Oil leak after engine off and grind in front end
 

The reason I ran both these questions together is I have an persistant oil leak at or very near the oil filter and it drips on the lower control arm bushing to the point they are trying to fall apart.
I have a grinding feel (although not a noise I can hear) in the front end when braking.
I double checked everything and bearings, pads, calipers, and discs seem perfect, I have also replaced everything under the front end except the bushings that are being dripped on and did not want to replace them until I found the oil leak and stopped it.

The leak has lasted through several oil changes but does not seem to leak when the engine is running, only when it is turned off.

Could the lower control arm bushings cause the grinding feel or is it something else?

What am I missing?

You can probobly tell but 1976 240d 115 body.

Wheel bearings can make funny noises, and cause strange things to happen on braking when loose.

Oil from the front only when standing -- check for oil spray off a leaking front seal -- it will be thrown off the back of the crank pulley. Take a look at the various things that bolt to the block, too -- most of these have to have a seal underneath or permatex on the threads to keep them from leaking.

Check the filter canister for a bent lip, too.

Have you replaced engine, transmission, and front engine stop mounts? If not, the engine may be low enough to allow something to grind when you apply the brakes, causing it to move forward a bit.

Have you replaced the front subframe mounts? When I did, the AC compressor knocked on the fender and frame, the engine mounts were so bad.

Also check the fan shroud, it may be contacting the fan under braking.

Peter

Not too sure about your model, but have you checked the threads for the filter on the block? Maybe you cross threaded the filter? leaking gasket by the filter?
About the grinding, i don't really have anything on that, maybe the oil is catching some matal shavings and leading them to your brake system? kinda far fetched...
doubt this helped,
good luck

Thanks Fred and Chris
 

Wheel bearngs are new (less than 5k) and have been checked since.
No oil from the front just the drivers side, no oil being slung just a drip or two after the engine is turned off.
Still a drip after at least two oil changes with no obvious problems with the filters. Not cross threaded and does not leak when running.
I would have to double check my records but transmission and front mount replaced, not sure about engine mounts.
Front subframe replaced.

I will check the engine mounts and clearance on the engne parts and fan.

bump
 

Just refreshing this to see if anybody else has any ideas.

Thanks