Toyota Land Cruiser gearbox maintenance and repair

Today, three ranges are available to consumers: Toyota Land Cruiser, Toyota Land Cruiser Station Wagon and Toyota Land Cruiser Prado.

Toyota Land Cruiser gearbox: how to repair it?

The role of the gearbox is to coordinate the speed of the engine with the speed of the wheels: it optimizes engine performance according to vehicle speed. An indispensable mechanism, the gearbox is designed to last over time, but the first signs of weakness must be dealt with immediately.

But how can you tell if the gearbox in your Toyota Land Cruiser is damaged, and how can you repair it? EDEN BOITES explains.

What are the specific features of Toyota Land Cruiser gearboxes?

Toyota Land Cruisers are generally equipped with a 6-speed manual gearbox: this is the case of the Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0 CDI 4X4 gearbox.

Other models offer an automatic gearbox, such as the Toyota Land Cruiser 3.0 Turbo Diesel 4×4. The latest model, the Toyota Land Cruiser 2024, features an 8-speed automatic gearbox.

Toyota Land Cruiser: how do I maintain my gearbox?

To prevent problems with your gearbox, we strongly recommend that you change your transmission oil every 65,000 kilometers, and carry out quality checks. Regular maintenance ensures that your gearbox is well lubricated.

We recommend replacing the drive belt every 100,000 kilometers, and the timing belt every 120,000 kilometers.

When should I repair the gearbox on my Toyota Land Cruiser?

There are several signs that can help you spot a problem with your Toyota Land Cruiser's gearbox, especially when driving.

If, for example, you hear a creaking noise when shifting gears, or a gear just won 't engage or lock, you need to take action.

There are three main hypotheses to explain these problems:

• an inadequately lubricated gearbox ;
• a faulty clutch member ;
• worn sprockets.

How do I repair the gearbox on my Toyota Land Cruiser?

To find the cause of these problems, you first need to remove the gearbox. In the case of the Toyota Land Cruiser, this can be done in several stages: first drain the gearbox oil, then remove the drive shafts and starter motor. Disconnect the gearbox control and selector cables, then remove the gearbox.

In the case of a manual gearbox, you should note the following points in particular:

• Drive shafts: check the gears and ensure that the primary, secondary and intermediate shafts are well lubricated;
• The synchronizer ring: check that the houses (the ring's "teeth") are still well formed, and check for wear with a feeler gauge. Finally, check that the ring still has its original shape and is not damaged;
• SPI seals: these seals ensure the tightness of the assembly, as well as the movement. They should be replaced at the first sign of wear. Before fitting a new SPI seal, coat it with a little oil;
• Bearings: check bearings and sprockets for corrosion.

This initial check should enable you to assess whether your Toyota Land Cruiser gearbox needs changing, or whether certain parts need replacing. However, Toyota Land Cruiser gearbox removal is complex, and warning signs should not be taken lightly: the expertise of an automotive professional is always invaluable.

So don't hesitate to call in a professional who can guarantee the quality of your gearbox.

Repair or replace the entire gearbox?

Only a professional will be able to give you a reliable diagnosis as to whether or not you should change your gearbox. There's no need to buy your gearbox directly from a garage: you can buy it independently, and often more cheaply!

EDEN BOITES offers several models of Toyota Land Cruiser gearboxes:

• HDJ100 4.2 TD 4×4 automatic;
• 3.0 Turbo Diesel 4×4 automatic;
• 3.0 TD 4×4 5-speed;
• 3.0 CDI 4×4 6-speed ;
• 3.0 TD 4×4 5-speed ;
• 3.0 Turbo Diesel 4×4 6-speed;
• HDJ80 4.2 TD 5-speed;
• HZJ79 4.2 Diesel 4×4 5-speed;
• KDJ120 3.0 TD 4×4 5-speed;
• KZJ90 3.0 TD 4×4 5-speed.

What's more, EDEN BOITES makes it possible to collect your old gear box, via our carrier, without having to travel. And to find out about delivery times, don't hesitate to request a free online quote.