1991 500SL Transmission Leak

[Richard Moakes]

Just picked up a 1991 500SL today, absolutely delighted with it, something I have always wanted.

Right, since I got it home, I noticed it's leaking transmission fluid, now I am not going to cry about this, it needs sorting, so any advice or experiences with this transmission would be appreciated.

It changes smooth, kicks down promptly and easily, no flaring, so I don't think it's in trouble internally, but it's plainly leaking from a seal somewhere?

Any suggestions before I hand it over to a transmission specialist would be appreciated.

Cheers,

Richard

 

[Richard Moakes]

I just had one of those think again moments, and decided to check the power steering reservoir, given that it uses ATF just like the transmission.

Looks like I have a power steering leak, a job for my usual MB mechanic, not a transmission man.

Good News

Richard

 

[television]

Welcome to the SL club Richard

 

[television]

You do have a good indie in Exeter,but a bit far from you

 

[Richard Moakes]

Thankyou Malcolm, it's been a long time, but the wait was worth it.

I will see how Eddie at Mercare in Plymouth reacts to it, he loves the older cars, so should be at home with a 1991 edition.

 

[television]

Yes I forgot him and he does have a good name, you know where we are if you need us, the 129s drive very much like a 124 but the steering is better

 

[jibcl500]

I thought I have a auto box leak on my SL500, turned out to be the rubber hose from the res to the pump, tightened the two clamps, power washed the affected area and under tray and since then nothing, nice and dry.

jib

 

[type49]

Strange as MBs don't use red ATF oil in their PAS. Older PAS fluid should be yellow. Part number ends in 8803. The short 3-4" pipe between the PAS resovoir & pump is a common leak point.

 

[Richard Moakes]

Its red ATF in my reservoir on the R129 and the W124?

Local dealer gave me a bottle of ATF when I said I wanted to change my PAS in the W124 about 3 years back? Was there a breakpoint when they changed from one fluid to another?

Cheers,

Richard

 

[Myros]

the ATF in my P/S reservoir

on my C280 was red, and I bought the car from a dealer and had the P/S serviced before I picked it up. And it's red on my TE and my SL.

 

[Richard Moakes]

I have just found out my car has ADS, and what ADS is, for those that don't know (like me) its active suspension, with masses of hydraulics, now I am really scared. Wonderful when it works, but scary and expensive to repair when it doesn't !

 

[television]

Well Richard ADS gives a nice ride, but if it goes wrong as you say could be a headache, mainly because there is no one left that knows how they work, though the later ones 1995 can be fault code read out on a HHT, Star took them all away when the new machine came out.

The best way is not to think about it, I thought about my ABC but that did not do me any goood

 

[Richard Moakes]

Well, its good news and its bad news.

1). Power steering box is leaking, very badly, looks like a reconditioned unit is the only way out of this problem. Bad News :-(

2). Gearbox has a leaky sump gasket, so all it needs a new gasket and a change of oil. Good News

3). ADS whilst not showing an error, is dead, the rear of the car has suspension, but the front is very hard with almost no give at all, and the ride height adjustment doesn't seem to work either. Bad News :-(

Anyone know anything about ADS ? Anyone...? Anyone....?

Richard

 

[type49]

Could just be front accumilators, or "Spheres". Trouble is finding someone who has equiptment to test it. try Citroen

 

[Richard Moakes]

Could just be front accumilators, or "Spheres". Trouble is finding someone who has equiptment to test it. try Citroen

A very good idea, been reading about this all evening.

I have found someone in the states selling accumulators cheap, and have formulated a plan to hard wire the solenoid valves open and test whether they are shot.

Looks like dealers and specialists have given up on this system, so its down to the internet and my own deductive reasoning.

Richard

 

[television]

I sent 30 pages of info to a guy in Ireland, I will find the link and give you the details

 

[television]

PM this man, I did lots for him, he is a nice guy

some info in the link as well

http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=26150&highlight=ads

 

[jibcl500]

Isnt it possible to convert the SL back to conventional coils and shocks or is that to easy.

jib

 

[television]

Isnt it possible to convert the SL back to conventional coils and shocks or is that to easy.

jib

Much of the suspension is 124

 

[Richard Moakes]

Isnt it possible to convert the SL back to conventional coils and shocks or is that to easy.

jib

Thats what I will do if I don't have any success.

However, its a 2nd car, and I have time, tools, enthusiasm, and determination on my side

Malcolm, you are a gentleman, that link was excellent, and I have PM'd the chap.

Richard