740 - advice needed! - MotorsForum

Hi, I have a slight problem with my 1988 740SE (168,000 miles). When I bought it, two years ago - the n/s/r brakes squealed occasionly. I put new discs and pads on - and now they only squeal occasionly when i "feather" the brakes What can i do to solve this this irritating problem?

Next - I changed the auto box fluid last year as it needed doing - the gear shifts were very harsh, I checked the level today and found that the fluid has gone a browny colour and smells "burnt" which i took to be a sign that the fluid wants changing, I`ve done about 10,000 miles since i last changed it. Is this normal?

And finally, I`ve put 940 GLT 15" alloys and a 740 Torbo spoiler on it to improve the looks - is there anywhere I can find a bodykit or a set of skirts that will fit?

Any Advice gratefully recieved!

From a point at sea, to the circles of your mind, this is YarnallTom:

Make sure the callipers are clean, that any moving parts are free, and that the pistons are not siezed. Then use brake grease. Put it on the back of the pad, being careful not to get any onto the face of the pad or the disc. This should help to dampen any squealing, though it has to be said that some pads are more prone to it than others.

Oh dear. This is not good news. ATF goes brown when it gets overheated. This is normally a sign that the box is knackered. It may respond to flushing through, but it usually means a replacement gearbox. Sorry it's not better news. If you can do it yourself with a rebuilt, or even secondhand box it is affordable. If you need a workshop to do it, it will probably cost more than an '88 is worth.

No idea. I didn't know you could 'improve' the looks of a 740.