ECHLIN INC.    [LOGO]                                  EXHIBIT 5
100 Double Beach Road
Branford, CT  06405





                              August 5, 1996



Echlin Inc.
100 Double Beach Road
Branford, CT  06405

Gentlemen:

     In connection with the registration under the Securities Act
of 1933, as amended, of 511,001 shares of common stock, one
dollar ($1.00) par value, of Echlin Inc., a Connecticut
corporation ("Echlin"), I have examined such corporate records
and other documents, including the registration statement on Form
S-3, to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission,
relating to such shares (the "Registration Statement"), and have
reviewed such matters of law as I have deemed necessary for this
opinion.  Based on such examination, I advise you that in my
opinion:

     1.   Echlin is a corporation duly organized and existing
          under the laws of the State of Connecticut.

     2.   All necessary corporate action on the part of Echlin
          has been taken to authorize the registration of shares
          of common stock by Echlin, and when sold as
          contemplated in the Registration Statement, such shares
          will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

     I consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement.

                              Very truly yours,


                              /s/ Jon P. Leckerling
                              -------------------------


                              Jon P. Leckerling


:jea