labguy

My wife took a video of an oil spot that started in the garage where I park my car. There is a trail of oil spots leading out into the driveway. She also took a picture (she is quite the detective) of the undercarriage of my car - specifically in front of the passenger right wheel showing a large wet spot.

The oil is very black.

Any ideas what may be causing this?

Fatz

You should raise the hood, remove the engine cover (at least the front 2 pieces) and inspect for oil around the valve cover and the oil fill cap and neck. For it to leak and leave a trail of drops, there may be pooling on the top of the engine under the spark plugs.

Rudeney

The most common source of oil leaks on that engine are from the cam plugs (back of the head, left side) or the oil centrifuge cover (back of the head, right side). Since this is on the passenger side, I'd look at the oil centrifuge cover. But you said it was in front of the tire? That's odd as there is not much to leak there, unless the oil is running along the frame.

nkx1

Might want to check the oil filter housing area as well (the metal thing at the front of the engine where you screw in the oil filter). I looked at two 2008 CLK550s, and both of them had leaks in that area (anecdotal, of course, but maybe still helpful).

If you don't do your own repairs, I think it would be easiest to take it to an independent mechanic and have them assess it. Just make sure they show you the problem so you know what you're paying for when getting it repaired.

It could be leaking from anywhere and just finding an outlet at an odd spot due to the covers underneath the car.

labguy

So, I did check on top of the engine and remove the first cover, though not the second one, and saw no oil leaking. I decided to take it to my Indy to access. I'll let you all know what he says - hopefully today.

labguy

Mechanic called. He said the forward control arm hydro bushings are bad - one burst and the other is weeping. He said they are oil filled bushings. Total price to include inspection, replace bushings, and alignment is $580 out the door.

faded1004

do you feel anything weird about the car when you drive? like alignment is off?

labguy

I am getting some shaking of the steering wheel when I get up over 60 mph.