Andrewkb Neutral Newbie October 19, 2004 Share October 19, 2004 This shaft is the intermediate shaft connecting from the auto gearbox to the main drive shaft and appears a bit oily. I cleaned it and after driving, it's oily again. There is no drop in the ATF level (changed 8000km ago). Any idea if I should get it checked ? ↡ Advertisement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace_t Neutral Newbie October 19, 2004 Share October 19, 2004 how many km did you have to clean each time ? you could use a white tissue to wipe it and see what colour is the oil...if ATF , then maybe it'll be reddish in colour. Else it'll be brown or yellow.. possibly engine oil. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewkb Neutral Newbie October 19, 2004 Author Share October 19, 2004 I never clean it before. Just that day, saw the place quite dirty and it's connected to the main gearbox assembly. So took a few paper and clean it. Since it had never been cleaned for the past ~70,000km, it was black. So after cleaning, checked a few days later, this is what you see. No leakage visible anywhere so far.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ace_t Neutral Newbie October 19, 2004 Share October 19, 2004 could be evaporated oils from the roads that become attached to the shaft as you travelled. I think that when you wipe it, as long as you don't absorb a huge pool of oil, then there's nothing to worry about. Maybe for that peace of mind, you could go to your mech and have the car raised up to inspect for leaks. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saaber Neutral Newbie October 19, 2004 Share October 19, 2004 clean it with degreaser and observe for a few days... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kytl68 Neutral Newbie October 19, 2004 Share October 19, 2004 Bro, since your ATF no drop in level, check your "Powering steering" fluid ... see if level drop If your power steering rack is just above the drive shaft, it could be oil from a leaking steering rack (this one common in older car ... always leak one). Or maybe you want to take a visual look at the steering rack to see if any sign of oil. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armored_Saint Neutral Newbie October 19, 2004 Share October 19, 2004 (edited) You may have suffered a small engine gasket or oil sump gasket leak at the base of your engine/sump. Or some gearbox housing seal has worn out. These are leaks that cannot be detected by looking from a top perspective. Travelling at high speeds over time, the gush of air blows the leak against the shaft, smearing it in the process. Still, best you have it jacked up for a clearer investigation. Edited October 19, 2004 by Armored_Saint Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewkb Neutral Newbie October 25, 2004 Author Share October 25, 2004 Hi all, Got it checked during my oil change last weekend. Apparently, that area is below the oil filter and the mech didn't wipe it clean the last time. Had it cleaned up (myself while waiting) and most part of the undercarriage is nice and clean *Yeah, as if it matters, but definitely help troubleshooting if the needs arise* Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armored_Saint Neutral Newbie October 25, 2004 Share October 25, 2004 Cool, now you might wanna keep making sure that the oil filter screw thread isn't worn, else you'll find the same oily stuff gathering again. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewkb Neutral Newbie October 25, 2004 Author Share October 25, 2004 Sigh ... the oil filter was previously tightened so securely that the mech can't remove it. I actually took a photo of the badly damaged filter, will post later. He tried using: 1) Oil filter "cover" 2) The 2nd type of oil filter "wrench" 3) Clamp 4) Finally, using screw driver and hammer to knock it loose Will post some pic later if I can get a CF reader. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armored_Saint Neutral Newbie October 25, 2004 Share October 25, 2004 Pictures are always nice... I hope nothing was damaged while trying to loosen the filter. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Adrianli Hypersonic October 25, 2004 Share October 25, 2004 Oil filter supposed to be hand tighten when installing only. There is a rubber gasket on the oil filter to be applied with some oil then install it. Ur previous mechanic might have used an oil filter wrench to tighten it when installing!!! Very bad engineering practice!!!! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armored_Saint Neutral Newbie October 25, 2004 Share October 25, 2004 Maybe it was hand-tightened by Hercules.... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewkb Neutral Newbie October 25, 2004 Author Share October 25, 2004 Here's the pic .... The mech was cursing like hell ! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewkb Neutral Newbie October 25, 2004 Author Share October 25, 2004 The cleaned up shaft (with some more extra oil dripping from the now removed filter) Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Saaber Neutral Newbie October 25, 2004 Share October 25, 2004 obviously the last mech overtighten the oil filter... Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Armored_Saint Neutral Newbie October 25, 2004 Share October 25, 2004 Now that is one of the most wretched-looking oil filters I've ever seen. Bloody tin can! Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Andrewkb Neutral Newbie October 25, 2004 Author Share October 25, 2004 I did a search on the web and it seems to be quite a "common" problem ! In fact, some website even recommend loosen a bit after going to a service center !! Coz the tends to overtighten it ! From what I read, the "recommended" approach is: 1) Piece a screwdriver/rod across the filter and twist it open 2) Use a hammer to hit the side of the oil filter and that should loosen it a bit. 3) Use a tooth clamp to pierce thru the filter and twist it open The mech was pretty patience and use a screwdriver and hammer to slowly knock it counterclose wise till it's loose enuff to open it with the clamp. ↡ Advertisement Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
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