(T) MOT - Leaking Drive Shaft

Hi all, I hope someone with a MOT mind can help me.

Little Seicento is due for its 2nd MOT within the fortnight, so whist checking all parts of the car to see if its working, locking, and not leaking as you do :) . I've notice that the passenger side drive shaft from the gearbox is leaking small amounts of oil from the gearbox, as I understand one of the seals internally has gone after 36k miles.

Now the leak is not major its just small amounts have gone onto the gaiter and drive shaft.

The question, is this leak MOT failure or not?

Thanks :)

Shopping List:

-40mm Lowing Springs
Cadamuro Rear Spoiler
Window Tints
Scrapped 1.2 Punto

Not an MOT specialist my self but have been a mechanic in my time.
I would suspect not.
The MOT covers specific areas of the car related to safety and a leaky drive shaft wouldn't be considered unsafe unless the leak was signiicant or indicated a likely failure that would make the vehicle unsafe.

There are 3 ways to play it as I see:

1: get it repaired and know your ok.
2: Clean the area with degreaser (plus the rest of the underside of engine)
Then add an engine oil thickener to help stem the flow. Ensure the car is not too warm before taking it in and hope for the best.
3: Do as 2 but explain to the examiner that a small leak exists and you've cleaned the area and what does he think (an honest approach often gives you a little more slack)

Thanks for that It did pass the mot after I got a bit of rag and a little clean. Now the next MOT is coming soon, so will be doing another few checks.

Hi,
Be careful with the oil thickner, I put normall gear oil(EP80w90) in my cinq 899cc and it struggled to select the gears, needs semi synthetic gear oil thats very thin.
The leaking drive shaft shouldnt be a failure(unless the gaitor is split), just give it a wipe down before you take it for the mot, and don't take any ****e off the examiner.

Thanks
Paul T

Don't the gaiters hold the gearbox oil in on the 899's too?

mine passed with a leaky driveshaft seal on my sporting. need to sort that really!

Old thread alert!!

Liam

Yes Pete, on the 899 the oil is held in by the gaitor. Erm, I have checked it this morning and still there, but not as bad (just looks wet.) A quick wipe day before should do the trick.

Really, the only thing the car failed on on its first MOT was the rear handbrake (linkages) so this is another to look at before the MOT if its happened again