Strange Fluid loss on E320 CDI

[BillyBoy]

I've just been for a drive round, and when I got home, parked the car at the top of the drive. When I moved it few minutes later, I noticed it had dropped some fluid. Investigation shows it is from the rear offside of the car from the front of the suspension mounting. I have checked and can't see any source for the fluid, and there is none on the surrounding areas. It's well away from the brake lines (phew!) and any fuel lines as far as I can see. the fluid is definately oily, so it's not the rear washer pipe of anything.
Are there any oil filled dampers in that area? I can't see any, but am not certain of the construction around here. I've attached a couple of images if that helps.

Any pointers appreciated.

Cheers,

Bill

 

[Bolide]

Fluid

It looks like it's tracking down from somewhere higher up. You'll have to get underneath it and see how it's making its way down to that point

5 mins on a ramp should find the source of the problem


Nick Froome
www.w124.co.uk

 

[C220GJS]

Is it diesel oil? could be from the fuel filler.
Geo.

 

[Blobcat]

Is it diesel oil? could be from the fuel filler.
Geo.

Sounds like a good chance & not too expensive. Check the routing of the overflow pipe from the fuel filler.

 

[television]

There is nothing else other than fuel tank, the oil stain is under the sub frame components, could it be something that has been run over, can or the like.

malcolm

 

[BillyBoy]

Thanks for the info so far. The fluid definately seems to originate from round the main mounting onto the chassis and then run down the suspension arm. It could well be diesel, though it looks a bit "dirty" for fuel, but it depends on what it's run over or though to get there I guess. I'm interested to see Geo and Blobcat mention fuel filter as it was serviced last month and did have the filter replaced. I'm wondering if there's a banjo union not tightened up or something.

Cheers,

Bill

 

[television]

Thanks for the info so far. The fluid definately seems to originate from round the main mounting onto the chassis and then run down the suspension arm. It could well be diesel, though it looks a bit "dirty" for fuel, but it depends on what it's run over or though to get there I guess. I'm interested to see Geo and Blobcat mention fuel filter as it was serviced last month and did have the filter replaced. I'm wondering if there's a banjo union not tightened up or something.

Cheers,

Bill

I think you have found the answer, get them to re check what they have done.

malcolm

 

[jberks]

The comment said "filler" not "filter".
As far as I know, the filters are under the bonnet - though I guess there could be something further back, I don't know.

However, on the filler point, there is a drain on the housing to the filler cap. I don't know where this ends up but it would make sense for it to drain around there. So, if you overfilled or got some blow-back at the last fill-up, that could be it.

 

[Blobcat]

Trying to remember the last time I overfilled and I'm fairly sure the overflow drains in front of the offside rear wheel

 

[OlafMaxwell]

If the car was an estate I would look at the self levelling suspension.....this is from experience. I ended up with hydraulkic fluid all over the rear units just as is described in the post.

I would also check for brake fluid leakage since I suffered that too...twice.

 

[clive williams]

I've just been for a drive round, and when I got home, parked the car at the top of the drive. When I moved it few minutes later, I noticed it had dropped some fluid. Investigation shows it is from the rear offside of the car from the front of the suspension mounting. I have checked and can't see any source for the fluid, and there is none on the surrounding areas. It's well away from the brake lines (phew!) and any fuel lines as far as I can see. the fluid is definately oily, so it's not the rear washer pipe of anything.
Are there any oil filled dampers in that area? I can't see any, but am not certain of the construction around here. I've attached a couple of images if that helps.

Any pointers appreciated.
Bill

Cheers,

Hi BillyBoy,

Have you got self levelling? From the look of it the vehicle is a W(S)210? The underside looks as though it belongs to a well used vehicle - mileage?

Clive

500E
E320T210

 

[BillyBoy]

Sorry, Haven't checked the thread for a few days, I'm pretty sure it does have self levelling read suspension. It's a 2001 W210 Estate Avantgarde(65,000 miles) and I think it was standard on these.

Where are the self levelling elements located? The part of the suspension where the fluid is looks like it's just bolted straight to the chassis.

Cheers,

Bill

 

[television]

http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb0.asp?TP=1

Find your car on the list and you can see it all.


malcolm

 

[BillyBoy]

Thanks Malcolm, what a great site!

 

[BIGSTEVE]

Hi The Only Thing Around That Point Is The Front Subframe Mounting Bush, It Is Oil Filled, I Have Had Them Burst When Changing Them, It Is Very Dark Oil Inside, You Would Get A Lot Of Sub Frame Movement If It Has Gone, Hope This Helps

 

[malcolm E53 AMG]

The self levelling suspension is fed by a delivery and return pipe from the combined power steering/self levelling pump at the front of the engine. It is possible to damage one of these pipes and cause it to leak or with older cars the pipes corroded at the mounting points and leaked. You really need the car jacked up to inspect them.

Also have a look at the fluid resevoir at the front right inner wing (facing car) to check the level. The self levelling pump delivers fluid at high pressure so any leak needs attention sooner than later.

 

[ALAN@ECUCLINIC]

diesel wouldnt arf smell!! is the fluid red or green? it could well be self levelling
check ther fluid in the power steering reservoir it uses the same fluid.

seems i just repeated malc!

 

[BillyBoy]

Thanks for all the helpful info guys. I think that Big Steve may have the answer. It is definately dark oil that's come out, and it seems to have stopped now which would point to a leaky bush. It may not be clear on the photo, but it does look like it's coming from the mounting point itself, but I'd never heard of oil filled bushes before. It certainly doesn't smell like diesel or ATF (which is what I presume they put in the self levelling suspension)

I think I'll drop it into my local garage next week and see if they can sort it.

Cheers,

Bill