W210 Rear Suspension Issue?

[AdrianDW]

I have a 2000MY E240, 71k on the clock. Was checking the tyre pressures yesterday, and the NSR tyre appears to be worn almost to limit, whereas the identical OSR (same make, on at same time) has about 3-4mm left before it needs doing. I've done the "bounce" test, which seems ok, and on a 100 mile run this morning there's been no signs of vibration or odd noises which would suggest a problem
There was one little dribble of slightly oily fluid on the carport floor last week (less than a dessert spoon worth), but having jacked it up and checked I can't see any obvious leaks around the brakes or suspension.

I'm guessing this is a suspension problem, but am baffled, and would appreciate any thoughts from the floor please?

 

[Blobcat]

Estate or Saloon?

 

[AdrianDW]

Its a saloon

 

[Blobcat]

The oil could be from the diff as the breather has a tendancy to block which forces the oil out of the seals.
As yours is the saloon it should not have self leveling suspension. Attached is the normal suspension from mine as I cannot find 240 normal suspension. http://www.detali.ru/cat/oem_mb2.asp?TP=1&F=210026&M=613%2E961&GA=722%2E626&CT=F&cat=66G&SID=32&SGR=120&SGN=03
I would have the car up on a lift and check/change all the bushes in the rear suspension to correct your tyre wear issue. Depending upon how much weight you carry and how much pressure you apply with your right foot the rears will wear then inside more due to the geometry of the rear end.
Have you checked the tyre pressures?

 

[television]

The problem with your car, or the diff is that the oil can foam. the breathers do not get blocked, Modified breathers have made for the car if it gets a problem, you check or fill the diff by filling up to the standpipe, if it is only a minor problem after a long fast run leave it.

Malcolm

 

[Blobcat]

The problem with your car, or the diff is that the oil can foam. the breathers do not get blocked, Modified breathers have made for the car if it gets a problem, you check or fill the diff by filling up to the standpipe, if it is only a minor problem after a long fast run leave it.

Malcolm

Hi Malcolm,
If it is just a foaming issue, would that force oil out of the seals or just out of the breather?
Mine was leaking out of the propshaft and driveshaft seals.

 

[television]

Hi Malcolm,
If it is just a foaming issue, would that force oil out of the seals or just out of the breather?
Mine was leaking out of the propshaft and driveshaft seals.

The modified breathers stop oil being forced out of other places.

Malcolm

 

[Blobcat]

When did they start with the modified breathers? as knowing my luck I have the old type fitted as a replacement.

 

[television]

The mod has been around a long time, and by that I mean years, don't worry.

Malcolm

 

[Blobcat]

After the last couple of weeks I've had very little would surprise me

 

[AdrianDW]

Thanks both. I'm assuming the oil issue was the diff breather - its not happened again and dried out very quickly on the carport floor without heavy staining, suggesting to me it was foam rather than liquid oil per se; I do regular 1-200 mile runs in the old girl and in the current hot spell a heat build up isn't surprising.
Car is in to the local indie for a "B" service and an ATF change next week, so i'll ask him to take a peek at the bushings - front and rear - as your comments and other threads lead me to think this may be the issue - having done the usual paranoid listening / observation this week, it does seem to be a tad less compliant over bumps and dips.