Overview
The ZF 4681.101.016 TRANSMISSION HOUSING is a critical structural component engineered for the BP 210 and BP 230 series gearboxes. Serving as the main casing, this OEM genuine part encloses the planetary gear sets, valve body, and torque converter assembly, ensuring precise alignment of internal rotating elements. Manufactured from high-strength cast alloy, the housing withstands extreme torsional loads and thermal expansion during heavy-duty operations. The SKU 4681.101.016 is machined to exact OEM tolerances, guaranteeing a leak-proof seal and optimal oil flow distribution throughout the transmission system. Without this housing, the gear train cannot maintain its required axial and radial clearances, leading to premature wear of bearings and shafts.
Symptoms of Failure
When the ZF 4681.101.016 transmission housing deteriorates, operators typically encounter these specific failure modes:
- Persistent oil seepage at mating flanges: Cracks or porosity in the housing casting allow transmission fluid to escape, often visible as wet spots around bolt holes or the bell housing interface. This leads to low fluid levels and eventual overheating.
- Gear engagement hesitation or slipping: Warpage or distortion of the housing bore shifts the alignment of clutch packs and planetary gears, causing delayed shifts or unexpected neutral conditions under load.
- Abnormal whining or grinding noises: A fractured housing mount or bearing pocket wear permits excessive shaft movement, generating metallic contact sounds that intensify during acceleration or deceleration.
- Contaminated fluid with metallic debris: Internal housing surface spalling releases aluminum particles into the oil, which can clog the filter and damage the valve body solenoids.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| OEM Part Number | 4681.101.016 |
| Material | High-grade aluminum alloy (A356-T6) |
| Overall Length | 620 mm |
| Overall Width | 410 mm |
| Overall Height | 380 mm |
| Dry Weight | 18.5 kg |
| Bolt Torque Specification | 85 Nm (M12 bolts) |
| Surface Treatment | Clear anodized with corrosion inhibitor |
Compatibility
This genuine ZF housing is designed for direct fitment in the following transmission models:
- ZF WG180 (all variants including WG180-1 and WG180-2)
- ZF WG200 (standard and heavy-duty configurations)
- ZF BP 210 Series (BP 210, BP 210A, BP 210B)
- ZF BP 230 Series (BP 230, BP 230C, BP 230D)
- ZF Ecomat 4 HP 590 (limited compatibility; verify bolt pattern)
Always cross-reference your existing housing casting number with 4681.101.016 before installation. This part is not backward-compatible with pre-2005 ZF 4HP22 or 5HP24 housings due to different bell housing bolt patterns.
