I have recently replaced rear axle flexible boot of my 280SL with the split type boot with the 9 fastening clips.
Fresh 80-90W oil has been added to the correct level (checked when the car was level and it’s wheels firmly on the ground) but unfortunately, after driving the car for enough km I still have an oil leak from the axle.
When inspecting the new boot installation the boot looks clean and dry apart from the lowest part of the left hand side fixing jubilee clip which, however, seems properly installed and tight.
I see no other leaks either from the oil seal at the propshaft connection point or leaks from the solid flange on the left hand side solid axle connection.
My mechanic though has installed the new boot with the slit facing upwards instead of facing the rear of the car as suggested in the manual. Could that be a reason of leakage, although all the boot seems completely oil free and dry apart from the left jubilee clip. The vent opening on the top of the diff housing also seems also dry.
Any ideas as to what could be causing this leak? Is there any other possible source of an oil leak apart from boot, vent, oil seal and solid flange? Could the casing have a hairline crack for example?
