PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post - trans/steering fluid smell when taking exit ramp

bigblue · #1 06-08-2014, 09:37 AM

1999 300D OM606.962 258k miles

yesterday when taking a nice long off ramp right hand turn at 40-50mph I noticed a strong odor of ATF, or power steering fluid for about a minute. There were no other cars around and my passenger smelled it as well. We're both rather familiar with fluid smells and though "ATF." (I don't think it's leaking from the engine- can mobil1 diesel truck oil smell like that as well?) This is the 2nd time it's happened with these conditions. I'm not sure if that means something had to have dripped on hot exhaust but I'm suspicious where to check for leaks. The car hasn't really ever left any drip marks, but the underside covers seem to catch weepage because it's definitely not dry when they're off. Does anybody have suggestions of what to check with this?

When I got the car about a year ago the transmission had limp home issues so I replaced the conductor plate/ electrical connector and did a service. Car drives/shifts fine

It was recently in a minor front end fender bender which slightly tweaked the fluid line in front of the radiator (around horn behind grille) but it has been dry. I have noticed a little bit of wetness behind the driver's headlight since I've had it, which appears to be weeping from the power steering low pressure lines and possibly AC system. I'm a little more suspicious of the source coming from behind the engine because the exhaust is only on the passenger side. Also- Could a weeping fan clutch make it to the exhaust and cause a noticeable odor?