W220 Transmission oil leak

[dhillman]

Hi friends. S430/2001, found some clear oil in the floor, yellowish to pink color. Jack-up the front of the car, removed the 2 engine cover panels. The panel at the automatic transmission had oil fluid. Inspected the transmission body, but it was dry, except for the gasket at the oil pan. Crank the engine on and inspected everything, but no sign of the leak. Put the panels back after inspection of the rack and pinion ( which was also dry). Inspected the P/S oil level, and it was normal.

I sent the car about 3 years ago under warranty to fix an A/T leak, and it has run very well until now. Any suggestion of where this leak might be coming from??? I am almost sure that this is not combustion engine oil. Please advice. Thank you in advance.

Darrel

[mbdoc]

Power steering fluid should be GREEN, trans fluid should be reddish.

Most common trans leak comes from the electrical connector at the front of the passenger side bellhousing.

[dhillman]

Thank you MB Doc, That was what I was aiming to. I remove the metal cover protecting the connector and saw some of the fluid at the bottom of the casting. Also the electrical wires and connectors attached to the oil pan were wet with oil. After cleaning and drying everything, I placed one of this absorbent mats in the lower engine cover and will inspect it next week to see if I can find where the first drop is coming from. This car only have 30,000 miles.
Can I ask you also if flushing (I should say replacing the brake fluid) the brake system with new brake fluid is as simple as pressurizing the reservoir and opening the bleeder screw in each caliper? This was the way I did it in my 1991-350 SD, W126 chasis.

Thank you again for your time and advice.

Darrel.

[dhillman]

After placing some absorbent pads in the lower transmission cover I found the red oil saturating the pad, with some drops of oil coming from the electric switch connector on the passenger side.
The question is what is causing the leak? Is it the plug connector or the o-rings of the plug. My vehicle is VIN # is WDB2201701A160201. The part # for the plug that I found at the EPC net was A 203 540 0053. Should I change the entire plug? I believe I should drain the oil and replace the filter too. How many quarts do I need for replacing the drained oil?

Which oil is the most recommended? I bought the original at the MB Dealer and paid $25.00 per Qt. plus tax. Is there any other good quality alternative oil?

Please reply.

Darrel.

[dhillman]

Question to any member. Would you say this section is for information only so you get the job done by a professional mechanic or for a do it yourselver as me? Thank you. Darrel.