If you are experiencing a strange oil leak under your Mercedes or your transmission fluid is running short, you might be dealing with an oil seal leak. Let’s talk about a few simple ways to detect a leak in your Mercedes transmission oil seal and how to preserve your vehicle with proper maintenance. However, before going ahead with the details, let us cover the fundamentals.
What Purpose Do Transmission Oil Seals Serve?
Transmission oil seals are rubber or metal seals that stop transmission fluid from leaking out of the transmission casing. Their role is to keep the level of fluids intact and to facilitate the smooth working of the transmission parts. Once the seals get broken, the transmission fluid leaks out which consequently can damage the transmission. Before you can fix this problem, you must first identify the cause of the leak.
How To Identify Oil Seal Leaks In The Transmission System
- Fluid Leaks: The most visible symptom of transmission oil seal leakage is fluid leaking under your car. Transmission fluid is usually red or brown in color and possesses a distinct odor. If you come across a puddle near the transmission zone under your car, then it’s most likely a leak in your transmission oil seal. Note that transmission fluid leaks may also come from other areas of the transmission, so to prevent any further damage it is necessary to locate the source of the leak before taking any action.
- Low Fluid Levels: If the Mercedes transmission oil seal is leaking, you might see a drop in the level of transmission oil. Make sure you check your transmission oil regularly and supplement the fluid if the need arises. Low levels of transmission fluids may cause the transmission to be harder when shifting or lead to transmission component damage. If your transmission fluid reservoir needs to be filled up all the time, then you have a leak and it should be inspected.
- Burning Smell: A third sign of a transmission oil seal leak is a burning smell that may emanate from either your car’s engine or the transmission area. The smell of burning comes from the transmission fluid that has leaked onto burning-hot engine parts or exhaust systems. In the event of a burning smell in your Mercedes, you should find out the source and fix the leaks as soon as possible.
- Transmission Performance Issues: Pay special attention to your transmission’s performance. Watch out for sounds that you have never heard before such as whining, grinding, or clunking. They are mostly loud when shifting gears. A squeaking or grinding noise could possibly mean a broken transmission oil seal, which results in leakage of oil and consequently, creates rough gear shifting. Similarly, if your transmission feels laggy, unresponsive, or rough shifting, you should get a good mechanic. They can detect the cause of the problem and suggest the proper repairs so your Mercedes can function perfectly.
How To Address Oil Seal Problems In Your Transmission System
If you think the oil seal in your Mercedes transmission has been compromised, the best thing to do is to take the car to a repair shop. Your mechanic will then find the place where the leak is coming from and fix it by placing a new seal. Before the seal replacement, it is a good idea to flush the old transmission fluid from the system so as to remove dirt that may have entered due to the leak. After that, you can then add new fluid to the required level. Make sure the task is carried out by a certified mechanic.
Call JCL Automotive For Your Mercedes Repairs
At JCL Automotive, we are proud to be number one in the repair of Mercedes and other European cars. We have a workshop that is well-stocked to handle any Mercedes problem you may have.
Whether you suspect an oil leak or encounter any other transmission problems we have skilled technicians who are ready to assist. As a local company serving drivers in the Hellertown, PA area, we are dedicated to providing first-class customer service and getting you back on the road safely. No need for second thoughts, just call us today and you’ll see how efficient our services are.