Yes Ruaridh the Sports(ulster) does have the long torque tube mount and the chassis ball mounted upside down compared with the Standard car.Easy way to spot a genuine Sports chassis.Torque tube mount has a plate, retained with 2 No 3/16 bolts, to keep it on the chassis ball.

Louis,
I used to have the same problem on my 1935 2-seater.
Flat rear springs definitely caused torque tube to point slightly down at the front and leak oil no matter how little oil in the back axle.
I didn't like having to lay out drip mats made from cardboard beer cases outside all my friends houses, so I splashed out £200 odd on new rear springs.
Car now sits up so high that I can use the correct bendy exhaust pipe. Absolutely oil free, at least from that part of car. Tim

louis

My special never had a problem leaking oil with flat springs, BUT I had fitted a sealed bearing to the front of the torque tube during the axle rebuild. This was partly because the brass/bronze gland looked knackered and partly because contaminated grease from the big ball joint is now prevented from wrecking the bearing. I believe other Cornwall club members have since done the same thing.

Steve

Thanks for all the information and advice. I want to keep the flat rear springs as it also has a flat front spring and dropped axle - it's a hot-ish chummy with Reliant engine and hydraulic brakes - so I'll measure how much oil I put in, check the front bearing at some time, and try to remember to heave on the spare wheel when I park it, that brings the torque tube above the horizontal and at least reduces the incontinence.