Defender · Defender 90 / 110 / 130 · 1990s–2016
Defender (Classic) planetary gears
Planetary gear sets for Land Rover automatic gearboxes and transfer cases.
Matching planetary gears to a Defender (Classic)
The Defender (Classic) (Defender 90 / 110 / 130, 1990s–2016) was sold here with 5 different engines. Gearbox: Manual gearbox on Tdi, Td5 and 2.8i models; 6-speed manual (2.4 and 2.2 Puma). Send the VIN and engine number with your enquiry so the parts team can confirm the correct planetary gears before quoting.
Know the part
Understanding Defender (Classic) Planetary Gears
Planetary, or epicyclic, gear sets are the gears inside an automatic gearbox. Each set has a central sun gear, planet gears on a carrier, and an outer ring gear. Holding or driving different parts of the set produces different ratios. Some two-speed transfer cases also use a planetary set to provide low range.
Planetary gears are durable, but their bearings and thrust washers can wear, particularly if the fluid has been neglected or the gearbox has overheated.
Further reading
- Epicyclic gearing – Wikipedia
Background on how planetary gear sets produce different ratios.
Common Questions About Defender (Classic) planetary gears
Can one planetary gear set be replaced on its own?
Yes, a specialist can replace a damaged set during a rebuild. Any damage usually means checking the whole gearbox for debris.
Why does my transfer case whine in low range?
On transfer cases with a planetary low-range set, wear in the planet gears or their bearings can cause whine in low range. Check the fluid level and condition first.
What damages planetary gears?
Lack of lubrication, contaminated fluid, overheating and shock loads, such as wheel spin followed by sudden grip off-road.
What should I send to order planetary gears?
The VIN and the gearbox or transfer case code. Gear sets are specific to each unit.
Other Defender (Classic) transmission
Not sure which part fits?
Share your VIN or engine code and the parts team will check the correct part for your Defender (Classic).