Leaking gearbox, but where from?

[Gingerbread Man]

I've a Caterham 6 speed gearbox. The below image is of the speedo drive output, but what but is leaking? Has a seal buggered up? Annoying as it was only rebuilt late last year. There is play where the drive goes in and is secured by a circlip. This appears to be where oil is shown.

Can I jack it back up, lay on my back and fix the issue, or is this going to be a pain?

[7heavensoon]

Hi

There is a small seal in the gearbox that the speedo drive pokes through. They always leak. A bit fiddly to replace, but is do-able from under the car with the gearbox in place.

Replacements are cheap - here

[Gingerbread Man]

Tray underneath, circlip off, whip the drive out, the seal out, new one in, drive in, circlip in. Then top back up, or should I drain the whole lot first? Could jack the car up on one side only?

[7heavensoon]

No need to drain oil or use a tray - very little will come out.

You need to unscrew the knurled nut, and remove the circlip. Then the speedo drive can be removed, exposing the seal. Remove the seal (poke a couple of small screwdrivers through it and lever it out.

Press the new one it squarely (open side inwards) and reassemble. Let us know how many time the circlip goes flying when try to refit :-)

Be prepared to see oil leaking out reasonably quickly after the new seal is fitted - TADTS...

[Gingerbread Man]

I'm used to doing things 'live' as a plumber. I'll get one ordered, see how long it takes to arrive.

So that fits the 6 speed. Mentions other gearboxes, but is the Caterham 6 a modified Ford gearbox?

[Grubbster]

You should be able to pick up a seal from local Ford dealer for a quid or 2.

[Gingerbread Man]

I've asked my local Ford dealer. I'm in Oz, but the questions been asked.