Oil leak: Differential and gearbox

[Anders]

Handed in the C43 for an oilservice and asked the dealer to investigate the apparent oil leak from the differential.

Got a call back a few hours later, confirming that the oil leak is such that it should be fixed, involving three washers and 4-5 hours of work to the tune of €€€€€.

Also pointed out that the gear box is leaking, which I got to see for myself. However, I had the gearbox oil and filter changed some 4000 km ago, so can overfilling have caused the leaking?

I am having the differential leak fixed, but will wait and see with the transmission.

Anyone else had the same experience with the differential, and how much did it end up costing you?

 

[Anders]

Differential leak now fixed to the tune of 500 euro - next in line the gearbox...

Going in Wednesday, as it is leaking substantial amounts on the garagefloor...

Ah, the joys of AMG ownership

 

[GrahamC230K]

Handed in the C43 for an oilservice and asked the dealer to investigate the apparent oil leak from the differential.

Got a call back a few hours later, confirming that the oil leak is such that it should be fixed, involving three washers and 4-5 hours of work to the tune of €€€€€.

My diff has been leaking for the last 40K miles. It leaks enough to cover the diff housing, but never drops on the floor.

The garage I use checked the level at the last service and it was fine. Apparently some "sweating" is normal and as per design. Although mine is worse than expected, the garage advised last time to leave it as it was as it was a few pennies parts and 3-4 hours labour (matches what you say Anders).

I shall see if they comment on mine again soon, when it goes in.

 

[R2D2]

My diff also seeps but never drips. It is really common "fault" if that is what it is. As Anders said it takes ages to fix and cost big bucks. My MB mechanic keeps an eye on it and if it ever gets too bad he said he'll do it for £150. At the moment its just not worth doing!

 

[Anders]

I agree, and with hindsight I should have made them do the gearbox rather than the differential. It was covered in old oil, but never actually dropped on the garagefloor.

However, the gearbox is a different story, where there is a 20 x 30 cm area covered in clearish gear-oil. Hate to have it done, as it really shouldn't be necessary on a 60K MB, but don't want to risk running it low/empty on gear box fluid.

Will let you know how much this one is going to cost me...

 

[uumode]

out of interest what sort of miles have your cars got for the weeping/seeping 'characteristic'?

on the brighter side at least the oil protects your diff from corrosion.

 

[R2D2]

out of interest what sort of miles have your cars got for the weeping/seeping 'characteristic'?

on the brighter side at least the oil protects your diff from corrosion.

My car has done 65000 miles (105000km) I had the gearbox oil/filter changed at 54000miles. the mechanic even polished the sump so it looked nice!

When Mercedes say the gearbox and therefore the gearbox oil is sealed for life they are having a laugh!

 

[GrahamC230K]

I think my Diff has always been like that since I have owned the car, so 40-85K miles.

The joke about the diff not corroding rings a bell, so I think that must be a common saying, shows just how common a "fault" this is.

 

[Anders]

Just one thought: I have only had the car for 13000 km (so new to me), but can't remember it leaking prior to having the gearbox fluids changed some 7000 km ago?

When MB did the fluid change, what could they have done wrong for the leak to occur? Overfilling, something not tightened up, or...?

 

[teky]

looks to me something is in need of nipping up, you only show one side of it is there more oil on the other side im thinking prop shaft seal

 

[Dieselman]

Just one thought: I have only had the car for 13000 km (so new to me), but can't remember it leaking prior to having the gearbox fluids changed some 7000 km ago?

When MB did the fluid change, what could they have done wrong for the leak to occur? Overfilling, something not tightened up, or...?

Apparently the connector block is known to shrink causing oil loss. If it only leaked after the ATF change I would suspect that a new sump seal wasn't fitted. Cost £5.

 

[Dieselman]

, you only show one side of it is there more oil on the other side im thinking prop shaft seal

Agreed the front looks wet before the joint.

 

[Anders]

Apparently the connector block is known to shrink causing oil loss. If it only leaked after the ATF change I would suspect that a new sump seal wasn't fitted. Cost £5.

It went in today, and apparently the leak is quite bad from the first seal. They will need to take the gearbox out, removing the exhaust, and replace the front and rear seals (now that they are at it).

I was quoted 5-6 hours, so I expect to be hit by a 600 euro bill when VAT has been added...

They suggested to recoup the oil given it has only been there 10.000 km, and to reuse the filter.

Anyone would suggest against this? The price for 7 litres of oil + filter is about 80 euros, which I think may be worth paying?

 

[uumode]

They suggested to recoup the oil given it has only been there 10.000 km, and to reuse the filter.

Anyone would suggest against this? The price for 7 litres of oil + filter is about 80 euros, which I think may be worth paying?

Recoup the oil? If I was keeping the car for a long time, I'd invest in new oil and filter. Mainly because the oil could be contaminated in the process. When changing auto gear box oil, the conditions have to be absolutely dust free, and re-using the auto fluid might not be a good idea if the container it's going into is suspect..e.g. a bucket! Though it might be OK if they use a brand new container or a recently dispensed auto transmission oil container of the same brand. Not sure about the filter, however if it forms part of the sealing edge like a gasket then ideally it should be replaced I would have thought, as it might seep oil if used again if slightly crumpled, stretched, deformed etc when removed and refitted.

 

[Anders]

Recoup the oil? If I was keeping the car for a long time, I'd invest in new oil and filter. Mainly because the oil could be contaminated in the process. When changing auto gear box oil, the conditions have to be absolutely dust free, and re-using the auto fluid might not be a good idea if the container it's going into is suspect..e.g. a bucket! Though it might be OK if they use a brand new container or a recently dispensed auto transmission oil container of the same brand. Not sure about the filter, however if it forms part of the sealing edge like a gasket then ideally it should be replaced I would have thought, as it might seep oil if used again if slightly crumpled, stretched, deformed etc when removed and refitted.

Thanks for the advice - I went with my gut feeling and asked them to change both for the peace of mind.

 

[jaymanek]

Anders, it could be leaking just because you overfilled it, it will come out of the easiest hole...I overfilled my 107 and it leaked from a switch on the box, drained a little out, got it to right level, ben fine ever since...

Jay

 

[Anders]

Nice... the second 800 euro bill in the span of 6 days...

8.5 hours of labour @ 63 euro, and parts worth hardly anything except a "collection of joints" (a14027065000).

It better not start to leak again!!

 

[C240Sport97]

Here is London, the hourly labour rate is about £100, which is about Euro 140, which is more than double what you paid

8.5 hours of labour @ 63 euro, and parts worth hardly anything except a "collection of joints" (a14027065000).

It better not start to leak again!!

 

[Anders]

Here is London, the hourly labour rate is about £100, which is about Euro 140, which is more than double what you paid

I will stop complaining then!

Just not very nice to be bunged with 1500 euros worth of changing seals!!

Anyway, have covered some 4000 km the last 14 days (Brussels-Provence), came back last night after a 9 hour 1100 km return trip, and the car has performed amazingly. :bannana: