2014 lr4 sonnax zip kit transmission service 75k

[Fuji4]

Well it was time to do my pan and filter and I thought since I have had some harsher shifting and downshift clunk happening for some time (diff fluid solved it temporarily but it returned) I might as well fix what I can while it is open. I bought the sonnax zip kit for the zf8hp70. And the pan and filter. And a new valve body separator plate. I had my mechanic do the work. He was hesitant as trannys are not his thing but I walked through the sonnax instructions with him and he did it.
Just got it back and the transmission may be smoother than when I bought the car. It is way smoother all around than it was a week ago. But all my issues are gone now.
https://www.sonnax.com/parts/4590-zip-kit
essentially the kit replaces the high wear valves with ones that have o rings on them instead of metal on metal. Pretty smart and easy solution. And not too pricey.

I did not replace any solenoids because none were throwing codes or anything.

I didn’t take it to a transmission specific place because I thought they would have tried to up sell me on a full rebuild or something.
Regardless I had not heard of the sonnax products here so I thought I would share.

 

[avslash]

Interesting. Wasn't aware of that.

Thanks for posting another tool for the toolbox.

 

[Edward2595]

How many miles on your LR4?

 

[Fuji4]

75k

 

[TrinidadLR4]

Interesting..they offer this kit for the 6hp28 also.

Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using Tapatalk

 

[Fuji4]

Update on this zip kit install. The transmission has continued to improve over time. I think it is adapting to the new fluid and zip kit. Super smooth and I’m very glad to have done it.

 

[ClevelandLR4]

LR 4 2015 HSE 51000 miles , no low range
New member but For long time reading thIngs here. Putting this information for anyone doing transmission pan service t home them selves

about 8 hour of work for newbie ( my skill level)about 3 hours for pro.

mine took 13 hour ( over two days) more about it below




So just did new transmission pan-filter without removing transmission support bolt. With micro ratchet (2$ at harbor freight) those difficult to reach pan screws above both cross membranes can be removed and replaced.

106$ for 5 lit zf8 fluid
29$ for pan- exact as original.photo attached
5$ for siphon pump- see photo
Rhino ramps- four( always use jack stands in addition- see photo)

Other tools needed are
13 mm socket for big under plate removal
6 mm open or close end or ratcheting spanner for transmission shield support bracket removal
8 mm socket for transmission shield removal
Flat head screw driver to gently pry off cable from transmission support bracket
10 mm Allen socket. 35 flbs torque with ( depending on length and drive size torque rechet ,it could be different so remove fill plug by TORQUE RANCH by increasing torque setting in increments of 5 flbs, when plug crackes open , that’s your tighting torque)

8 mm Allen bit or socket. Due to exhaust pipe just below drain plug, Rachel won’t fit, so either use micro ratchet if possible or
Pass box end of 8 mm spanner on Allen bit after putting key in drain plug and open it that way

8 mm box or open end ratchet

big tray to catch fluid ( I used big foam box cover)
6 quart bucket
Use empty zf8 one liter containers to recycle old fluid ,

aluminium foil from kitchen to cover cross membranes and exhaust.

Most important thing is - use duck tape to seal off all holes and on top of both cross membrane( six holes) no need to seal bottom holes on cross membrane. Do this before you try to to remove pan screws. Because if you drop torx bit or socket in this holes , you will suffer.. Needed camera scope, four hours and lot of neck pain to get it back from INSIDE of cross beam)

torque ranch
Blue lint free paper towel
Thread locker
Mechanic gloves
Eye shield ( in my case ended up using face shield after one drop of T oil scored home run on right nostril)

took some photos and videos . There are plenty of videos for zf8 hp70 transmission pan change ( Chrysler trucks etc) on YouTube ,so just watch it. Removing pan after turning it 90 degree was easy.


Also changed from rear differential oils and transfer case oil.

I think changing fluids on this car more frequently could help fend off many major problems.

Regarding Engine oil changes ,see ubertos oil change video on you tube . Now amazon sells MOTUL oil with STJLR .51.5122 specification oil( 45$ per 5 lit) So use that . Castrol specifically says that unless it has E on it , none of their oils are appropriate for SCV6- in Q&A on Amazon their customer service responded to this question. Castrol E is showing up online gradually too. Lots of choices for oil filters, if you r changing oil every 7 k then cheaper ( 11$) is ok.

 

[ClevelandLR4]

Lr 4 on four rhino ramps ( and jack stands ), it is in off road height.

 

[TrinidadLR4]

@Fuji4 I am thinking about buying this for my 6hp28 transmission. Where did you buy your kit and how much was it? Thanks!

 

[Fuji4]

@Fuji4 I am thinking about buying this for my 6hp28 transmission. Where did you buy your kit and how much was it? Thanks!

Transtar. https://www.transtar1.com/products/valve-bodies/Product-Info/Sonnax-Kits
Call them and talk to them. I think it was $225 or $250. I got fluid there too. It’s interesting because most of these places deal wholesale with only specialty transmission service shops not consumers directly. They are available on eBay too. And you should note that the accumulator piston kit is in the zip kit. I made the mistake of thinking it was extra and got a redundant one I had to return. Here is the zip kit for your transmission https://www.sonnax.com/parts/3053-zip-kit

you just need a close by dealer that has that part in stock. so look at their dealer network.

Transtar did not have the separator plate (don’t forget to order that too). I had to get that from nat pro http://www.natpronet.com/phone/index.html
Maybe $85.

the one other thing that is cheap to replace (I did not) is the mecatronic seal / sleeves. Might be worth doing since you have it apart. https://rover.ebay.com/rover/0/0/0?mpre=https://www.ebay.com/ulk/itm/173236036021