Drilling front chassis legs

[JaneHibbert]

one of my chassis legs appears to have oil in it? sort of thin oil, almost like its got water in it. i dont know where it came from but was wondering if it is okay to drill a small hole in the bottom of the chassis leg to allow any water that gets in to get out?

[kennatt]

if its the drivers side its highly probable thats its brake fluid,check the level and condition of the master cylinder as a matter of urgency, when they are leaking thats exactly where the fluid goes.

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

The chassis leg usually has a drain hole in it not far from the master cylinder, its possible that this has been welded over or is just blocked with old underseal.. Its a sort of half round that sticks down from the flat of the chassis.

[bmcecosse]

I would just probe the existing holes.......and I agree - sounds like brake fluid..........

[JaneHibbert]

No, it's the other chassis leg!

[bmcecosse]

Doh......

[DAVIDMCCULLOUGH]

Passenger one should still have a drain hole in it as well![frame][/frame] You can just about see the arrow Ive put on this pic to show were it should be

[les]

I don't see the point of a drain hole in the chassis leg unless the hole is at the lowest point, in which case where's that? How can water get in to need to get out? (Through a drain hole maybe?) If any water did get in it will no doubt be trapped by all the crud inside before seeking that elusive hole!

[MarkyB]

Would you suggest sealing them then?
If only air can get out it will still help get rid of any water.

[JaneHibbert]

Ah, yes, it does have those holes, one on each side - half way up.. odd for drain holes.

[les]

Well of course it's a personal view, I try to eliminate all possible water entry points regarding the box sections, then liberally coat with waxoyl. When there's already a hole I fill it with a grommet. There was a time when drain holes had a type of deflector built in which made water entry via the hole virtually impossible, now it's, hey lets just drill a hole!
Holes half way up will at least stop water from rising any further than that!

[bmcecosse]

The large holes in the engine tie-plates are a good entry point for water - especially if there are some puddles around........ The drain holes are essential - if nothing else will allow some air flow to dry out the moisture. Waxoyl is essential of course.

[les]

Hmm there might be subtle dfferences between saloon chassis legs and lcv chassis, where the latter has a top plate so is virtually sealed.

[bmcecosse]

There are several holes in the chassis legs at the tieplates on my car. Pumped in waxoyl and then fitted sealing plugs........

[aupickup]

wer they rust holes

mine does not have those by the tieplates, and never been replaced still original ones

[bmcecosse]

No idea what the holes are for - but a few each side - and no - not rust - you cheeky monkey......