ZF8HP45 Gearbox noises - Am I doomed?

[DSR25]

Morning Chaps and Chapettes,

I have been experiencing odd sounds from my gearbox. I have only had the car 4 months and as expected, I have gradually noticed a variety of noises from the car. Nothing too worrying with the exception of the odd sound coming from the gearbox.

Car is 2011 20i with ZF gearbox and 46k miles. Full service history.

There are mainly 3 sounds in question:

The first sound is a loud hiss/tick when changing gear. This is more noticeable when cold but does persist even after driving for a while. Almost sounds like pressure escaping (opening fizzy bottle of pop). Interestingly this mainly affects gear 4/5 either upshift or downshift but I have heard it on changed 3/4 when cold.

The second noise, which has developed over the last few days, is a metallic rattle heard only in gear 5 when engine braking from around 2.5k down to 1k. I am assuming these noises are connected but cannot be sure. I cannot get any other gear to produce a similar sound under engine braking and it seems strange I can only produce it in gear 5.

Lastly, when in traffic and applying/releasing throttle around the 1k mark, there is a distinct knock as the power shifts from acceleration to engine braking. I suspect this could be a bush but I can only replicate this in gear 1/2 at low speeds, not at higher speeds/gears.

The issues are not massive and gear changes are still smooth and quick but I am keen to catch any issues before they develop further.

Any pointers, experience or help with diagnosing the above is greatly appreciated! I am new here and will introduce myself properly on another thread later today.

Here's a pic for now! Thanks in Advance!

[B21]

That’s not good at all…should be very reliable..

Best course of action is to have a fluid and filter change…but I’m not optimistic

[MRCW]

Originally Posted by DSR25

Morning Chaps and Chapettes,

I have been experiencing odd sounds from my gearbox. I have only had the car 4 months and as expected, I have gradually noticed a variety of noises from the car. Nothing too worrying with the exception of the odd sound coming from the gearbox.

Car is 2011 20i with ZF gearbox and 46k miles. Full service history.

There are mainly 3 sounds in question:

The first sound is a loud hiss/tick when changing gear. This is more noticeable when cold but does persist even after driving for a while. Almost sounds like pressure escaping (opening fizzy bottle of pop). Interestingly this mainly affects gear 4/5 either upshift or downshift but I have heard it on changed 3/4 when cold.

The second noise, which has developed over the last few days, is a metallic rattle heard only in gear 5 when engine braking from around 2.5k down to 1k. I am assuming these noises are connected but cannot be sure. I cannot get any other gear to produce a similar sound under engine braking and it seems strange I can only produce it in gear 5.

Lastly, when in traffic and applying/releasing throttle around the 1k mark, there is a distinct knock as the power shifts from acceleration to engine braking. I suspect this could be a bush but I can only replicate this in gear 1/2 at low speeds, not at higher speeds/gears.

The issues are not massive and gear changes are still smooth and quick but I am keen to catch any issues before they develop further.

Any pointers, experience or help with diagnosing the above is greatly appreciated! I am new here and will introduce myself properly on another thread later today.

Here's a pic for now! Thanks in Advance!

https://www.fcpeuro.com/blog/zf-8-speed-transmission-guide-8hp45-specs-common-problems-diagnostics-maintenance