Worried I found some leaks. Help me identify please

[TheGodfather]

I decided to go under the ML to look for problems like leaks. Well I found two and I have no idea what they are from. I am rather clueless for the most part as to what I am looking at underneath the ML.

Could someone please help me identify where these leaks may be coming from. I am quite worried as I always worry about transmission leaks.

The first, second, and forth pictures were taken at the front of the vehicle. The first picture shows a plug with a red dot, I noticed some rather fluid oil (or like substance) adhering to it.

The third picture is from the rear of the vehicle in the center. The oil is pretty thick and caked.


I have not noticed any grease on the driveway, so these leaks are probably very slow and not so new.

Thank you very much

[RUEY220]

this looks like a leak from the axle seal, or the transfer case.

Originally Posted by TheGodfather

I decided to go under the ML to look for problems like leaks. Well I found two and I have no idea what they are from. I am rather clueless for the most part as to what I am looking at underneath the ML.

Could someone please help me identify where these leaks may be coming from. I am quite worried as I always worry about transmission leaks.

The first, second, and forth pictures were taken at the front of the vehicle. The first picture shows a plug with a red dot, I noticed some rather fluid oil (or like substance) adhering to it.

The third picture is from the rear of the vehicle in the center. The oil is pretty thick and caked.



I have not noticed any grease on the driveway, so these leaks are probably very slow and not so new.

Thank you very much

[TheGodfather]

Thank you very much for the reply,

Which picture shows the location of the transfer case/ axle seal, is this the frontal end leak?

[pcy]

The leak shown in the first picture could possibly from one of the following:
- AC line connection to the compressor (the o-ring at the connector may be leaking)
- oil may be leaking from the timing cover plate (replacement of small gasket will solve this)
- Oil may be leaking from the oil filter housing.
- Power steering fluid may be leaking from the reservoir to the pump (gasket may need to be replaced). At worst, the PS fluuid reservoir may need to be replaced.

You will need to closely look at all those above and see which one is leaking.

[TheGodfather]

Thank you pcy, I appreciate your response.

[ttaleric]

Check all the lines coming from the radiator. I had a to replace one recently, had the same results as you do.

[yaki b]

You can tell alot by smell and color. Wipe the suspect area with a paper towel. A pungent odor can be attributed to a leaking axel seal. Power steering will be more of a hydrolic oil smell. Motor oil will have a different smell as well.

[TheGodfather]

Originally Posted by yaki b

You can tell alot by smell and color. Wipe the suspect area with a paper towel. A pungent odor can be attributed to a leaking axel seal. Power steering will be more of a hydrolic oil smell. Motor oil will have a different smell as well.

The leak from the front where that red dotted plug is, is light in colour where as the leak in the back is thick and coloured black/brown

As far as smell go, I really cant tell, I will try again though.


Thanks,

[TheGodfather]

Does any one know of any diagrams of the ML of the underside?

I would easily be able to name the leak if I wasn't so clueless as to what I am looking at.

[TheGodfather]

Perhaps I should take it to a regular mechanic to diagnose.