Small oil leak... but from where?!

1. mikejr Infrequent Poster Joined: Aug 2010 Newmarket, Suffolk Posts: 147 02/52 1.1i Desire

   #1 8th October 2013, 17:20

   Hi all,
   
   Car had it's MOT today, three failures, all of which should be relatively easy to sort, but frustrating nevertheless, however, it's got an advisory on an oil leak.
   
   The leak appears to be coming from somewhere above the lower rear gearbox mount (the cylindrical rubber bush right at the back of the engine bay). It's a very small leak and on inspection it's too difficult to tell what kind of oil it is. Based on the theory of gravity - that liquids always find the fastest way down - I don't have a clue what it could be or where it's coming from! It's the wettest part of the engine bay and there are drips nowhere else: you can just about see a drip on the right of the bush - it doesn't look like engine oil to me. See photo - sorry it's not very clear!
   
   
   
   Any ideas? Wan't to get it before it gets any worse.
   
   Cheers.
2. Mickswan Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti

   #2 8th October 2013, 17:25

   I'd say your passenger side drive shaft oil seal is leaking.
3. Wee_monkey1987 Regular Poster Joined: Sep 2011 Hertfordshire Posts: 250 2000 Saxo Woodland Green VTS, 2002 Mazda MX5

   #3 8th October 2013, 17:32

   i'd second that, definitely looks like a driveshaft seal gone as mine looked the same, although normally you would find a small puddle underneath, if you leave it stationary for a while,
   
   Also have you changed the gearbox fluid lately, might be worth checking the oil top up and drain plugs are tight and sealed (iirc they have a copper washer)
4. Mickswan Saxperience Forum Bum Joined: Apr 2013 Jarrow Posts: 4022 2003 Icelandic Grey 16v VTR 1991 Daihatsu GTti

   #4 8th October 2013, 17:36

   Oil is coming from higher up than the drain plugs. It'll probably only be weeping a tiny bit. New seal is about a fiver, just a arose on to replace.