Leaking oil... from the hatchback!

[vespa]

So I've been noticing this dirt for a while now. Thought maybe dust was just sticking to water or maybe some oil residue but found out yesterday that I have an oil leak!

I was closing the hatch and got slimed!

Anyone else have oil gushing from their hatch drain?

[Direwolf]

I've got the same issue, but a little worse. I haven't been able to wash it for a couple of weeks now and I have a nice slime trail down the rear bumper. I believe it's just latch grease that liquefied in the sun, but let me know if you find out otherwise.

[minikai]

I've also noticed this after some very hot days.

I'd guess it is intra-cavity wax (right word?) that gets liquid by high temperatures and creeps out of the venting hole.

[vespa]

Hmm... Glad it's not just me. I don't think it's wax -- it's very slippery and never seems to harden. Then again, there's also nothing in there that should be leaking oil.

Remember, there's no latch mechanism on the hatch itself, the only moving part on the whole thing is the wiper. If the wiper is leaking oil like that, there's a serious problem.

[Yoda]

It's everywhere not just at the hatch. Look at the all the seams under the bonnet; they display the same grease. Reckon that it might be some sort of rust protection oil or grease.

[vespa]

So I thought I'd take a closer look. The panel is attached with a bunch of door-panel style clips but with a twist. These clips really chew up the mounting points within the rear panel. The entire panel will need to be replaced if it is removed more than 5 or 10 times. Here's what's in there:

[vespa]

Anyway, the oil is most certainly not coming from the wiper. Turns out there's wax sprayed and splattered all over the inner cavities.

Who would have thought?

[swamos]

Quote:

Originally posted by vespa
Anyway, the oil is most certainly not coming from the wiper. Turns out there's wax sprayed and splattered all over the inner cavities.

Who would have thought?

Mate, they are just trying to stop your baby from rusting

[minikai]

10 points for me!
Kai ;-)

[vespa]

show off.

[MINIDean]

It's wax. Many auto manufactures use the wax to control corrosion. I have cleaned ALL of the wax on my doors, back hatch, bonnet, etc, but when it gets hot outside, it re-appears. This is because so much is injected throughout the car, that the excess will melt and flow for some time.

Just clean it up as best you can. =-)

[TulsaMINI]

Amazing! Every time I come to Mini2 I find my answer. Just noticed the same thing this week when cleaning the car. It has been in the triple digits this week, so as long as the heat is on around here, I'll just have to deal.

Good job, guys!

Angie