SL55/63/65/R230 AMG: leaking fluid
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
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2003 SL55 ANG
leaking fluid
Have 2003 SL55 AMG. Last night noticed 2 puddles of oily fluid leaking from under front of car. Drove home 20 mi.--no warning lights showing. This morning 2 very small leaks in garage. Still no warning lights. Something has drained. What could be the problem and repair risks? Thanks very much!
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 306
Likes: 19
From: West Chester, PA - USA
2003 SL55 AMG
I suggest you find the source of the leak before driving the car again.
IF it is the ABC, you can end up with VERY costly repairs ($K not hundreds) if the reservoir goes dry and the pump fails.
Check the reservoirs for coolant, ABC (larger reservoir in driver's side front,it has a rubber cap that is a pull off dipstick), and the Power Steering reservoir (right behind the ABC one). IF it seems to be the PS or ABC fluid, probably use your AAA to get it flat-bedded to a dealer or independent shop, unless you want to become your own mechanic and repair/replace the source of the leak.
Possibly engine oil, of course, but the source for that should be easy to find as well.
IF you use the jack to raise the car, be sure to have full supports under the car wheels before YOU get under it, and the emergency brake is on, and two wheels that are on the ground are blocked from rolling forwards or backwards.
Just my opinion, there may be others that are better.
IF it is the ABC, you can end up with VERY costly repairs ($K not hundreds) if the reservoir goes dry and the pump fails.
Check the reservoirs for coolant, ABC (larger reservoir in driver's side front,it has a rubber cap that is a pull off dipstick), and the Power Steering reservoir (right behind the ABC one). IF it seems to be the PS or ABC fluid, probably use your AAA to get it flat-bedded to a dealer or independent shop, unless you want to become your own mechanic and repair/replace the source of the leak.
Possibly engine oil, of course, but the source for that should be easy to find as well.
IF you use the jack to raise the car, be sure to have full supports under the car wheels before YOU get under it, and the emergency brake is on, and two wheels that are on the ground are blocked from rolling forwards or backwards.
Just my opinion, there may be others that are better.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 306
Likes: 19
From: West Chester, PA - USA
2003 SL55 AMG
IF they are both up to the full mark, it might be OK, but as Shardul (one of the gurus here) said - a hose may be ready to fail. If that fails anytime in the first 14.99 miles to the Indy, you risk damage to the ABC pump (price about $14-1700, plus labor, and any peripheral stuff that may be weak/failing in the system).
Your trip, your decision. I'd call AAA, and demand a rollback. Someone here can probably tell you how to disable the car so it is a legitimate transportation need.
Your trip, your decision. I'd call AAA, and demand a rollback. Someone here can probably tell you how to disable the car so it is a legitimate transportation need.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 8
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2003 SL55 ANG
Very good advice, Gary And Shardul. While I have AAA, have never used it. Can someone give me some advice on how to "disable" auto? If the ABC hose is about to fail, is it a big deal to fix. Thanks, guys.
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From: Houston
2003 W211 E55, 2003 W220 S600
if the hose fails you can still drive the car. the valve blocks depending on their condition will keep the car high for at least a couple of hours. you will still have power steering if the ABC hose fails
