Overview
The ZF 5838.300.473 PLANET CARRIER is a critical rotating assembly within the planetary gear set of heavy-duty construction machinery transmissions. This OEM genuine part serves as the structural hub that houses planetary gears, pins, and bearings, transferring torque from the sun gear to the ring gear during gear ratio changes. As a central load-bearing component, the planet carrier must maintain precise alignment to ensure even gear meshing and power distribution. The SKU 5838.300.473 is engineered to ZF’s original specifications, making it a direct replacement for worn units in high-stress environments like wheel loaders and graders.
Symptoms of Failure
- Transmission gear slipping under load – When the planet carrier’s pin bores wear out of round, planetary gears lose proper mesh, causing intermittent slipping during acceleration or uphill operation.
- Metallic grinding noise from transmission housing – A failing carrier allows planetary gears to tilt, creating uneven contact patterns that produce a distinct low-frequency grinding sound, especially in lower gears.
- Oil contamination with bronze or steel particles – As the carrier’s thrust surfaces degrade, microscopic metal shavings enter the transmission fluid, often visible during oil changes as glitter-like debris in the filter.
- Vibration in the driveline during shifting – Worn carrier bearing journals cause radial play, transmitting vibration through the transmission case and into the operator cab during gear changes.
Technical Specifications
| Parameter | Value |
|---|---|
| Part Number | 5838.300.473 |
| Material | High-strength nodular cast iron (GGG-60) |
| Overall Diameter | 185 mm |
| Overall Height | 95 mm |
| Weight | 4.8 kg |
| OEM Reference | ZF 5838.300.473 |
| Pin Bore Diameter | 22 mm (4 bores) |
| Heat Treatment | Induction hardened bearing surfaces |
Compatibility
This planet carrier is designed for use in ZF’s WG series powershift transmissions commonly found in construction machinery. Based on its physical dimensions and spline configuration, the 5838.300.473 is compatible with the following transmission models: WG180, WG200, and WG211. These transmissions are installed in equipment from manufacturers such as Liebherr, Volvo, and Caterpillar. Always verify the transmission serial number before ordering, as minor variations exist between early and late production runs.
During installation, this planet carrier works in conjunction with several adjacent components. The 5838109006 DIFFERENTIAL transfers output torque to the axles, while the 0750117075 TAPER ROLLER BEARING supports the carrier’s radial loads. For complete axle assembly, the 2095209037 DIFFERENTIAL and 2095309059 DIFF.HOUSING are required to enclose the gearset.
Related Components
| Part Number | Name | Function |
|---|---|---|
| 5838109006 | DIFFERENTIAL | Distributes torque between left and right wheels |
| 0750117075 | TAPER ROLLER BEARING | Supports planet carrier radial and axial loads |
| 2095209037 | DIFFERENTIAL | Secondary differential for tandem axle configurations |
| 2095309059 | DIFF.HOUSING | Encloses differential gears and bearings |
| 0631329086 | SPRING PIN | Secures planetary gear pins in carrier bores |
| 0730300820 | THRUST WASHER | Controls axial clearance of planetary gears |
| 4482360002 | AXLE BEVEL GEAR | Transfers power from differential to axle shafts |
| 2095309081 | DIFFERENTIAL AXLE | Connects differential to wheel hubs |
| 5838300811 | THRUST WASHER | Provides bearing surface for carrier thrust face |
| 4482360001 | DIFFERENTIAL BEVEL GEAR | Meshes with axle bevel gear for final drive |
