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:

    Oil pump - removal and refitting
    Note: A new gasket must be used on refitting. Removal 1 The oil pump is externally mounted on the rear facing side of the crankcase. 2 Using a strap wrench or similar, unscrew and remove the oil ...

    Thermo-time switch - removal and refitting
    Removal 1 Disconnect the battery negative lead. 2 Drain the cooling system as described in Chapter 1. 3 Raise the front of the car and support it on axle stands (see “Jacking and Vehicle Support ...

    Crankshaft and main bearings - removal and refitting
    Note: A new crankshaft rear oil seal and a new rear oil seal housing gasket should be used on refitting. Removal 1 With the engine removed from the vehicle, remove the timing chain and crankshaft ...