N_Jay

My new to me, 100K mile GL320 is in for its first service.
It was well maintained by the previous owner, but is showing a little bit of oil seepage from the turbo oil seal (Inlet seal, I think he said).

How hard is it to replace this seal?

Anyone have any experience, suggestions, tips, etc.??

a2j

Removing it was easy. Putting it back on with a brand new seal could be challenging.

alx

It is normal to have a small puddle (a few drops) of oil on the bottom of the turbo intake.

N_Jay

Any tips?

The inspector for the warranty company noticed a very slight amount of seepage on the rear of the oil pan.

I was hoping it was nothing, but now the dealer said where it was coming from.

The service advisor recommended waiting until there are actually drips, so he can call it a "leak" and feels the warranty will cover it under seals and gaskets. (They cover failure but not seepage)

I may want to tempt it myself in advance.

houseofdiesel

Word on the street is the Jeep version (2008 Grand Cherokee CRD) has a better seal, $30 range. I have replaced mine with a mercedes oe part and it was seeping again within months. It is not terrible to replace, just takes patience and some grease to help things slip on, there are many things to install at once with the air intake pipe and it is plastic so don't overtighten clamps etc. Best to change the seal when it is time for air filters and fuel filter replacement as all the same job. Be sure to clean out the intake valley well once done to remove the old oil, it collects deep down in there and will leak down for a long time after. It is also the source of many unneeded parts replacement fixing a leak...

N_Jay

Has anyone looked at the seals side-by-side?
I would be surprised if they were different.

As for the price, for the parts I have checked, the Jeep parts tend to be more even for the exact same part.

EDIT:
Finding some interesting stuff
Is the MB part always orange?
Jeep (or updated MB) part always black?

Maybe its is an update, maybe just a second source with better "luck"?

What is the part number fore this seal, or what is the name used on the parts system to make it easier to find?

Anyone?

alx

Installation is very very simple. Do not attempt to insert the whole intake with the air filter boxes installed. It is like herding cats. Instead, install just the intake into the turbo, tighten the connection to the turbo and then install the air boxes one at a time - there is enough wiggle room to connect the air box to the intake once the air boxes are in place. Otherwise you will pinch the oil seal.