Changing automatic gearbox oil

[Slagtrooper]

Interesting topic, i will follow this.

I tried to find some Youtube videos with their flush advices, but compared to the HP14, it doesn't have the same system as described with the XM box (External oil cooler)

So, change regularly or (even if it's posssible), disassemble the box and extract from the converter the old oil?

Exist some way to adapt the HP18 in a XU9?

[citsncycles]

Is the auto box used in the ZX the same as the BX one? I only ask because a mate had one which covered 180,000miles with no issues, and he even towed a transporter trailer with it on occasion!

[Thread Bear]

I've developed the routine of changing the auto box fluid with every engine oil/filter change, ie every six months or 6000 miles. Dexron 2 is relatively cheap and certainly much cheaper than a transmission rebuild.

It would seem to be the hidden answer, wouldn't it ? Its a service item of regular maintenance not a long or high mileage change of fluids, as suggested. Pretty thick by Citroen, there, coming in . Shades of modern car servicing. Sealed or long serviced for life; a short one .

[Defender110]

Is the auto box used in the ZX the same as the BX one? I only ask because a mate had one which covered 180,000miles with no issues, and he even towed a transporter trailer with it on occasion!

Yup and generally a very reliable unit if coupled to the correct power unit as in the case of the BX/ZX

[Tim Leech]

Phil C had a GTi auto with over 225000 miles on it and the auto box was still fine when it got scrapped (due to rust and a blow headgasket).

My 19TZI auto is still lovely and smooth having covered a mere 91000 miles (although I want to change the autobox fluid again), I have heard of the diesel autos being less reliable than the petrol, the reason given was the diesel vibration shakeds the box about,

[Defender110]

As with anything mechanical how it is driven is the main contributory factor to reliability/longevity of any drive train component; Rag it and you'll bust it, use it correctly and it will last the lifetime of the vehicle and beyond.

[MULLEY]

What, ragging it causes issues? Thats mine knackered then

[Thread Bear]

Indeed the auto fluid is not to dear at just under £4 a litre from GSF. A saving grace if I am to change it a few times.

When I stopped off at to book up the MOT on the way back from the scrapyard Mike, the time served MOT guy I use, said they had a device to suck the fluid out of these boxes, bit like a Smart. He never used it himself but he thought it was inserted through the level stick tube but was unsure how it tapped the torque converter. Might be round the workshop but there has been a clearout so probably gone. Suggested there might be a tapped hole for an oil cooler even if it is not fitted so that you could chase the fluid out that way. So no real inner knowledge there.

Stocked up on LHM while I was at GSF. If the spheres are that old it suggest the system will want a good clear out.

Worryingly the assistant, great guy, gave every indication that they rarely supply spheres now, and while he could get the ones I needed directly from Bristol, I do wonder if pressure will come on for stock holding against turnover slowing availability on the more unusual and older types. He was an AX fan, so bit of a chat, as it was late in the day before closing. Swindon GSF is very handy for me and right opposite Aldi Mart.

Trooper sounds a good one. Older than most of the BX, it is one of the first TDI Citation SWB. Only 58k miles and looked after, garage has a carpet! I think rust is going to be the prob as the steel was not that brilliant on these. Simple machine, not the best ride on a trip, but it will pull, is OK in the poo and sounds a bargain. A similar Range Rover is just to expensive a risk. The only way to get a good one is to be lucky, like this Trooper possibly, or find an early one to totally rebuild. Well that is not going to happen soon. To much else to do. So a classic Trooper will do. With the stupid price of vans now I might look for a Towavan. At a reasonable price I have a more flexible answer to moving stuff for what people want for a knackered van plus the small car trailer can go to claim a few quid, and space, back. Mate has our pool big trailer designed for moving Land Rovers. Towavan, the mobile shed when not in use.

[demag]

Aren't I right in saying our dear late friend Alan over at Aussie Frogs did loads of research into these boxes some years ago?

[Slagtrooper]

Thinking about it again, sorry for resurrecting the topic:

This: http://www.aliexpress.com/item/Hurrican ... 84213.html

I don't know if the AL4 donut is the same or compatible with 4HP14.
I think the key to make a better oil change is from the oil cooler. It could be good if a donut with i/o for oil, instead of coolant could be machined, so it become "flushable". Then finally puts an external radiator with an electric fan, good for heavy traffic and hot places.