During an inspection of this Porsche 997.2, a gearbox oil leak was identified. Closer examination revealed that the leak was originating from two primary areas: the sump gasket and the drive shaft seal.
The sump gasket, which provides a seal between the gearbox casing and the sump pan, showed signs of wear and degradation. Over time, exposure to heat cycles and general ageing can cause the gasket material to become brittle or compressed, resulting in seepage or a noticeable oil leak.
In addition to the sump gasket, the drive shaft seal on one side was also found to be leaking. This seal is designed to prevent oil from escaping where the drive shaft enters the gearbox. A failure at this point is not uncommon, especially in vehicles with higher mileage or those driven enthusiastically, as it experiences constant rotational and lateral forces.
To resolve the issue, the gearbox sump was removed, and the old gasket was replaced with a new OEM-spec component. The sealing surfaces were cleaned thoroughly to ensure a proper fit and to prevent any future leaks. The affected drive shaft seal was also removed and replaced with a new unit, and the surrounding area was cleaned of any residual oil.
Following the repairs, fresh gearbox oil was added, and the vehicle was tested to confirm that the leaks had been successfully resolved. The gearbox is now fully sealed and operating as expected.
