It never rains, but it bloody well pours.

[Pete1]

Went and bought 12 litres of the Penrite ATF and drained out the old stuff and then flushed through with new until it came out nice and clean. Cleaning up afterwards when I found a bit of wave spring in the tub. The car is an 01 model so now I'm thinking it's probably better to get a recon' one fitted because I did find some metal on the plug as well. This on top of my son being too sick to work and his car just fixed by us for when he's fit to work again is just great. This happened today (Saturday) so I'm wondering if any of you have had this job done around Bribie, Caboolture, Morayfield areas and give me an idea how much for the replacement.
Thanks.

[leadfoot6]

Recently, I have seen AMC Brisbane members paying $3,500 drive in/drive out for a TL AWD 5 speed auto.

There is a possibility that a KJ 4 speed would be slightly cheaper.

See this thread(esp. post #13) for some more details:

https://www.aussiemagna.com/forums/sh...=1#post1650607

However, considering the age of the car, what about a good used example from forum sponsor MitsFix in Melbourne?

He has external filter and non external filter models for $650 + shipping and comes with a limited internal parts warranty.

https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Mitsubis...item2f058037a9

I would hesitate to spend $3,000 or so on a TJ FWD, unless a "motza" had already been spent on it and it was otherwise in well above average condition for its age.

[an observer]

Pete,

Sympathies. What condition is the rest of the car in? As leadfoot suggested, that may help guide your decision.

[Millenium7]

My understanding is a broken wave spring doesn't really mean anything?
At that sort of price why would you bother? Just keep driving it, chances are the trans will be fine. And if it does shit the bed whereabouts do you live? If you're likely to be stranded for many hours that's 1 thing but if it's a metro area worst case scenario is a tow truck and replace the trans anyway

[Pete1]

Thanks for all the replies. Didn't expect any until Sunday, being Saturday evening. Anyway, the rest of the car is in good condition. We bought it new and have looked after it. Three corners have slight damage from shopping centres but it's otherwise really good. Also, if we have to spend 3,500.00 on it, we might as well do it because we won't be able to buy anything as good for what we'd get for it.
Thanks for the link to mitsfix, that could well be worth a go. The only problem I can see is getting someone to put it in. I'm not in a position to do it myself any more; too stiff in my old age and now don't have the gear. It's got new tyres, nearly new pads and rotors, just had the headlining fixed up, brake light switch repaired and it's not cost us a lot at all. Doesn't use oil and no water leaks. In short, we're well pleased with it. I'll make a few phone calls on Monday and see what sort of prices I get.
I do know it could go on forever, but it could also let go when it's really awkward; like getting a flat in the dark and peeing rain.
Once again, the replies are much appreciated. I'll let you know how I get on.

[DeanoTS]

Went and bought 12 litres of the Penrite ATF and drained out the old stuff and then flushed through with new until it came out nice and clean. Cleaning up afterwards when I found a bit of wave spring in the tub. The car is an 01 model so now I'm thinking it's probably better to get a recon' one fitted because I did find some metal on the plug as well. This on top of my son being too sick to work and his car just fixed by us for when he's fit to work again is just great. This happened today (Saturday) so I'm wondering if any of you have had this job done around Bribie, Caboolture, Morayfield areas and give me an idea how much for the replacement.
Thanks.

The same thing happened when I changed the ATF in KL Verada, I had only had it a week and it had a bad vibration due to the ATF being old, (98,000k's) when I drained the ATF a part of the wave spring was stuck to the sump plug, was a gamble driving it in that condition, I had a transmission specialist replace the wave spring cost me $1800 , he showed me the internal filter it was full of broken bit of wave spring, I saved the transmission just in time.

[Pete1]

Yeah it's a toss up, but it's pretty long in the tooth so I'll probably go for a recon box. I was thinking that if a bit of the spring got into a clutch, planetary gear, or even the pump, we'd be in real trouble. If I could be certain that the whole spring was out, it might sway me. $1800's not bad but decisions, decisions. I'll know more tomorrow when I can start looking around. I found two that have a decent reputation not far from me.

[Rob's 380]

Why not ask MitsFix for a price for a fitted used gearbox, it could be cost effective even with the drive down to Melbourne.
Your transmission could have had a broken wave spring for a long time without you knowing, so it would probably last on a long drive down.

[Pete1]

I don't think I'll take a chance on driving 1200 miles. I'm planning on having a look round tomorrow morning. That's one advantage of being retired.

[Pete1]

I should have put on that I might see how much Mitfix want for one plus freight up here. The only problem there is finding someone to put it in.