ZF truck transmission reliability
Fleet operators and truck drivers want to get the best performance out of their gearboxes. Good gearbox management means not only reduced repair costs, but also less down-time when a vehicle might be out of action.
A more reliable transmission means a more reliable trucking service. Fortunately ZF transmissions are among the toughest on the market.
Choosing ZF means that you can be sure of a long lifespan and a lot of miles between gearbox repairs. The AS Tronic gearbox for example, has an estimated overall lifespan of more than 500,000 miles.
In order to get the best performance out of your transmission you have to take some steps to boost the reliability of your gearbox.
We have compiled a list of things you can do to get the most miles out of your ZF transmission.
Give it regular check-ups
Frequently checking and servicing your ZF transmission is the best way to keep it running smoothly. Regular health checks are absolutely crucial to getting the most out of your transmission.
A basic check-up will include a visual check to ensure your transmission shows no sign of wear. You should also make sure that you regularly change the oil and filter to prevent early life damage.
When servicing your transmission, make sure you only use ZF-approved oils and lubricants. You should also ensure you only use the oil which is right for your particular brand and model.
A number of different factors will affect how often you need to service your ZF transmission. The length of time between services and oil changes can depend on: running temperature, oil quality, usage, specification and transmission system. For advice on your particular model you should contact the Ecodrive technical team.
You can find more information about ZF oil specifications here.
Diagnose faults as quickly as possible
Getting the ZF transmission to go the distance requires you to diagnose faults as soon as possible. With many transmission faults, the longer you leave them, the more damage they can cause.
ZF transmissions have an elaborate warning and error-code system which can provide a lot of information about the health of an engine system.
You should identify and remember the error codes, addressing their root causes promptly. In the event that you do have to come into the workshop, remembering these error codes can help our service engineers diagnose and repair your transmission more quickly. Meaning that we can get you back on the road faster.
You should also learn to identify other symptoms of transmission damage. Seasoned drivers will be able to identify subtle changes – such as the ‘weight’ of a shift or the noise coming from a gearbox. These indicators can be difficult to explain, but if something sounds ‘out of the ordinary’ then investigating and diagnosing a fault can save you a lot of time and money further down the road.
Again the technical team will be able to offer advice on how to investigate these kinds of faults, just get in touch.
Alternatively you can find more repair advice in our Trade Secrets Guide.
Ecodrive help trucks get back on the road every day. If you have any questions about your ZF transmission call a member of our team today on 01204 701 812.