Spotted what looks to be gearbox oil (possibly grease) on the passenger side of gearbox bell housing & some also on the front drive shaft (the end that is nearest to gearbox) does this sound like a drive shaft seal is failing?

If so, is it a costly job to fix or DIYable for an enthusiastic beginner?

Thanks
Mark.

 

Spoke to dealer today. Apparantly "about an hours labour - around a £100 or so"

Don't they have to drain the gearbox oil and replace to do this job though?

 

Yep the front diff has to be stripped off, oil drained and 2 metal gaskets seals replaced to be on the safe side. They are around £10 each. Make sure the dealer replaces the right ones (at the source of the leak). It is not always that easy to spot exactly where the leak is coming from. A good steam clean and leave for a while should confirm the source.