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:

    Coolant renewal (Every 24 000 miles or 2 Years)
    Cooling system draining 1 It is preferable to drain the system when the coolant is cold. If it must be drained when hot, release the pressure cap on the thermostat housing (or expansion tank on la ...

    Engine oil and filter renewal (Every 6000 miles (10 000 km) or 6 months)
    1 Frequent oil and filter changes are the most important preventative maintenance procedures which can be undertaken by the DIY owner. As engine oil ages, it becomes diluted and contaminated, whic ...

    General description
    The braking system is of the dual circuit hydraulic type with disc brakes at the front and drum brakes at the rear. A diagonally split dual circuit hydraulic system is employed in which each circu ...