trans/steering fluid smell when taking exit ramp
 

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?

I'd check it right away.Not long ago,two people were killed do to ATF leaking on the exhaust.They were burned to death.

What I'm picking up on is that when you turn the wheel for a short period of time, you do not notice the smell. Only during a loooong turn does the smell become apparent.

I have had PS hoses leak only when power assist is required. I've seen this on several cars.

Pop the hood, get someone to sit in the car, and start it , then turn the wheel to one side or the other. Don't jack the car up, the resistance is what pressurizes the hoses.

Looks for leaks in the hoses.

Jim

When checking for power steering leaks, let the engine idle then turn the steering wheel to the stop and hold it. ( this puts the pump to max pressure, usually ~ 1,000 PSI ) DO NOT CHECK FOR LEAKS BY HAND. Power steering pressure lines present an injection hazard if they get a pin hole leak.

If you do get injected with oil, seek emergency medical attention NOW. It can't wait even a few minutes while you decide to go.

I'll do that check when I can get somebody to turn the wheel for me, but the main observation is that the odor has been evident only when taking a high speed (possibly banked) turn and whatever oil is becoming noticably pungent is not likely as a result of high power steering pressures so much as centrifugal forces of making the turn

Also yesterday I noticed my temp has been a little higher recently and cautiously did the "see if I can stop the clutch fan with my hand at idle" test and was able to do it rather easily. I'll replace that first.