Idiot's guide needed, pic included

[Sam1972]

Hi there,

I need advice about my car here, Merc C180, 1998, Manual.

I passed my MOT few days ago but the mech told me that he found oil leak on the rear of my car (axle?) and suggested that I check the oil level. Out of 10, my knowledge of car is -2.

I attached the pic here in case anyone could help. I plan to take it to independent garage but it wouldn't hurt to know a little bit so as I can understand what they talking about.

I found oil residue on number 1 (can anyone tell me what they are called) and 2 (same here), it is wet but no dripping as far as I could ascertain. After cleaning it a bit and rinse, I took the car for a drive for around 15 minutes. I checked 1 and 2 again, and I think that the oil leak probably originated from 1.

My question is 1) can anyone tell me if this is serious or not, 2) how much do I expect to pay if I want to get it repaired and 3) how does it affects the car (driving etc) especially that I am thinking of taking my kids for a 4 hours journey next week.

 

[C220GJS]

Hi Sam,
Firstly, No.1 on your picture is the rear suspension subframe and No.2 is the differential unit.
Most cars tend to leak a bit of oil from the differential after a few years ,your driveshafts look dry so possibly the leak is from the propshaft seal, the one at the front of the diff. where the shaft from the gearbox enters the diff.
Unless there is a whining noise from the rear of the car; apart from the kids ; I wouldn't worry about it too much, just take it to have the level checked and topped up then take advice from there. It won't affect the safety of the car in any way.
Geo.

 

[Blobcat]

The differential breather will have blocked (not uncommon), (As per C220GJS item 2 is the diff), once the breather blocks the pressure build up forces oil out of the diff seals which is what you have.
If you are losing a lot of oil and or you can hear noise from the back then get it looked at. You will need a new breather and driveshaft and propshaft seals. Not a really big job. Alternatively you could just top the oil up.

 

[television]

Due to the oil foaming, many car's have moditied vents fitted to over come this problem.

Malcolm