oil leak

[drellis]

Hi all,

after a vigourous drive (100miles), once stopped clear oil had been sprayed up inside the right had side rear arch and onto the lip/splitter in the rear bumper. looking underneath on pipes are loose but was oil dripping very slowly from the right hand side drive shaft/seal. I checked engine oil, power steering, brake and clutch fluid and all levels were correct execpet gearbox level was slightly low.

? does this just sound like a drive shaft seal that leaks much more at speed and throws oil out?

? is there separate differential oil?

cheers

dave

[Paul93Lotus]

While you need to be absolutely sure that you have the car jacked up (both rear!) securely...you could remove the wheel and have a helper accelerate the car and take a look while the wheel is being accelerated. More than likely you will then see the exact source of the oil.....though it does sound like a halfshaft seal at the transmission...especially if your oil level is slightly low.

Hi all,

        after a vigourous drive (100miles), once stopped clear oil had been sprayed up inside the right had side rear arch and onto the lip/splitter in the rear bumper. looking underneath on pipes are loose but was oil dripping very slowly from the right hand side drive shaft/seal. I checked engine oil, power steering, brake and clutch fluid and all levels were correct execpet gearbox level was slightly low.

? does this just sound like a drive shaft seal that leaks much more at speed and throws oil out?

? is there separate differential oil?

cheers

dave

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

[tinywillyuk]

This might be slightly odd - but sniff some of it! Gearbox oil smells, well, horrid and quite distinct. Not sure how easily to describe it.

Used engine oil is almost pleasant by comparison - and you can compare the smells on the car easily!

[fflyingdog]

I would put money on the drive shaft seals have gone for a burton,pretty easy to replace,not good if the oil is being sprayed onto hot surfaces and/or your brake disc,also cheap ish by lotus standards.

Nick s4s

[DanR]

Maybe the roll pin needs to be refitted with fresh sealant.