Picnic 2.0 Gls Gearbox Oil Leak

[Phockzie]

Hello,

I own a Picnic 2.0 GLS (V Reg) that has gearbox oil leaking from where the CV joint enters. The front wheels also knock when i drive over bumps.

Can anyone recommend someone who could fix these issues in the Bolton area.

Thanks for the help.

[propnut]

Sounds like you have two issues

1. Your diff seals

2. A suspension issue. This could be the dampers (often incorrectly called the shock absorbers), drop links or anti roll bar bushes.

These are all well within the grasp of the home mechanic HOWEVER a healthy respect for the shock springs and good spring compressors are required. These can be had from any motor factors.

If you are not up to the task then any garage should be able to do the work. Sorry can't recommend one as I have never used one in my life and would have to lose my sight, both arms and both legs before I considered doing so. Even then I would look for alternatives

[Phockzie]

Thanks propnut, i wish i had you're patience with mechanics, is it possible to replace the diff seals without removing the gearbox, and how do i top-up the gearbox oil.

I usually end up removing chunks of flesh from my hands when i work on mechanics and seeing bone through oily skin isn't my favourite image.

I might have to do it myself depending on whether i can get the seals and a gearbox manual.

[propnut]

I have never worked on a Picnic but generally you can change the seals in situ after removing the output shafts. Now on some cars the CV joint splines actually go into the gearbox and as such the entire half shaft must be removed. On others the CV joint bolts to the output flange. In this case the CV can be disconnected from the flange and the half shaft simply moved aside. The flange can then be removed. Now firstly once you have decided on the correct course of action you need to drain the box via the bottom plug.

When changing seals it is best to get a proper seal removing tool which you can get here

http://www.machinemart.co.uk/shop/product/...ller-tool/path/

Inserting new seals must be done very carefully making sure they go in uniformly. You can use a suitably sized wooden block as a drift. Then carefully slide the CV/flange back in.

AT ALL TIMES YOU MUST MAKE SURE EVERYTHING IS CLEAN. Any dirt can damage the new seals causing them to fail again.

Filling the box is normally done either through a filler plug on the side of the box, normally at the front or by taking out the speedo drive gear and using that hole. YOU MUST establish the correct place. Too little oil and the box will fail. To much and you will blow the seals.

Just do some serious research before yoi begin. Your car uses the exact same engine as the RAV4 it might use the same box as well. You could try and see if Haynes do a RAV4 manual.

Finally get yourself some latex gloves from your local motor factors. They come in a box of 100's and will save the old knuckles.

DO NOT undertake the job if you are not at least 80% comfortable.