks

 

Well, I replaced the tube seals, the wiring sealing sleeve, the bridge seal and the oil pan.
If I were left alone with the guy who designed this car and did not provide a better way to fill it without dealing with hot exhaust pipes I would probably end up in jail.
This is never a fun job.

 

Well done. And like you, I despise these no dipstick / fill tube transmissions....

My wife's 2015 Lexus RX350 is the same design....

 

Amen on no dipstick/fill tube. Have a 2004 Lexus LS430. Changing the fluid is a monumental PIA.

 

FYI, here is a good video on doing the tube seals, bridge seal and wiring seal sleeve. It is on a BMW but not real difference other than no hot exhaust to burn you.


FWIW, after doing the work, the transmission seems to shift more smoothly. Lets see after a few days if it still leaks.