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:

    Front suspension crossmember - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Remove the steering gear. 2 Support the engine with a jack and interposed block of wood under the sump. 3 Unscrew and remove the engine mounting nuts from the top of the mountings in th ...

    Front seat air cushion assembly - removal and refitting
    Complete assembly - removal and refitting 1 Remove the seat. 2 Straighten the seat back cover retaining tangs, and pull the cover upwards to expose the air cushion. 3 Cut through the four securi ...

    Fuel tank - removal and refitting
    Caution: Refer to the precautions in Section 1 before proceeding. 1 Run the fuel level as low as possible before removing the tank. 2 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 3 Remove the tank fill ...