Author Topic: ZF 5 speed manual Transmission  (Read 1729 times)

CapTom

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ZF 5 speed manual Transmission
« on: April 15, 2021, 20:49:17 »
Hello
Anyone out there know a shop that can access and repair as necessary an old ZF 5 speed?  I have contacted the MB Classic Center in Irvine, they know no one.  Talked to San Mateo Transmission, the shop in Burlingame who I thought serviced them.  They only do automatics. 
I am local in San Diego closer the better but of course want someone who knows what they are doing.
Thanks in advance.
Tom
 

teahead

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Re: ZF 5 speed manual Transmission
« Reply #1 on: April 15, 2021, 21:30:57 »
You can try maybe Metric Mechanic?
1970 280SL auto, AC - aka "Edelweiss"

Harry

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Re: ZF 5 speed manual Transmission
« Reply #2 on: April 28, 2021, 12:29:55 »
I see on EBay Motors that there are used ZF 5 speeds from everything like trucks to BMWs.  I suppose we're not lucky enough for any of the BMW trannys to fit in one of these cars?

Harry
Harry Bailey
Knoxville, TN
1966 230SL
Automatic

Benz Dr.

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Re: ZF 5 speed manual Transmission
« Reply #3 on: April 28, 2021, 17:01:24 »
I did some repairs on my own ZF several years ago and I can tell you that they are nothing like the MB box. All of the bearings are press-fit and all except the input shaft bearing are taper roller bearings similar to what you would find on a wheel bearing set up.  All the syncro rings are steel except the reverse gear which is brass. Getting the end play right on the bearings is a treat on those things.
1966 230SL 5 speed, LSD, header pipes, 300SE distributor, ported, polished and balanced, AKA  ''The Red Rocket ''
Dan Caron's SL Barn

1970  3.5 Coupe
1961  190SL
1985   300CD  Turbo Coupe
1981  300SD
2013  GMC  Sierra
1965  230SL
1967 250SL
1970 280SL
1988 560SEC

Harry

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Re: ZF 5 speed manual Transmission
« Reply #4 on: April 28, 2021, 18:33:17 »
Thanks Dan.  Figured it would be too good to be true.  Sure would be nice to have the lower RPMs though, huh?
Harry Bailey
Knoxville, TN
1966 230SL
Automatic