I have a 1996 XJS and I was wondering what this is. Apparently it's leaking.

It is located just behind the transmission pan underneath the car. It has these rubber grommets. It is leaking and I'd like to know what I might be getting myself into.

Second picture is from the side, if that helps. That is foam shoved up in that second picture. (light gray material at 11 o'clock in the photo) Is that normal?

Thanks.

 

Seems like the output shaft seal. Sometimes the transmission pan leaks and it blows back. I'd try the output shaft seal first because it's a wear item and an easy fix. To replace it you will need a new seal and a seal puller. Then remove the drive shaft, yoke and install the seal with a seal installer or proper length of pipe backed with the old seal as a buffer. It would be best to jack the rear of the car up high so the fluid sloshed forward away from the seal you're replacing. Chock the front wheels for safety. Or bring it to any transmission shop and have it done.

 

That first picture is just the auto gearbox spring mount and pan, isn't it?

If you've got oil dripping off the mount, that would seem to imply that your gearbox is leaking somewhere.

Paul

 

The foam is sound deadening. Just about all cars of this era (and for all I know still) have a huge wodge of foam on top of the gearbox to insulate the tunnel and cabin from the noise of the cogs!

Greg

 

Greg,

Thanks for the insight on the foam. It made sense as to why it is there, just wasn't sure if that's a standard Jaguar insert.

As for the leak, I have noticed that I have too much fluid. Not sure if that could lead to an apparent leak, but I did siphon out about 24 ounces out. It was way over the hot line, halfway into the kink in the transmission dipstick!