Bit of a problem with my rear end

[Green George]

Hello everyone

I have a 2000 MY Caterham 1.6 Superlight, which has the DeDion rear suspension set up and a LSD. The drive shafts are connected to the LSD and rear hubs by “cans”(?).

Whilst on a track day on Monday I noticed grease on the inside of the rear offside wheel. There is no obvious sign of physical damage or any audible indication that part of the assembly has failed. I therefore presumed that I had split a CV gaiter or similar.

However, upon closer examination tonight, I identified that the gaiter appears to be intact. The grease appears to be coming from where the offside outer driveshaft “can” fits into the rear hub assembly. I also identified that the “can” attached to the near side of the LSD also appears to be leaking a dark coloured runny grease (not oil).

I have examined all four “cans” and the two faulty ones appear to be new(ish):

The offside outer “can” is white metal and has no signs of corrosion and appears to be quite recent as it is in a good clean condition; once I had wiped the grease away!

The near side inner “can” is painted black and again shows no signs of corrosion and also appears to be quite new.

Background: I bought this car from Caterham Cars (South) in the summer and since owning it have covered about 1000 miles.

I am not familiar with these “cans” and was wondering if someone with more knowledge than me could assist in diagnosing the problem?
Thanks in advance
George

[DCL]

Pictures would help, but the grease at the wheel is more likely to be wheel bearing grease. They can get hot on trackdays and throw out grease, particularly if they have been repacked. On the diff side, sometimes a little grease is used to lubricate the shafts oil seals during assembly. But possibly a leak. If the quantities are small just wipe it off and keep an eye on it.

[Honda Rush]

The grease you are finding can only come from two places wheel bearings and drive shafts. You need to identify as to where it is creaping from, And if you have identified your driveshafts correctly ie with cans which are the earlier type. It could be from a badly fitting can, These are a real messey pain to replace, The grease is retained with an O ring within the can and the can is peened over after assemble. For the wheel bearings new Ford Sierra bearing grease seals are readialy available from most factors. For the cans these are ususally out of stock from caterham but try e-bay but not a job without tools. I have made a spring compressor to help with reassembly you could borrow, or i am happy to do the job for you or with you. But as your car is a recent purchase i would ask caterham for a jesture of good will and perhaps upgrade to the later driveshafts at the same time