The 3 Speed GM180 Automatic Transmission and the 5 Speed LT77 Manual Gearbox were fitted to the automatic and manual versions of the Series II Rover SD1 and in both cases they are very robust units providing routine maintenance guidelines are observed.

Unfortunately as the age of our cars increased and ownership began to fall into the hands of enthusiasts not seeking dealership servicing, like all mechanical components they start to give problems if maintenance is overlooked.

During my ownership of four Rover SD1's I have come across a number of routine and difficult fault situations that needed solutions. It’s fair to say that most elements of this essay are the result of original thought (not to say other people hadn’t thought of them too) but I had not previously come across them.

Frequently we are reminded - "Top up the gearbox". It's easy to say, isn't it? Not so frequently we are reminded - "Drain the gearbox ---, etc" and don’t they both fill your head with dark thoughts?

Here then are some ideas to make things easier and few other snippets I have come up with, including a really radical treatment for a badly behaved 5 Speed LT77 Manual Gearbox. Read or download the PDF from here (36kb)