Checking ZF6 Tranny Fluid
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 215
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Checking ZF6 Tranny Fluid
Reading some of the other posts on the ZF6 transmission has got me wondering and worried. :rolleyes: :( I need to check the fluid. Can I check the fluid level with the front on rhino ramps? Or do all wheels need to be off the ground and vette on jack stands?
If the car needs to be on jack stands, what is the best method to do this. I read a previous post about backing the vette onto ramps (rear tires) and then jacking up to set the rear on the stands. But once this is done, how do you jack the front up without damaging anything?
Or should I just go ahead and take it to the local gm dealer and have him change the fluid. Any guesses on how much that would cost?
thanks much
[Modified by 96GhostLT4, 8:13 AM 11/16/2002]
If the car needs to be on jack stands, what is the best method to do this. I read a previous post about backing the vette onto ramps (rear tires) and then jacking up to set the rear on the stands. But once this is done, how do you jack the front up without damaging anything?
Or should I just go ahead and take it to the local gm dealer and have him change the fluid. Any guesses on how much that would cost?
thanks much
[Modified by 96GhostLT4, 8:13 AM 11/16/2002]
Pro
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 529
Likes: 39
From: Cumming Ga
Re: Checking ZF6 Tranny Fluid (96GhostLT4)
I took mine to a local oil change place that I trusted and had them change it out. I supplied the fluid(Castrol Synthetic) and they did a great job for $10.00. The Castrol was about $7.00 a litre.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Feb 2000
Posts: 1,206
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From: USA USA
Cruise-In II Veteran
Re: Checking ZF6 Tranny Fluid (96GhostLT4)
I use the Rhino's up front and jack the back up. I have clearance for a 2x4
in between my rear y-pipe and i slide the 2x4 in there and jack right on the diff. It lifts the whole back end straight up. I have a set of older wheel ramps
that i turn sideways(once the car is high enuff)and place them perpendicular to the wheels and it cannot roll. The GM fluid is about$7-8 a quart. I think i
bought 3. You will also neeed a 17mm Allen wrench for the tranny(Napa).
Get one that you can use on a breakover bar,cause its tighter than you
could ever imagine(bring your nuts-you will need them!!!)
Matt
in between my rear y-pipe and i slide the 2x4 in there and jack right on the diff. It lifts the whole back end straight up. I have a set of older wheel ramps
that i turn sideways(once the car is high enuff)and place them perpendicular to the wheels and it cannot roll. The GM fluid is about$7-8 a quart. I think i
bought 3. You will also neeed a 17mm Allen wrench for the tranny(Napa).
Get one that you can use on a breakover bar,cause its tighter than you
could ever imagine(bring your nuts-you will need them!!!)
Matt
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2000
Posts: 3,507
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From: Easton CA
Re: Checking ZF6 Tranny Fluid (96GhostLT4)
One extra hint: remove the fill plug before you drain the tranny. I have heard stories of people draining the tranny and then not being able to budge the fill plug. Paranoia? Yup.... but worth it if you find there is a problem.
Good luck... :)
Good luck... :)
Safety Car
Joined: Apr 1999
Posts: 4,623
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From: Ohio
Re: Checking ZF6 Tranny Fluid (96GhostLT4)
I doubt you have a level issue unless you have a noticeable leak.
So the message is just change the fluid using factory fill. Change it once a season and you will be well served by your ZF. They are one of the best OE transmissions ever made, AND they are $$$$$$$$$$$. So the once a year change is chump change for a great insurance policy.
So the message is just change the fluid using factory fill. Change it once a season and you will be well served by your ZF. They are one of the best OE transmissions ever made, AND they are $$$$$$$$$$$. So the once a year change is chump change for a great insurance policy.
Team Owner
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 22,267
Likes: 3
From: Dallas TX
Re: Checking ZF6 Tranny Fluid (h rocks)
Yeah, i doubt my oil has been changed before, so I'll be doing that soon. I have a lot of whine to my tranny, is that the norman GM whine.. or is that something else I need to be looking into.
Thread Starter
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 215
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Re: Checking ZF6 Tranny Fluid (GlockLT4)
Mine whines some too. That is why I was wanting to check the tranny.
Thank to all for the responses. I think I will probably take it to the dealer and have them change it out this first time. Probably have the rear gears fluid changed too.
thanks much
Thank to all for the responses. I think I will probably take it to the dealer and have them change it out this first time. Probably have the rear gears fluid changed too.
thanks much
