Car Leaking Oil
Four weeks earlier, everything seemed normal.
Fresh from a recent dealer inspection, Mr K’s Land Rover Discovery Sport performed great and had no signs of an issue.
But then… A small oil patch appeared on his driveway, which was easy to overlook but never something to ignore.
Once oil starts to escape, friction and heat can accelerate wear, turning a minor car leaking oil issue into serious mechanical damage.
When Mr K brought his vehicle to Shires Garage, Langport, for its routine Land Rover service, he mentioned the oil spot to our team. We treated it as a priority, knowing that even the smallest leak can indicate a developing fault.
Our goal was clear: find the problem, locate the source, and prevent costly future repairs.
Uncovering the Clues of the Land Rover Oil Leak
Every accurate diagnosis starts by listening to the driver.
Mr K explained when he first spotted the oil mark on his driveway and how it had changed over a few days. Those small details allow our team to narrow down the likely source before we even reach for a tool.
A visual inspection underneath confirmed signs of oil around the lower drivetrain, proving there could be a leak, but not enough evidence to pinpoint where it began.
At this stage, we connected our Land Rover diagnostic equipment to Mr K’s Discovery Sport and ran a full system scan. Yet, no fault codes were found, so our technicians continued with a physical inspection to trace the leak manually.
The underside of the Discovery Sport was thoroughly cleaned to remove any oil residue, giving a clear surface to identify fresh traces. The transfer box oil level was checked and topped up, then the car was taken on a controlled road test to replicate the leak under normal conditions.
When the vehicle returned to Shires Garage, Langport, new oil markings were visible, confirming the leak was active and providing the evidence needed for further diagnosis.
As your local independent Land Rover experts, our technicians have access to the same diagnostic tools and official data as main dealerships. This allows us to provide dealership-level accuracy with the personal service of a trusted local garage. You’ll even receive better than dealership value with us.
How We Traced the Land Rover Oil Leak
After road testing the Land Rover Discovery Sport, new oil markings appeared around the transfer box, which is also known as the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). This component distributes drive to the rear wheels.
By using Land Rover’s official technical information, our Land Rover experts confirmed that leaks from this unit are known to occur on some Discovery Sport models. These oil leaks are typically caused by the deterioration of the input seal and sleeve at the gearbox connection, often first noticed by drivers as a small damp patch under their vehicle.
To confirm the cause of the car leaking oil, our team removed the Land Rover’s PTU for a closer inspection.
Once separated, the cause of the oil leak was clear:
- The input seal had hardened and cracked.
- The sleeve surface had worn smooth from long-term contact.
Together, these defects created a steady escape path for oil.
The PTU holds only a small quantity of oil, so even a slow leak can quickly lead to reduced lubrication and costly internal wear. This is why a timely fix is so crucial. Fortunately, Mr K brought his Discovery Sport to Shires Garage, Langport early enough to prevent serious (and costly) damage to his vehicle.
Repairing the Fault: Precision in Every Stage
Before beginning the repair, we contacted Mr K to discuss our findings and confirm the best approach for resolving the Land Rover oil leak.
At Shires Garage, Langport, we believe clear communication and transparency come first. No repair begins until it has been fully explained and approved, keeping you in complete control from start to finish.
Once Mr K authorised our suggested repairs, our technicians moved from diagnosis to repair. Correcting a Land Rover PTU leak requires precision, accurate alignment, and strict adherence to Land Rover’s technical data.
Here’s how our team carried out the process:
- Documenting alignment: Before disassembly, we recorded the PTU’s alignment with the gearbox. Preserving this geometry ensures the unit refits exactly as designed, keeping the new seal perfectly seated and eliminating stress on the connecting components.
- Inspecting every surface: Once the PTU was removed, each sealing face and contact surface was examined for scoring, scratches and corrosion. Even the most minor imperfection can shorten the lifespan of a replacement seal or cause uneven wear.
- Fitting genuine Land Rover components: We installed a genuine Land Rover seal and sleeve kit designed specifically for this model. Using both parts together ensures a perfect fit and complete sealing integrity, preventing premature leaks.
- Setting exact tolerances: Using Land Rover’s precision installer tools, we fitted the new seal and sleeve to the correct depth and position. These tolerances are vital to maintaining consistent oil pressure and durability under heat and load.
- Renewing single-use fasteners: Every one-time-use circlip, bolt, and fixing was replaced and torqued to meet Land Rover’s specifications. This provides consistent clamping pressure and helps prevent future movement within the assembly.
- Refilling and leak check: Once reassembled, the PTU was refilled with the approved Land Rover oil, checked for the correct level, and examined closely for any seepage.
- Final quality inspection: The complete assembly was cleaned and visually checked before a controlled test drive confirmed that the system was fully sealed and performing correctly.
Every stage of this Land Rover oil leak repair matters. The precision and discipline at each point ensure a reliable repair and long-term performance.
Testing and Confirming the Land Rover Oil Leak Repair
After reassembling the Land Rover Discovery Sport transfer unit, our experts completed a comprehensive quality control process and an extended road test to confirm the repair had solved Mr K’s oil leak problem.
The results our Land Rover experts found were clear:
- No more oil leaking.
- No signs of oil residue.
- No fault codes.
Mr K’s vehicle performed exactly as intended – smooth, quiet, and with the car leaking oil problem fully resolved.
That level of assurance doesn’t come from luck. It’s achieved through disciplined testing, where every stage of the repair is measured, checked, and recorded before moving forward. Skipping even one step might seem faster, but it risks having to perform hours of additional work further down the line.
Once our team had validated that the Land Rover oil leak repair was complete, we finished the remaining Land Rover service tasks. Mr K’s Discovery Sport passed every inspection point and was returned to him – fully repaired, reliable, and oil leak-free.
Delivering More Than a Repair: Confidence Built on Precision
When Mr K collected his Land Rover Discovery Sport, we took the time to walk him through the entire repair, showing him the worn seal and sleeve that had caused the oil leak.
At Shires Garage, Langport, our experts believe that transparency matters as much as technical skill. Explaining what happened and how we resolved it turns a complex repair into genuine understanding, allowing you to remain in the loop throughout the process.
Mr K left knowing his car leaking oil problem had been accurately solved and confident his Discovery Sport was back to its best.
In addition, the oil leak repair and Land Rover service were completed faster than a main dealer could offer and with outstanding value.
What more could you ask for?
Every check was recorded, verified, and completed to Land Rover standards, providing Mr K with a reliable repair.
Land Rover Oil Leak? Get It Checked by Shires Garage, Langport
If you’ve noticed oil patches on your driveway, don’t ignore them or hope they’ll go away… It won’t.
A car leaking oil might seem like a minor issue, but even a small leak can lead to significant damage if left unchecked, which can be costly.
At Shires Garage, Langport, our Land Rover experts diagnose and repair oil leaks using Land Rover-approved parts, high-quality fluids, and the same technical data used by main dealerships. You’ll receive dealer-level precision with the friendly, transparent service of an independent garage.
Why drivers choose Shires Garage:
Here are just a few reasons drivers across Langport, Taunton and the surrounding areas continue to choose us for their Land Rover care:
- Land Rover-trained technicians with advanced diagnostic equipment
- Genuine parts and manufacturer-approved oils
- 12-month parts and labour guarantee
- Courtesy cars available for your convenience
Join the {{review-count}} local drivers who’ve rated us {{average-rating}} stars for reliability, precision, and value.
Whether you’ve got a car leaking oil, need service, or need any Land Rover repair, Shires Garage, Langport, can provide quality, long-lasting results.
Call 01458 250570 today to book your Land Rover service and stop issues before they spread.
