722.6 Gearbox pilot bushing electrical connection

[a111r]

I'm doing an ATF change over the weekend and have bought a new pilot bushing in case it's found to be leaking.

What's best practice: If the one fitted is bone dry, should I leave it be ... or fit the new one anyway?

Last time I did an ATF change (on my previous car, a C250) it wasn't leaking, but I'd forgotten to get a new PB anyway.

 

[DRBC43AMG]

I would say leave it alone if it is dry with NO trace of oil. Keep the new one around just in case. Just my 2 pence worth though

 

[Justin1600]

If their is no leak, don't bother changing it as it is not worth disturbing it.
The early ones had orange O rings, then they switched to white ones, now the new ones have black O rings

 

[momomo]

Personally I would change it while your at it. If it hasn't been changed before or for a long while its only a matter of time before it will leak.

I say change it because in the next 30,000 to 50,000 miles up to when the next ATF change is due it may well start leaking. The thing to be wary about is that just because it starts leaking dont expect to see oil on the driveway or any visible signs unless you are under the car every few weeks. The oil can travel up the loom and into the car damaging the gearbox ECU.

Granted, I may be being over cautious but you can ever know.

 

[momomo]

They keep changing the rings because the bushings keep leaking. The new rings means the bushing is a newer part and has been modified in some sort of way to try and fix the leak issue on more permanent basis. But they always end up leaking...

 

[jaymanek]

Change it as you won't know it's leaking until it causes shifting issues as the under tray will hide a gradual leak

 

[clever dicky]

Change it now, then you wont have to get under there again.

 

[a111r]

Thanks chaps, I'll change it then.
Will be interesting to see if the current one has orange or white O rings...and if it's leaking or not.

 

[SKIPPERDOG]

i would change it unless its leaking there very easy to break off when loosing and tighting up
ps i work in merc garage

 

[noogieman]

If their is no leak, don't bother changing it as it is not worth disturbing it.
The early ones had orange O rings, then they switched to white ones, now the new ones have black O rings

is it this pilot bushing you refer to?
203 540 0253: BUSHING for Mercedes 202.033 (C43 AMG)

I had mine changed 2 years ago my car began to leak while it was tucked away for winter, there was a massive pool of ATF oil under the car

 

[a111r]

Yes, that's the one. It was 18 quid not 5 odd Euros.

 

[noogieman]

I wonder how many times MB did re-design this pilot bushing with new O-rings?
Are they still weak and for potential future leaks to come?

I also had my electronic kit aka conductor plate changed for internal leaks 2 years ago.
These parts were weak in construction up til 2002 I was told?

 

[a111r]

I reckon those 5 Euros ones will not be O.E.
They're a fast moving item, no reason for them to be discounted.
Considering what they have to do, or are supposed to do, using anything none O.E. would be foolhardy.

 

[J BENZ TECH]

Pilot Bush oil leaks.

I'm doing an ATF change over the weekend and have bought a new pilot bushing in case it's found to be leaking.

What's best practice: If the one fitted is bone dry, should I leave it be ... or fit the new one anyway?

Last time I did an ATF change (on my previous car, a C250) it wasn't leaking, but I'd forgotten to get a new PB anyway.

A Pilot bush should not really leak.The main cause for leaks is due to the oil level not being checked at 80*c on STAR machine.People over fill the g/box as they do not get it up to temperature 1st.The oil level rises with temperature causing the level to be to high.