The Truth About Life-Filled Transmissions and Differentials
A common statement you might hear at a dealer’s service desk is, “Your transmission or differential doesn’t need to be serviced; it’s filled for life.” This can create a false sense of security, leading many to believe that these components never need maintenance, which is simply untrue.
Who’s Life Are We Talking About?
When discussing “filled for life,” the first question we ask is, whose life are we referring to?
In Australia, the average human lifespan exceeds 80 years, while the life expectancy of a cat or dog is around 10 years, and some insects live only 24 hours. But what about a car’s lifespan?
Each manufacturer has different guidelines based on their models, typically ranging from 5 to 10 years or about 150,000 to 200,000 kilometers. If a salesperson told you that the car you’re considering would only last that long before facing a major failure, you would likely either reconsider the purchase or prioritize servicing to prevent costly repairs. It’s crucial for anyone looking to avoid expensive breakdowns to service their vehicle beyond the manufacturer’s recommendations.
A Case Study: ZF Transmissions
Take ZF transmissions as an example. These units are found in a wide range of vehicles and are specifically designed by ZF to meet the needs of various manufacturers. While many manufacturers claim that these transmissions never require servicing for the “life” of the vehicle, ZF recommends servicing every 80,000 to 100,000 kilometers. So, who should you trust: the company that manufactures the transmissions or the manufacturer that installs them?
Our Recommendations at Radical Mechanical
At Radical Mechanical, we recommend servicing your transmission every 60,000 to 80,000 kilometers for vehicles that do not tow. For those that tow regularly, we suggest servicing every 30,000 to 40,000 kilometers. During each service, we inspect a sample of the transmission fluid to assess its health and determine the best course of action. Our specialized BG Transmission Service Machine allows us to carry out these services effectively.
As a personal note, my own vehicle, which regularly tows up to 2.5 tons, has over 280,000 kilometers on the original transmission and is serviced within these guidelines.
Get in Touch for More Information
If you have any questions or need more information about transmission and differential servicing, feel free to get in touch with us!
