Drive shaft seals...help please!

[Dion Houghton]

Hi guys and girls,

I have a problem with the gear box in my 2001 Clio 172. It started making a noise and I also noticed that it was leaking oil. When I put it up on the ramp I noticed that the driveshaft gearbox oil seal is the source of the leak. Usually this would not be a problem, as I would go to a dealer and pick up a replacement seal. However, I live in Hong Kong and the guys here want over GBP50 for 1 part!

Does anyone know anyway I can get one that is not going to cost as much. I think that if I get it sent from the UK it is going to be less! Any friendly garages or scrappies that I can get in touch with?! I am also aware that the driveshaft it self might be scored by the old seal, how likely is this? Also does anyone know where I can get one? I would hate to think so much they would want to charge me for that given the prive of the seal!!!

If I can not get one directly where can I find the part number or get a drawing of one so I see if I can get a part made up.

Thanks in advance for any help, it is much appriciated!

Dion

 

[Fred@BTM]

i guess you mean the seal on the drivers side of the box (RHD car) and not the large passenger side one?

 

[Dion Houghton]

The car is RHD and it is the seal on the LHS (passenger) of the car.

 

[Fred@BTM]

the large rubber boot that's bolted to the gearbox?

 

[Dion Houghton]

Fred,

Yes that is where the leak seems to be coming from.

 

[Fred@BTM]

out of the bearing on the driveshaft? or out of the box?

 

[Dion Houghton]

It is leaking out of the boot, I have not taken it apart yet to investigate further. I am having the driveshaft taken out of the car tomorrow and will bite the bullet and buy the over priced bearing. At the end of the day I do not want the thing to fail on me 6 months down the line for the sake of saving a couple of quid and have to pay for a new gearbox! What is the likelyhood that the D/S is going to be damaged by the old seal?

 

[Fred@BTM]

very unlikley the bearing is in need of replacing, is it leaking out between the boot and the gearbox?

 

[Dion Houghton]

No. down the D/S

 

[Fred@BTM]

ah, so new bearing and boot, or you could try just replacing the clip over the bearing as a possible "cheap fix"

 

[Dion Houghton]

Thanks for the help Fred, I will see what happens when they take the bearing out tomorrow morning and let you know. It sounds like you are right about replacing those parts.

Thank you again

D