Gearbox seal oil leak - 996 C4S with 9k miles from new

Just had annual maintenance on the above and OPC dealer identified a leak from the gearbox oil seal. Car has covered 9k miles and was bought 12 months ago from an OPC with 8.5k miles. It is 3 weeks out of warranty. Dealer says remedy is a 7-hour job and is offering nothing. Been in contact with Porsche GB and they don't want to know either. Any ideas? I love the car but this has really upset me. Car has full OPC history and I paid a hefty premium for the low miles and as-new condition. Is it reasonable for a car that has covered 9k miles from new to need gearbox removal?

Sounds like RMS. If the leak is only slight, this is not a major problem. However with a 9k miles car, it's not healthy either. Having said that, mine had the RMS seen to last year at some 18k miles (2003 model with same engine as yours). I didn't have an OPC warranty but being a member of the Porsche Club GB, Chiswick OPC contributed heavily to the costs of doing the RMS (about 90%). That ended up costing me about £100. I decided to change the clutch at the same time as well (a further £600). Try and see them and explain you are a member of the PCGB which of course you are aren't you? :wink: ~ Maxie

Not good, disgusting in fact. Firstly, I would speak to your salesman about it and ask him to intervene. Secondly, I'm amazed that there's no good will from PCGB. If the situation doesn't change, then I'd say your only option is to take it to an Indy, who will charge a lower labour rate and will still provide a warranty on it (I'd recommend Camtune, Paragon or RSJ in the south). Alternatively, you could try and take it to another OPC and hope it gets through a 111 point check and claim on warranty!!!

Maxie and GD, thank you both very much for the quick replies - and for the advice, gratefully received. I am going to contact PCGB again - their attitude is appalling and short-sighted. If you have bad experiences like these it can put you off a make of car for the rest of your life. I need to check through my paperwork too as I am sure the RMS has already been replaced on this vehicle once - to have to replace it twice in 9k miles is just dire. Will keep you updated. I won't give up easily - and will also write next to Porsche in Germany to see if they endorse this type of customer treatment.

The head of Porsche UK is Andy Bond (or was). When I had a warranty argument I wrote to him directly after a general cust service person told me there was nothing they can do. Andy Bond passed it on to the head of cust service (Angela something) and she dealt with me and agreed to pay the cost of what I was arguing about. So I would suggest writing to Andy Bond.

is it not andy goss now who runs pcgb

Not being funny bud, but how do you expect to sell this car for top dollar in the sales section and also have this topic running along side it for all to see?

Don't really follow you. I'm not the sort of person who covers anything up. The seal will be replaced before the car goes anywhere. Any potential buyer will of course do their own inspection. I am in contact with Angela Lamden - thanks for the advice everyone. Will update you all on any progress.

A failed RMS is nothing serious, anyone who researches the issue would be aware of this, the fact that it has been (or will be) recently replaced will give sufficient peace of mind that if it fails in the next year Porsche will have to replace it again, warranty or no warranty.

Ah, I didn't realise that Good luck with the sale though, it will be interesting to see if you can sell it and for how much, especially in this market :?:

Gearbox seal oil leak but for a 911 turbo 996 guys... Have just had the same problem but around 12k on the clock. Porsche tell me that I will need to replace the gearbox at £7k inc parts and lab. Porsche GB have offered me a 2k discount however am not going to take it. Is this a design fault? Harry

you say 7k on turbo 996 , is it a tiptronic if so the seal usually goes on the side of the box which generally isn't an issue and you only get told it needs a new box as they don't do the seal on its own...

John, do you happen to know the MB part numbers for the transfer case gaskets? The transmission is out of mine at the moment. I've got a seal kit, but it's a bl**dy nightmare trying to track down the gaskets.

yes... 7k for a new gear box. The car is triptonic and they have advised me to replace it. You're correct - they told me that the seal is leaking, however when topping up the fliud only a little went in. thanks

the seal that leaks is hidden behind a plastic shaft and is not available, however they only ever sweat from experience and usually are left alone.. if its dripping out then think about it but if its just a sweat i would just advise you to leave it... and live with it...