kelley312c1

Hello Everyone,

My transmission is leaking in my 1987 Mercedes 300d. The leak is not great, just a drop here and there on the underbody. When looking at the car, it looks like the front seal is leaking. Again, there is no big leak...all I saw was one drop on the transmission pan bolt. There are no puddles under the car, just a little oily on the underside. I just refilled the fluid with 1/2 a qt., and I will monitor the level to see exactly how much I am losing over a given period of time.

It looks like (clearly) if I want to replace the front seal, then the transmission needs to come out. My question is...if I pull the transmission out (more like have my $85/hr mechanic do it) what other seals should I have him replace while the transmission is out? I would not want another seal leak developing later that could have been prevented with a new seal while the transmission was out. Thanks for all of your help!

Plutoe

Well if you are going that far, then go forward to the crank rear main and pan gasket.

kelley312c1

The mechanic said it is the front pump seal and the seal on the torque converter. He added that since the cost of replacing these seals will be around 1200, then I may want to proceed with a transmission rebuild, which will be about 2500...ouch!!!!

My question is, should I follow his advice? Also, how long can I live with the small leak from the front pump and torque converter?

Plutoe

I think I would re-evaluate the reason for the repair process.

Who knows how long the very small leak will turn larger---all I know is that I can purchase a SL of fluid for 1200 bucks.

In any event and assuming you park in the same spot at home all the time---invest in a cheap plastic cookie pan and monitor the fluid loss!!

kelley312c1

That is what I will do! I'll monitor the fluid loss, when should start to become concerned?