Hey Guys,

I have a 1992 500E with 67,000 miles on the clock. A month or so ago I noticed it had been leaving small oil-like drips from the vicinity of the front driver-side engine area. The leak has grown in the last couple drivings and there is now a sizeable puddle. Not sure if it's coming from the front of the engine (seals?) or a line or what. The drips are blacker at the center and get lighter as the puddle expands.

Any suggestions of where to look/what it could be once I get in there with the trouble light?

Thanks in advance,
Kirk

Front of a 119 motor is sometimes a front crankshaft seal. The part is inexpensive and I think the labor is only a couple of hours. It's a tough DIY job however because it requires a huge amount of torque - tough to get it without a lift.

Would a crankshaft seal leak be in the center of the car? This leak seems to be more to the left of center, and maybe even back around the front wheel area...

Make sure it's not your power steering pump. They're notoriously leaky on this engine, but can be easily fixed with a new gasket kit.

Troy
1995 E420 93k

I also vote for the power steering pump. The 500E has the combination pump with the self leveling oil pump, and they tend to leak.

Rgds,
Chris W.

I wondered about that, too, but I was thinking it was perhaps just a leak from the hyrdaulic fluid reservoir. The car is also making a squealing sound at startup but it goes away after it warms up. Possibly related to pump leak?

Is this an easy DIY? What parts do I need?

Thanks again for all the help, guys.

Kirk

figure out what kind of fluid it is. put a white cloth or towel where it leaks. p/s and motor oil look different.

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2005 Mercedes C230k sport sedan, 6 speed
1987 Porsche 924S - 968-engined track car