Final drive oil level check (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)

1 Check the final drive oil level as follows.

2 Position the vehicle over a pit, or raise it at front and rear on ramps or axle stands. The vehicle must be level.

3 Wipe clean around the final drive filler/level plug (see illustrations)

27.3a Final drive unit filler plug location (arrowed) - Saloon, Hatchback and
27.3a Final drive unit filler plug location (arrowed) - Saloon, Hatchback and Estate models

27.3b Rear axle filler plug location - P100 models
27.3b Rear axle filler plug location - P100 models

and unscrew the
plug. Using a piece of bent wire as a dipstick, check that the oil is no more than 10 mm (0.4 in) below the plug hole.

4 If topping-up is necessary, use clean gear oil of the specified type. Do not overfill.

Frequent need for topping-up can only be due to leaks, which should be rectified.

5 When the level is correct, refit the filler/level plug and tighten it to the specified torque loading.

6 There is no requirement for periodic oil changing, and no drain plug is provided.

Automatic transmission selector linkage lubrication (Every 12 000 miles (20 000 km) or 12 months)

Lubricate the transmission selector and kickdown linkages with engine oil or aerosol lubricant.

    See also:

    Pistons/connecting rods - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Remove the sump, as described in Section 8, and the cylinder head, as described in Section 7. 2 Check that the connecting rod and cap have adjacent numbers at their big-end to indicate ...

    Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system
    From the 1990 model year, an Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) system controlled by the Electronic Engine Control IV (EEC IV) system, and incorporating an Electronic Distributorless Ignition system ...

    Suspension and steering check (Every 6000 miles or 6 months)
    Front suspension and steering check 1 Raise the front of the vehicle, and securely support it on axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support”). 2 Visually inspect the balljoint dust covers and ...