trans leak - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

joes87sdl · #1 10-19-2006, 07:58 PM

help:87 sdl 83000 miles had the trans fluid changed at the dealer. drove the car for 930 miles no problem .I parked it for 5 months,when I came home there was trans fluid all over the floor. I called the dealer they towed the car in on {flat bed}. had the car for 3 days.They found no leaks,so they changed the pain gasket.I drove the car 2600 miles no leaks.I parked it again for 5 months got home sunday,there is trans fluid all under the car again.HELP thanks joe

PerkHouse · #2 10-19-2006, 08:01 PM

I got the same problem on my '82 300DT; it only happens when the car hasn't been driven for awhile. Sorry I can't help you yet, but if I figure out my problem, I'll let you know.

Two560Two · #3 10-19-2006, 08:11 PM

I have the same issue with my 420sel with only 59k miles. But my leak is not that bad, only few drops at the most. Level seems fine. I just changed the fluid filter and pan gasket. My mechnic says that there are seals in the transmission that are old and inorder for the leak to stop for good, I would need to have all the seals and gaskets replaced. The car is almost 20 yrs old bear in mind. Leak doesnt really bother me as long as I dont run out of fluid.

Hatterasguy · #4 10-19-2006, 10:50 PM

Yeah my SDL does this as well, old car's sometimes mark there territory!

Before you leave wipe the trans down real good, and when you get back see if you can trace it back. I'll WAG it could be your front or rear seal.

PerkHouse · #5 10-20-2006, 07:28 AM

I don't yet know how long it actually takes for mine to start leaking. I think it's at least a week, but less than two. For now, I've just been trying to get the top of the car to stop leaking.

david s poole · #6 10-20-2006, 12:23 PM

most of the leaks that occur while car is parked are from the front pump seal; when the trans gets chance to completely cool down it starts to leak.this is a prob that requires removal to fix.

Hatterasguy · #7 10-20-2006, 12:25 PM

Yeah the only real fix is a trans rebuild. If it bothers you that much have them yank the trans and rebuild it. 20 year old trans have 20 year old seals and will leak a bit. Or just live with it, old cars just do that and trans fluid is cheap.

PerkHouse · #8 10-20-2006, 07:22 PM

Is it necessary to do a complete rebuild? Could I just replace the front pump seal. IOW, is it one of those deals where I "might as well" or would a rebuild require a lot more time than just replacing the offending seal on these trannies?

I have (successfully) removed a few trannies, but it's been over 10 years.

joes87sdl · #9 10-21-2006, 12:16 PM

thanks; the leaks started after the dealer changed the fluid. The car was there to change the trap ox. under recall warranty.So I had them changed the trans. fluid at the same time.

Hatterasguy · #10 10-21-2006, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PerkHouse

Is it necessary to do a complete rebuild? Could I just replace the front pump seal. IOW, is it one of those deals where I "might as well" or would a rebuild require a lot more time than just replacing the offending seal on these trannies?

I have (successfully) removed a few trannies, but it's been over 10 years.

Unless you do it yourself no. It makes no sense to yank apart a 20 year old trans to replace one seal.