Looking to replace the gearbox filter and fluid on my 2004 XK8. I have found a kit consiting of Meyle filter kit ZHHP26 and Millers ATF Plus 6 fluid. Does anybody know how good these products are?
Price seems reasonable £142.50.

 

2 parts to this:

1. Pan and filter kit. You can search for a plastic pan for a ZF 6HP26. They have a filter built in. There are original pans from ZF, and a number of way cheaper versions on eBay. Make sure they come with a seal and o-ring. Also, check that your transmission already comes with the later larger Torx bolts. If not, get replacements (count 19!), the old ones strip easily, seemingly by just looking at them.

2. Fluid: The official fluid is the LifeGuard 6 from ZF. Pricey, but "factory" if you care about that. Separately, a number of folks have had GREAT experiences with the Ford Mercon SP (Ford makes these transmissions under license, and fit them to the bigger SUVs, and specs Mercon SP for them). It is way cheaper and available at the parts store here in the US. Obviously, not everything has been tested, but folks that seem to deviate from these 2 options eventually seem to gravitate back to the Mercon SP after experiencing weird shifts, bumps, and "bark" noises.

Also, if you do this yourself, make sure you check the refill procedure. There is no dipstick, the procedure involves filling the transmission from the side until it drips back while a specific temperature interval.

The search function on this site is your friend. Best of luck, keep us posted.

 

You mean 12 point instead of Torx? I have a hard time imagining a Torx head being used on a mechanical car part.

Most locations that 12 points bolt heads are used on automobiles pack dirt very easily. The dirt prevents a properly seated tool; this is what frequently causes it to strip. Also, 12 point bolt heads are more sensitive to tool tolerance. A cheap tool is more likely to strip the bolt head.

If its cleaned out to the bottom, and a good quality tool is used, the 12 point can take substantially more torque than the six point.

You can use a piece of wire to clean the dirt out. Use a flash light, and ensure everything is clear.

New bolts is still a good idea, but following these tips will help insure an easy out of the originals.

 

Did you check Bristol Transmissions? Bristol Transmissions Ltd

 

No. This thread has pictures that show the Torx head: leak-under-03-xkr-176108/

I have done this job, too, and suffered through the pain of stripping the earlier Torx screws.

 

There should be no issues with the Torx T-40 bolts as long as you use decent tools. The original T-27 bolts on the earlier vehicles are a completely different story, however....

 

Their price is £169 and theirs is an OEM filter.

 

hi,

i tried one of these kits from Meyle two years ago, bought it for approx. 280 euros. came with pan/filter, 7 litres ATF and the T40 bolts. The ATF was not a premium brand, but met the Jag specs. everything went fine with the kit, gearbox ist shifting like new.

filling in ATF is a bit tricky, i finaly used a hose with funnel and filled from the engine compartment. car on a lifter makes it much easier.

i would consider to change the harness adapter too. the adapter has two o-rings and they will start leaking some day. changing the adapter is only possible if the pan is removed.

fritz