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FWIW, in my ZF4HP18FLE research on the Net I came across this from an Alfa 164 forum. Reference to a Lube-Gard product recommended by Saab although I've personally not seen it or been able to find it. I don't trust most of my local Saab techs anyway to bother ....
Ken
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http://www.digest.net/alfa/FAQ/164/notes_16.htm
From: McNeon
Date: Wed, 14 Jan 1998 19:23:18 EST
Subject: 164 Auto Transmission Update
I posted to the digest a couple of months ago about my 164 transmission woes. To recap, I had lost 2nd, 4th, and reverse gears. From ZF USA (847-634-3500), I learned that parts for the ZF 4HP-18 gearbox (which is shared with the Saab 9000) are available through but not stocked by ZF distributors, and service information is hard to come by. I concluded that I was in for a total rebuild.
Local tranny shops had little or no experience with this particular gearbox , so I contacted Eriksson Industries in Connecticut (800-388-4418). Although not an authorized rebuilder, ZF USA vouched for Eriksson's quality of service.
After several hours of significant G&G (grunting & groaning), the trans was
out of the car (what a pain in the ass!) and on a truck to CT. Eriksson turned te unit around in a couple of weeks, I labored for several more hours
reinstalling it, and it now works perfectly. Cost? $1535, plus $100 round-trip truck freight from Tennessee, plus a couple hundred dollars for seals, belts, CV boots, etc.
The cost seems a little high, but considering the amount of work involved
getting the trans out and back in, I wouldn't take any chances on having to do it twice. Eriksson dyno tests and offers a 1 year, unlimited mileage warranty on their work, so my confidence level is high.
At the suggestion of Anderfield Automotive in Nashville, I've also put
something called Lube-Gard in the box. This additive is recommended by Saab
for the same unit in the 9000, and Anderfield swears by it. At about $12, I
consider it very cheap insurance! (See your local Saab dealer for this
product.)
Is the 164 automatic a weak spot? I can't answer that, since I've no idea what previous owners may have done to cause my problems. I can say that it is the most responsive automatic I've ever driven, with nice, high shift points under hard throttle and 2000-2500 rpm upshifts on deceleration. All in all, I'm still glad I chose an automatic.
I have no financial interest in any of the businesses I mentioned in this
posting.
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posted by 209.90.1...
, Mon, 1 Jul 2002 15:59:27
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