🚗 Classic Fault — Mercedes-Benz W115 (1968–1976)
Crankshaft rear oil seal leak — clutch contamination
💰 Estimated Repair Cost
$100 – $400 USD
Parts and labour estimate
🔧 Tools Required
Gearbox removal tools, seal driver
📋 Overview
The rear crankshaft oil seal deteriorates allowing oil to leak onto the gearbox bellhousing and clutch. In severe cases the clutch soaks with oil and begins to slip.
🩺 Symptoms
- Oil dripping from gearbox area
- clutch slipping or juddering
- oil on bellhousing
🔍 Possible Causes
- Worn or hardened crankshaft rear oil seal
- damaged seal running surface
🛠️ Diagnosis Steps
Identify leak source by cleaning area and monitoring. Oil from above gearbox level points to rear crank seal.
✅ Most Confirmed Fix
Remove gearbox. Replace rear crankshaft seal. Replace clutch if oil contaminated.
66% of users confirm this fix worked (11 reports)
🏷️ Parts Needed
Rear crankshaft oil seal; clutch set if contaminated
🔗 Other Mercedes-Benz W115 Faults
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