Leak from transmission

[OpelVivaro]

Make

Vauxhall

Model

Vivaro

Year

2007

Miles

188,000

Engine

1.9

Hi,

I have a small leak coming from the rectangular cutout on the bottom of the transmission bell house. I’ve notice the clutch fluid reservoir has gone down slightly and I’m 99% sure it is coming from this cutout/opening.

Can anyone tell me the purpose for this opening and why clutch fluid may be leaking from here?

I’ve attached a stock image to highlight the opening

Thankyou!

 

[billr]

The hole is to allow fluid, either clutch hydraulic fluid or trans lube or engine oil, to escape if there is any leakage of those. Otherwise, the bell-housing could fill up enough for fluid to get on the clutch friction surfaces and make the clutch fail. If there is only slight leakage, many of us will just put up with it until the clutch is worn out and needs replacing anyway. It is easier to top-off whatever fluid is leaking than to change the clutch.

Since you think it is clutch hydraulic fluid, it seems likely that is a "direct-acting" throw-out bearing and the seals in its slave cylinder are leaking. That bearing will also be routinely replaced when the clutch needs to be changed.

 

[OpelVivaro]

Thanks for the explanation @billr !

I’ll keep an eye on it

 

[grcauto]

Slave is leaking.