Oil leak at camshaft sensor
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 7
2011 Mercedes C300 Sport
Oil leak at camshaft sensor
2011 C300 W204 Sport, 67.5K miles.
Right above the power steering reservoir, looks there is oil around the camshaft sensors. I hijacked a photo from pelican parts, the arrows point exactly where oil is located. Anyone ever see or experience this? Easy fix?
Power steering function is louder than what I think is normal too, anyone ever been down this path?
Trying to figure out what the actually issue is, if this relates to the power steering noise.
Right above the power steering reservoir, looks there is oil around the camshaft sensors. I hijacked a photo from pelican parts, the arrows point exactly where oil is located. Anyone ever see or experience this? Easy fix?
Power steering function is louder than what I think is normal too, anyone ever been down this path?
Trying to figure out what the actually issue is, if this relates to the power steering noise.
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 94
Likes: 6
2008 C300
Is it oil or ps fluid ? What does level of ps fluid look like in the reservoir ? How old and how many miles on car ? Cam sensors have Rubber o-ring - and those could leak with age - I replaced my cam sensors and o-rings at 90k due to odb code - actually I think issue was the magnets (oil leaks into the electrical connector) which I also replaced. I think you can get the o-rings as separate parts and they are easy to replace - need a e-torx socket for the bolts - check the magnet connectors too for oil contamination - but your issue sounds like ps leak to me ...i'd fill and then wipe area around reservoir clean - run it for a few miles and see what areas are contaminated again -
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2016
Posts: 23
Likes: 7
2011 Mercedes C300 Sport
2011 year, 67585 miles.
Tough to tell if it is oil or if it is power steering fluid, the exposed material is just too dirty.
Oil level in engine is full, but power steering fluid is at the very min on the dipstick when the engine is cold, leads me to think its PS fluid.
How much were the cam sensors and rings. Something you could do yourself, or better to have a dealer perform the task?
I need to take her in for Maintenance A, airbag recalls and tailight recalls, might just have them replace the cam sensors/rings, flush the Power steering, get it all at once.
Bought the car used a year ago, this is the only issue I have seen in 10k miles, so no complaints, love the ride and learning how to fix it myself.
Ill give your suggestion a shot tonight, and let you know how it plays out.
Tough to tell if it is oil or if it is power steering fluid, the exposed material is just too dirty.
Oil level in engine is full, but power steering fluid is at the very min on the dipstick when the engine is cold, leads me to think its PS fluid.
How much were the cam sensors and rings. Something you could do yourself, or better to have a dealer perform the task?
I need to take her in for Maintenance A, airbag recalls and tailight recalls, might just have them replace the cam sensors/rings, flush the Power steering, get it all at once.
Bought the car used a year ago, this is the only issue I have seen in 10k miles, so no complaints, love the ride and learning how to fix it myself.
Ill give your suggestion a shot tonight, and let you know how it plays out.
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2016
Posts: 520
Likes: 45
From: Regina SK
2008 C-230 4Matic Sport
looks pretty easy to replace seals.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...ing_Sensor.htm
I bet if you do the seals yourself you'll save at least $200 in labour.
Related tech article for the other cam sensors in the same area.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...ing_Sensor.htm
I bet if you do the seals yourself you'll save at least $200 in labour.
Related tech article for the other cam sensors in the same area.
http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...eplacement.htm
Last edited by Colin G; Nov 2, 2016 at 05:25 PM.
Member
Joined: Jan 2015
Posts: 94
Likes: 6
2008 C300
Sensors are easy to replace - you just need the e-torx socket and flexible extension - cheap at harbor freight - get the Bosch sensors from fcp euro or pelican - 1/2 cost of the Mercedes part and same thing minus the logo as far as I can tell ....
