gearbox leak????(pics)

[e30-320i]

When looking around under my car to locate a thumping noise i keep hearing when accelerating i found this rubber at the back of the gearbox that looks like it needs replacing could this be causing the thumping noise.Also while under the car i also noticed a bit of wet oil that looks like its been flicking up from the prop as its spinning where could this be coming from and how bad is it(sorry for crap pics but very difficult to take under the car)



any advice appreciated

[bmpaul]

the oil could be coming from the back of the gearbox where thr prop comes out. the thumping noise could be dodgy diff mounts as my motor is making the same noise

[Bob_S]

thumping could be due to a duff diff.
I believe I have read that g/box end seals are prone to a bit of leaking but that seems to be quite a bit. I've never personally done any e30 g/box work so I couldnt say for sure

[Templ8e30]

The oil leak is probably the gearbox output shaft seal, bit of an arse to change in situ. However it could be the selector shaft seal leaking and dribbling down onto the output shaft.

The propshaft donut is definately knackered, this may be causing your thump but might also be the centre bearing located above the heatshield for the centre exhaust box. The rubber surrounding the centre bearing can perish and tear leaving the bearing to thrash about in the housing.

Cheers,

Iain T

[e30-320i]

thanks for the advice guys another couple of jobs for the never ending list then

[Jon_Bmw]

Smell the leakage, you'll soon tell whether its gearbox oil or not! It stinks