Car Leaking Oil
A few weeks earlier, everything looked normal.
Fresh from a recent dealer health check, Mr L’s Land Rover Discovery Sport showed no signs of trouble.
Then he spotted a small patch of oil on the driveway, a clear sign of a car leaking oil. Easy to miss, easy to underestimate.
But these things can change quickly, and once oil begins to escape, heat and friction can cause further wear, leading to costly repairs.
When Mr L mentioned the leak during his Land Rover service at Fitch Autos, Brownhills, our technicians treated it as a priority. Every potential oil leak deserves attention because even a small one can be the start of a developing fault… And could leave you with a hefty repair bill.
Which is the last thing anybody wants for their vehicle.
Our objective was simple: confirm the issue, trace the source of the Land Rover oil leak, and prevent expensive damage before it began.
Uncovering the Clues Behind the Land Rover Oil Leak
Every good diagnosis begins with listening.
Mr L explained when he first noticed the oil mark and how it changed after longer drives. Those details helped our technicians narrow down the possible causes before touching a single tool.
A visual inspection confirmed light oil staining along the lower drivetrain. This was clear evidence that the leak was active, but not enough to identify the cause.
Our team used Land Rover diagnostic equipment to carry out a complete system scan for stored fault codes. None were found, so our team went beyond the data and began a detailed physical inspection to locate the source of the car leaking oil.
The Discovery Sport’s underside was then cleaned to remove any residue, giving us a clear surface to detect fresh oil. We checked and topped the transfer box oil level, then carried out a controlled road test to reproduce the fault under normal driving conditions.
When the vehicle returned to Fitch Autos, Brownhills, fresh traces of oil were visible, confirming that the oil leak was active and guided us toward the next investigation stage.
As your local independent Land Rover experts, our technicians use the same diagnostic equipment and technical information as main dealerships, offering dealer-level precision with the personal care of a trusted local garage.
Finding the Source of the Land Rover Oil Leak
After testing, the fresh oil markings centred on the transfer box, also known as the Power Transfer Unit (PTU). This component transfers drive to the rear wheels when the all-wheel-drive system is active.
Using official Land Rover service data, our technicians confirmed that PTU leaks are a recognised issue on some Discovery Sport models, often caused by wear or deterioration of the input seal and sleeve where the gearbox connects.
Armed with that information, the team removed the PTU for a closer inspection.
Once separated, the fault was clearly visible:
- The input seal had split and hardened.
- The sleeve surface it runs against showed scoring and visible wear.
Together, these issues created a small but steady escape path for the oil.
Because the PTU carries only a limited volume of oil, even a minor leak can quickly lead to low levels, accelerated wear, and costly internal damage – something you and your bank balance don’t want.
Fortunately, Mr L mentioned the oil leak when he brought his Discovery Sport to Fitch Autos, Brownhills, for its scheduled service, allowing our team to resolve the car leaking oil issue before it caused further harm.
Repairing the Fault: Precision at Every Stage
Before we began the work, we called Mr L to talk through our findings and explain the repair needed to stop the Land Rover oil leak.
At Fitch Autos, Brownhills, we focus on transparency – no repair begins without your complete approval.
Once Mr L authorised our suggested repair, we moved from diagnosis to a precise, structured repair process.
Resolving a Land Rover PTU oil leak demands experience, specialist tools, and accuracy in every measurement.
Here’s how our team completed the job:
- Recording the alignment: Before disassembly, the PTU’s alignment to the gearbox was measured and documented to preserve factory geometry during reinstallation.
Inspecting components: Each mating face, bearing, and seal surface was inspected for wear or corrosion. Any imperfection could affect the new seal’s performance. - Fitting genuine Land Rover components: We installed an official Land Rover seal and sleeve kit, replacing both parts simultaneously for the best sealing performance.
- Setting correct tolerances: Using dedicated Land Rover installer tools, the new seal and sleeve were fitted to exact depth and position, maintaining correct oil pressure and retention.
- Renewing fasteners: All single-use fixings, including bolts and circlips, were replaced and torqued to specification for uniform pressure.
- Refilling and leak check: The PTU was filled with manufacturer-approved gear oil, checked for the correct level, and inspected to ensure no seepage was present.
Quality assurance: Before the road test, the entire unit was cleaned, verified, and inspected to confirm the leak had been fully resolved.
Every step in this process counts. The precision and care applied at each stage are what ensure the repair lasts and the system performs as it should.
Confirming the Land Rover Oil Leak Was Fixed
After reassembling the transfer unit, our technicians performed a comprehensive verification to ensure the repair held under pressure. This included an extended road test to evaluate the PTU’s performance under heat and load.
The findings were:
- No leaks.
- No error codes.
- No residue.
The Discovery Sport behaved exactly as designed – quiet and efficient, and the car leaking oil issue was entirely resolved.
That kind of certainty doesn’t happen by luck. It’s earned through a methodical approach, where every part of the repair is checked, measured, and confirmed before moving forward. Skipping a single verification might save time in the moment, but it can cost much more later.
Once testing was complete, we carried out the Land Rover service Mr L had brought his vehicle in for.
The Discovery Sport cleared each one and was soon returned to Mr L, fully repaired, reliable, and ready for the road.
Delivering More Than a Repair: Lasting Trust Through Precision
When Mr L came to collect his Land Rover, we showed him the removed seal and worn sleeve, explaining exactly how they had caused the leak and what we had done to repair it.
At Fitch Autos, Brownhills, we believe clarity turns technical work into customer confidence.
By seeing the parts firsthand, Mr L understood the cause and the level of care that went into the solution. The Land Rover oil leak repair was completed faster than the main dealership could offer, and with exceptional value. Still, its real benefit lay in accuracy and verification at every stage.
Every check was logged, and every tolerance was confirmed, ensuring the repair would be long-lasting.
Mr L left confident that his Land Rover’s oil leak had been properly resolved and that his vehicle was back to performing exactly as it should.
Land Rover Oil Leak? Have It Checked by Fitch Autos, Brownhills
If you’ve noticed oil beneath your Land Rover, don’t take risks. The issue won’t fix itself; even a small oil leak can quickly develop into a bigger problem, leading to costly repairs.
At Fitch Autos, Brownhills, our technicians specialise in pinpointing the exact cause of each oil leak and fixing it the first time. We combine years of Land Rover experience with dealer-level diagnostic equipment and official technical data, ensuring every repair meets manufacturer standards.
You get the precision of a main dealer with the personal care and value of a trusted independent garage.
Why drivers choose Fitch Autos:
Drivers across Walsall, Cannock, Aldridge, and the wider West Midlands continue to choose us for Land Rover servicing and repair. Here are some of the reasons why:
- Genuine parts and approved oils.
- 12-month parts and labour guarantee.
- Courtesy cars available for your convenience.
- Land Rover expertise with advanced diagnostic tools.
Join the {{review-count}} motorists who’ve rated us {{average-rating}} stars for professional service and dependable results.
If you’ve got a car leaking oil, book with Fitch Autos, Brownhills, for trusted expertise and lasting protection.
Call 01543 452630 to book your Land Rover oil leak repair or service today.
