ZF Auto 1998 Converter Drive Access Plate

Hi All

Looks like i have a leak from the converter drive access plate, no great surprise when half the bolts are missing and one is loose.

I've ordered new set of bolts for the plate.

My question, can I just remove the plate with everything else in situ?

Does the gearbox oil need draining first? (something I am about to do anyway but just wondering.

How much oil can I expect in there?

Also I presume there is no gasket other than a silicone hylomar one?

Cheers
Al

box will need to come off before you can get too the plate, its best to drain box you should et out 4-5 litres with the rest remaining in torque converter, try and keep t/c with box as you remove box and brace t/c in place, there no oil in bell housing only what leaks from engine or box

Out of interest what stops this cover plate coming away while in situ?

Lazylabs said:

Out of interest what stops this cover plate coming away while in situ?

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the bolts ?

Haha

All the bolts are accessible though.

yes you need a 10mm and 13mm spanners, the 2 13mm headed are tapered so when you fit them first they pull plate upwards against the seal

So why the need to remove the gearbox ?

Unless I'm misunderstanding where that plate is, there really shouldn't be any oil in there. If there is it's leaking from either sump gasket, rear main or gearbox input seal depending on the colour of the oil.

Lazylabs said:

So why the need to remove the gearbox ?

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thought you meant drive plate , as said if its leaking there its engine or box

Ah ok that's cool so I can just remove this. Hard to tell colour of oil as being doing bit clean up. Plus car had rocker cover leak. Oil looked pretty black. Will wait and where it leaks now it's all cleaned.

Some bolts are missing from the cover so if there is any oil in there it might leak anyway.

Shall check tomorrow.

Cheers for answers