[RTH94]

Hey guys and girls!

We're about to dabble our toes into the world of defenders following being stung for a hefty chunk of money on another vehicle and getting fed up of the non-simplicity of fixing it..

Anyway, we've found a 2002 90 we like, with 95k miles on. Upon viewing the vehicle today, I've noticed a leak from the transfer box, oil dripping is clear. The seller reports a full service (gearbox and engine) was carried out recently and all oils replaced. Could this potentially be a leak/corroded seal or even just mess left from the service?

Cheers

 

[tottot]

If that is your only issue with a 20 year plus truck you are very lucky.
Only a thorough clean up will disclose the exact cause of the leak. Also I think the oil has a red hue which says main box oil. Anyway it will be basic fix of gasket or seal, how much cost depends on which one.
Most important is the condition of bulkhead and chassis so double check them and if you do not know Landys have someone who does do the checking. Age matters little, condition is most important.
Some good Defender purchase check videos on the You tube.

 

[miktdish]

There are a number of 'common' leak points on an LT230 transfer box.
They are all relatively easy to fix with the intermediate shaft being the most time consuming and requiring the box to be off the car.



It really needs a good pressure wash/clean and then an examination to find the source.

 

[marjon]

With any defender purchase it is mandatory you buy a couple of leaks with it .

I dont think there are many that are 100% fluid tight.
As above it needs to be cleaned off so you can catch it before it spreads like you see there. Try to identify the colour of the fluid as the gearbox and transferbox use different colour oils this would help narrow it down.

That is not from a recent oil change.

But hows the rest would be more improtant.

J

 

[RTH94]

If that is your only issue with a 20 year plus truck you are very lucky.
Only a thorough clean up will disclose the exact cause of the leak. Also I think the oil has a red hue which says main box oil. Anyway it will be basic fix of gasket or seal, how much cost depends on which one.
Most important is the condition of bulkhead and chassis so double check them and if you do not know Landys have someone who does do the checking. Age matters little, condition is most important.
Some good Defender purchase check videos on the You tube.

There are a number of 'common' leak points on an LT230 transfer box.
They are all relatively easy to fix with the intermediate shaft being the most time consuming and requiring the box to be off the car.



It really needs a good pressure wash/clean and then an examination to find the source.

With any defender purchase it is mandatory you buy a couple of leaks with it .

I dont think there are many that are 100% fluid tight.
As above it needs to be cleaned off so you can catch it before it spreads like you see there. Try to identify the colour of the fluid as the gearbox and transferbox use different colour oils this would help narrow it down.

That is not from a recent oil change.

But hows the rest would be more improtant.

J

Sounds good! Thanks for the replies.

This was actually the 2 signs of oil leak (other than screen wash!), this transfer box and also the rear diff. The rear diff just looks like the bung hasn't been tightened properly as theres signs of a small leak from that.

Chassis, crossmember and bulkhead wise, its in absolute immaculate condition. The chassis has very minor patches of throughout and the bulkhead is in immaculate condition too. The only signs of rust on the vehicle are a tiny part on a door hinge and a small patch on the rear.

Been a hobby car for the seller for the last 10 years and has carried out some great upgrades to it by the looks of it, and always cleaned, chassis waxed and stored in a dry garage.

 

[marjon]

If it has just been serviced (oils) the diff may just be whats left of the dribbles from filling.

J

 

[Phill]

Sounds good! Thanks for the replies.

This was actually the 2 signs of oil leak (other than screen wash!), this transfer box and also the rear diff. The rear diff just looks like the bung hasn't been tightened properly as theres signs of a small leak from that.

Chassis, crossmember and bulkhead wise, its in absolute immaculate condition. The chassis has very minor patches of throughout and the bulkhead is in immaculate condition too. The only signs of rust on the vehicle are a tiny part on a door hinge and a small patch on the rear.

Been a hobby car for the seller for the last 10 years and has carried out some great upgrades to it by the looks of it, and always cleaned, chassis waxed and stored in a dry garage.

I'd probably buy it on that observation. The chassis protection system can be repaired easily enough.

 

[Anaconda]

Why don't you post up the advert so we can help better?
Intermediate shaft o-ring can be changed with the transfer box still in the vehicle, almost, just about.
I have done it twice, although you do have to release the box and slide it back a bit.

 

[tottot]

I have done mine's intermediate shaft front O ring seal as above. Moved trans box back on two extra long bolts and then push shaft forward just enough to renew the O ring.

 

[RTH94]

https://www.autotrader.co.uk/car-details/202506163546874?sort=relevance&searchId=32d4a180-b374-42be-a7cb-a47028bf3265&advertising-location=at_cars&aggregatedTrim=TD5&make=Land%20Rover&maximum-mileage=100000&minimum-mileage=80000&model=Defender%2090&postcode=RG75LR&price-to=35000&fromsra

This is the link to the vehicle!

Mechanic has looked it over and confirmed its the IMS and a small job to fix, but no major issue in the mean time.