2002 S60 NA Moonweasel - Oil leak behind passenger wheel + coolant spots in engine bay (w/photos)

[scot850]

When it is warm it can travel as it is thrown at a fair rate. Try cleaning all the gunge off that area and if you drive it again and find it r-appears then you know you have a boot split or leak somewhere. There may be oil from elsewhere, but I think you may find once it is all cleared off it stays clean with the exception of the area around the CV boot.

Neil.

[jonesg]

I tried feeling around on the boot for a split, but couldn’t find one.

Going to take the wheel off and check again for boot splits, but if it was that, how would so much of it be getting inside the timing cover and on top of the lower timing guard?

I see no oil anywhere in the timing area.!

[moonweasel]

I posted photos a few posts up with the cover off, there is a ton of oil around the water pump, tensioner and the inside of the cover…

[jonesg]

I posted photos a few posts up with the cover off, there is a ton of oil around the water pump, tensioner and the inside of the cover…

Ok , the oil isn't visible, so its cam or crank

I'd clean it up and let it idle with cover off, if you can't spot it try chem dye and uv light.
Scroll down you can get the dye with light and glasses for $25 bundle.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000K21O ... oil+uv+dye

[moonweasel]

Alright, a little update: as several of you predicted, it's the passenger-side CV boot itself that's leaking. I can't find any tears or cracks in it, it looks like it is coming out around where the boot is clamped on to the assembly. This is a used half-axle that was put onto my car a month or two ago, and the boot seemed fine when I received it — is there a way to tighten this clamp up, or do I need to replace the whole assembly again?

[jbeebo]

you can try putting an extra squeeze on the Oetiker clamp on the CV boot - if you have a good set of pliers. Else, replace the clamp with a new one and give it a good crimp - again with good quality oetiker clamp pliers. If you're gonna replace the clamp, clean it, then slide the boot off and wipe the interface between the boot and housing clean. Be VERY careful not to get contaminants inside the boot. Squeeze a small amount of CV bearing grease inside for good measure to replace what was lost, maybe 2 TBSP worth.

Alternate option: yank that half shaft and take it back exchange for a new one.