Oil leak at front of van? Help please

Discussion in 'Mech Tech' started by Merlin Cat, Jul 19, 2016.

  1. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    I have an oil leak appeared on the drive at the front of my van, drivers side. I'm not sure where it comes from? I don't know what could be there? Brakes?

    This is a photo of where it appears to be coming from. I've smelt the liquid and it's defo some sort of oily stuff.

    @davidoft (or any one else) any ideas please?

    I'm bit concerned it appeared after my 0-60 attempt! :oops:

    I'm also planning to drive to iow Monday so hoping it's not the brakes :eek:

    This is a photo of underneath.

    image.jpg
     
  2. Might be your steering box leaking.
     
    jivedubbin and mgbman like this.
  3. MorkC68

    MorkC68 Administrator

    what Snotty said
     
    Merlin Cat likes this.
  4. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    It looks like steering box, brakes are 18inches ish further back
     
    Merlin Cat likes this.
  5. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    Ta. Will that have much effect on my van drive ability please? I figured that it shouldn't be steering as it's not power steering :oops:. Is it something I can top up, or is it a new part problem?
     
  6. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    What's if feel/ smell/ taste like ? If it's from the steering box it will be quite strong smelling
     
  7. You can top the box up with oil, but if the seal's gone, it might all leak out again.
     
    Merlin Cat likes this.
  8. Flakey

    Flakey Supporter

    It's all that ragging it from 0-60 :p
     
    Merlin Cat likes this.
  9. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    It smells a bit like brake fluid rather than engine oil. I just put my fingers in the stain on the floor to see what it was. Underneath looks a bit grub bier.
     
  10. Mine was as dry as a bone o_O changed the seals topped it up and its a bit smoother, its the same a gearbox oil sae 80-90
     
    Merlin Cat likes this.
  11. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    How's your brake fluid level ?
     
    IZZYBAY likes this.
  12. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    Um. Not a clue. I did have new last year if that helps.

    #beginning to regret casual attitude towards vehicle maintenance! Tho may adopt fall back position of if it still moves carry on as normal :)
     
    Jono1249 and Terrordales like this.
  13. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    Well if you look at it you will know, I'm currently doing a tongue in my bottom lip, deeeerrrrr at you
     
  14. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    Rude!! I shall go out now then in the semi darkness and see if I can see any level :)
     
    davidoft likes this.
  15. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor


    Hurry up , I losing interest ;) x
     
    bluething likes this.
  16. Merlin Cat

    Merlin Cat Moderator

    :) I've looked! Looked under driver and passenger seat for brake fluid reservoir, not there due to special swivel seats and shag pile carpet. I cannot locate it.

    I've now laid on the grubby drive in my good clothes (I've been to the cinema)

    It may be the steering thing. Here is a badly taken photo. The leak is by near the towing loop? Where would I top up the steering box please - or check it :)

    image.jpg
     

  17. I'm surprised....:eek:

    You have best clothes....:D
     
    Merlin Cat likes this.
  18. You should expect to be told off if you don't know the basics of your van.

    It does sound like the steering box is leaking its oil.

    While you are at it, find the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level and make sure it is up to the mark with fresh brake fluid.

    You will need some 80/90 GL4 gear oil for the steering box. Same oil as the main gearbox.

    Folks will tell you how to access the red plastic filler plug.

    Meanwhile wipe the oil off the steering box and try to see where its leaking.
     
    Merlin Cat likes this.
  19. There's a small filler cap on top of the box that's quite hard to see. It's red, but is likely covered in filth. Easier if you can lift the circular baseplate at the bottom of the steering column up. Just keep squidging gear oil in until it starts to overflow. Your seal will need changing at some point, tho'
     
    mgbman and Merlin Cat like this.
  20. davidoft

    davidoft Sponsor

    I will locate it for you when you drop by for your fridge.......... Moneeeeyy
     
    Merlin Cat likes this.

Share This Page