Oil Leak where is it coming from!?

[creg234]

I've recently developed an oil leak that over the last 2 weeks has got gradually worse, I've had a mechanic look at it and he says the only old he can see is coming from the steering rack I've had a look myself and can see the leak coming from the rack but can't see exactly where it is coming out, what I can't get my mind around is that the power steering fluid is fine I haven't had to top it up at all it's still full, yet the engine oil is going down do surely it isn't the rack?
Any help would be appreciated

[R1RS4]

Oil cooler pipes if they haven't been done, it's a front bumper off job

[creg234]

Oil cooler pipes if they haven't been done, it's a front bumper off job

Would that cause a leak to be at the back of the engine under the bulkhead it's dripping down the rack on the drivers side

[RS6BRIT]

it could be the oil seperator, Mine was split and it leaked down the back of the engine. Just a thought. Also its not unheard of for the rocker covers to leak.

[R1RS4]

Oil under pressure in a confined space ... Can go anywhere

Your going to have to get under it, get the under tray off, torch and mirror handy and have a look

[creg234]

it could be the oil seperator, Mine was split and it leaked down the back of the engine. Just a thought. Also its not unheard of for the rocker covers to leak.

The engine itself is bone dry it's behind the engine under the bulkhead, running down the gaitor of the rack on the right hand side, it can't be the rack surely

[creg234]

Oil under pressure in a confined space ... Can go anywhere

Your going to have to get under it, get the under tray off, torch and mirror handy and have a look

That's what we did the other day but cannot source it I'll just get him to take it apart so we can get a better view as I cannot see another way, I'd post some pics if It wasnt so dark so you could see what I mean

[MikeFish]

The oil filter is near the back of the engine. You checked if that is tight? It's under the rear carbon engine cover.

[creg234]

The oil filter is near the back of the engine. You checked if that is tight? It's under the rear carbon engine cover.

It's further back than that mike I can't get my brain around it, it's so tight to that you can't get a good view inside to have a good look

[MikeFish]

I had an oil leak once (monkies at Audi didn't tighten the sump plug properly after a service) and it can be quite deceiving where the oil originates from given the wind from driving pushing it up and back.

[NJMAudiRS4]

I believe there is a plastic casing at the back of the block, it's possible that the seal or sealant that is used can perish over time and create an oil leak, apparently not very easy to get to and fix.