Land Rover Oil Leak
Five weeks back, everything looked fine.
After a standard dealer check, Mrs L’s Land Rover Discovery Sport appeared to be in perfect condition.
But then, she noticed a dark patch under her car, a clear sign of her car leaking oil, and something that needed prompt attention.
Even a minor oil leak shouldn’t be taken lightly; it can escalate quickly. And once heat and pressure build, it can lead to significant damage and costly repairs.
When Mrs L mentioned the issue during her Land Rover service at Smith’s of London, Croydon, our Land Rover experts prioritised tracing the source of the oil leak and stopping it before it worsened.
Their mission was simple: uncover the problem, identify the cause, and restore her vehicle to full health.
Uncovering the Cause of the Land Rover Oil Leak
Every thorough diagnosis at our garage begins with our Land Rover experts listening.
Mrs L described when she first noticed oil beneath her Discovery Sport and whether it appeared after each drive. Those insights help guide the inspection and save valuable time in pinpointing the oil leak issue.
A brief check underneath confirmed oil staining around the lower transmission, clear evidence of an oil leak, but not enough to pinpoint the exact source.
To better understand the issue, we connected our Land Rover diagnostic equipment and ran a complete scan for stored fault codes. However, none were detected, so our technicians moved to a hands-on inspection to find the physical cause.
The underside of the Discovery Sport was cleaned to remove any oil residue, allowing new oil to show clearly. We then verified and topped up the transfer box oil level before conducting a short, controlled test drive.
Upon returning to Smith’s of London, Croydon, fresh traces of oil confirmed the leak was active and directed our team to the next step.
As independent Land Rover experts, our team have access to the same advanced diagnostic systems and official manufacturer data as main dealerships, allowing us to provide you with precision care with a personal touch.
Tracing the Source: Identifying the Land Rover Oil Leak
After our controlled test drive, new traces of oil were visible around the transfer box, which is also commonly referred to as the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). This crucial part transfers torque to the rear wheels during all-wheel-drive use.
By consulting Land Rover’s technical documentation, our technicians confirmed that the PTU can sometimes suffer from oil leaks, especially on some Discovery Sport models. The usual cause is wear on the input seal and sleeve where the gearbox and PTU connect.
With this information at hand, our Land Rover experts removed the PTU for a closer inspection.
Once disassembled, the cause of the Land Rover oil leak became apparent:
- The input seal had split.
- The sleeve surface it contacts had visible scoring and wear.
These two issues combined to form a small but consistent oil escape point, resulting in Mrs L’s Land Rover leaking oil.
As the PTU’s oil capacity is limited, any ongoing leak can quickly cause mechanical wear and component damage, which can be costly if left unchecked. Fortunately, Mrs L mentioned the problem during her Land Rover service at Smith’s of London, Croydon, allowing it to be addressed before any further damage occurred.
Repairing the Fault: Accuracy Without Compromise
Before beginning the repair, we called Mrs L to explain our findings and confirm the best method for fixing her Land Rover oil leak.
At Smith’s of London, Croydon, clear communication is an essential part of our process. No work starts until it’s fully discussed and approved, keeping our customers informed every step of the way.
Once Mrs L gave our team the green light, our expert technicians transitioned from diagnosis to repair. Fixing a Land Rover PTU leak requires precision, correct alignment, and adherence to manufacturer tolerances.
Our team followed a structured, detailed repair procedure:
- Documenting alignment: Before removing the PTU, we recorded its alignment with the gearbox. This preserves the factory geometry, ensuring the new seal sits perfectly when refit.
- Inspecting every component: With the PTU separated, all internal faces, bearings, and contact points were checked for wear, pitting, or contamination. Even slight imperfections can compromise a seal’s integrity.
- Installing genuine Land Rover parts: We fitted an official Land Rover seal and sleeve kit, engineered for the model’s exact tolerances. Replacing both components together ensures proper sealing and prevents uneven wear.
- Setting precise tolerances: Using Land Rover’s dedicated installation tools, the seal and sleeve were fitted to exact depth and position. These tolerances directly affect the unit’s ability to retain oil under heat, load, and torque.
- Replacing single-use fasteners: All bolts and locking clips were renewed and torqued in order, providing consistent pressure and a secure fit throughout the assembly.
- Refilling and testing: The PTU was refilled with manufacturer-approved oil, checked for correct levels, and carefully inspected to ensure everything was fully sealed.
- Final quality control: After reassembly, the PTU was cleaned, visually inspected, and verified before a test drive confirmed correct operation.
Every part of this process contributes to the result. The quality of our work is defined by accuracy, consistency, and attention to manufacturer detail.
Ensuring the Land Rover Oil Leak Was Fully Resolved
When the PTU was rebuilt, our team performed a full post-repair validation cycle, including a controlled road test to check operation under real-world heat and torque.
Our findings:
- No more oil leaks.
- No oil residue.
- No fault codes.
Mrs L’s Land Rover Discovery Sport ran exactly as designed, refined and steady, with the car leaking oil issue completely eliminated.
This confidence is earned, not assumed. Every verification step is completed and logged before advancing to the next, guaranteeing consistency and accuracy across the repair. Neglecting even a minor check could compromise performance – a risk we never take.
After re-testing her vehicle, the final Land Rover service checks were completed. The car passed each one and was returned to Mrs L in top working condition.
More Than a Repair: Trust Through Transparency
When Mrs L returned to collect her Discovery Sport, we walked her through the repair process and showed her the damaged components that caused the Land Rover oil leak.
At Smith’s of London, Croydon, we know clear communication builds lasting confidence. We always show you exactly what went wrong and how it was corrected, removing the mystery from the repair process. You’re always kept in the know with us.
Seeing the worn parts for herself helped Mrs L understand how the issue developed and how quickly a car leaking oil can become costly.
The job was finished sooner than a dealership could offer, and with the personal care you receive from a local independent garage. But what set it apart was the attention to detail and process discipline. Every stage was checked and logged, ensuring Mrs L’s Land Rover Discovery Sport left our workshop fully restored and performing flawlessly.
Car Leaking Oil? Let Smith’s of London, Croydon, Fix it
If you’ve spotted oil beneath your car, don’t take any chances. A car leaking oil doesn’t fix itself, and even a small leak can leave you with a costly repair if it’s not addressed quickly.
At Smith’s of London, Croydon, our Land Rover experts trace and repair oil leaks using genuine Land Rover components, dealership-level data and diagnostic tools. You get main-dealer quality with the personal service of an independent garage. What more do you want?
Why drivers choose Smith’s of London:
Here’s why Land Rover owners throughout Croydon, Beckenham, and Coulsdon rely on us for precision, honesty, and lasting results:
- Experienced Land Rover technicians using official diagnostic equipment.
- Clear pricing and customer-focused service.
- Genuine parts and manufacturer-approved lubricants.
- 12-month parts and labour guarantee.
Join the {{review-count}} customers who’ve rated us {{average-rating}} stars for expertise and trust.
If your Land Rover is leaking oil, call Smith’s of London, Croydon today for professional repairs and lasting peace of mind.
Call 020 8674 3377 to book your Land Rover inspection.
