Oil leak help
 

Hi all

My 98 E-320 just start to have a little leak (3-4 drops a day) underneath the transmission, I am copying a picture posted earlier for visual aid purpose. The oil leak shows on the edge where (I suppose) the transmission and the enginer comes together - It's right above the black bar that runs accross near top of the picture. I brought it to the a shop and was told that the transmission main seal MAYBE bad. It would be about $550-600 job - but the part is about $30-40. Now I have a few questions and hopefully I can get some info:

1. Did anyone experience the same thing on a W210 and what could be the exact problem?

2. I just change the transmission oil and it's dark red/pinkish color. This oil leak is brownish, so could it be a different leak rather than a transmission?

3. I check all other oil (brake, pt, engine) and they seem O.K. Now would it be safe to leave it alone for a while?

Thanks in advance
Jeffrey

It is the engine rear seal if it is oil or the tranny front seal if it is trans fluid. Tseals are about 15 for the crank and 12 for the tranny. The work is the rand r of the tranny to get to them.
If it is not bad you can live with it. My tranny leaks about a 1/2 apint in 10000 miles not worth doing the seal yet. You can try a seal sweller it will tide you over for a while but evetually you (and I) will have to do the seal.
m

Thanks for your response. I am not sure what you mean by:
"The work is the rand r of the tranny to get to them".

Now would the $550-$600 price be justified? - 10 hour labor?
Is the seal sweller available in a auto part store?

Thanks,
Jeffrey

I would NOT recomend the use of any kind of seal "sweller" in a Mercedes. This may be a good patch for an American car, but I would suggest living with the leak until you can have it repaired properly.

r and r = remove and replace the tranny is about 5-10 hours depending on the shop and model. You have to do that to get to them.
On the seal sweller, there is ample discussion on the pro's and cons of it. I let you make the choice. Either way it only delays the replacement date.

Thank you. I suppose I'll keep a close eye on it. Then I'll have to purchase a transmission dipstick for ATF level checking purpose.

Regards,
Jeffrey

tranny dipstick should be at rear of the engin passenger side with red cap. check on level ground engine running. No need to check often if you are not getting any red fluid drips.
m

Your trans fluid level should be fine. As everyone has stated, it sounds like you are leaking oil from the rear main seal. They sell drip pans at auto parts stores for about ten bucks. Buy one and monitor the situation. If you are going to keep the car you eventually will want to get this fixed. In the meantime, spend the holidays parking in the street rather than your friends' driveways.

Oh yeah, have the seals on the top end checked before you have the work done.