Hello,

I'm new to this forum and was just looking for a little advice on my 1999 E240 (W210). I've owned the car for a few years now and have got the odometer up to 50k miles. Whilst replacing the rear brake-discs and pads this weekend I notice that the rear differential was oily (just the very bottom of it) and the oil must have been blown backward whilst driving as the front of the petrol tank was also covered in oil also.

Any idea what may have caused this oil leak? Can you tell me what the oil capacity for the differential is, what kind of oil it takes and where the filler plug is (I found the drain plug but didn't have the car particularly well lifted and could see it)? I'm hoping the seal hasn't gone and it's just some overflow or something. I don't want to drive it too much as I'm fearful that I'm driving it without any oil in the diff.

Many Thanks in advance.


Andy.

 

At the top of the Diff. there is a breather vent. Thats prabably where its coming from. VERY common and not a bad thing. If its also wet in the front by your flex-disk, then it could also be your pinion seal. Side seals and rear cover are also common for leaking. To check your fluid level there is a plug on the side of your diff with an allen head. Remove it and if fluid comes drippin out slowly then your level is correct. To fill it, use the same hole and once it starts spilling out that hole then stop. If fluid is up to that hole than your full. Good Luck!!