Rear Differential leak fix: HOW TO???
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, Tx
2000 CLK430
Rear Differential leak fix: HOW TO???
I have just been hit with the infamous Rear Differential leak!!! The dealer here wants 900 euros which is close to 1200 dollars!!! A local shop wants 600 euros which is 750 dollars!! The latter is cheaper but its still a hell of alot of money for a new seal job...I bought the special sealant for 25 bucks thinking I could do it myself since I do all my work but this job is ....well it isnt easy without a good how to.
Does anyone have how to or know where I can get one. I know I can do the job I just need to know what to do step by step. This part seems to connect to the entire damn rear end.
THANKS FOR ANY HELP!!!
Does anyone have how to or know where I can get one. I know I can do the job I just need to know what to do step by step. This part seems to connect to the entire damn rear end.
THANKS FOR ANY HELP!!!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
2001 CLK320
Rear diff leak
Are you getting leaks where the axle shafts come out of the housing? One side or both? Or is this a leak on the rear cover that is bolted on?
Is this seepage making oil stains on the housing or leaking to the point of leaving stains on the ground?
The reason is if the differential vent is plugged, the oil expands when it heats up during driving and the internal pressure will force oil past the seals. The vent allows thermal expansion of the oil without forcing it past the seals - got this info from a tech that has seen this type of symptom due to a plugged or clogged vent because of road grime.
If the oil leaks enough to leave drips on the ground, then you may have a seal that needs replacing.
Is this seepage making oil stains on the housing or leaking to the point of leaving stains on the ground?
The reason is if the differential vent is plugged, the oil expands when it heats up during driving and the internal pressure will force oil past the seals. The vent allows thermal expansion of the oil without forcing it past the seals - got this info from a tech that has seen this type of symptom due to a plugged or clogged vent because of road grime.
If the oil leaks enough to leave drips on the ground, then you may have a seal that needs replacing.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, Tx
2000 CLK430
Are you getting leaks where the axle shafts come out of the housing? One side or both? Or is this a leak on the rear cover that is bolted on?
Is this seepage making oil stains on the housing or leaking to the point of leaving stains on the ground?
The reason is if the differential vent is plugged, the oil expands when it heats up during driving and the internal pressure will force oil past the seals. The vent allows thermal expansion of the oil without forcing it past the seals - got this info from a tech that has seen this type of symptom due to a plugged or clogged vent because of road grime.
If the oil leaks enough to leave drips on the ground, then you may have a seal that needs replacing.
Is this seepage making oil stains on the housing or leaking to the point of leaving stains on the ground?
The reason is if the differential vent is plugged, the oil expands when it heats up during driving and the internal pressure will force oil past the seals. The vent allows thermal expansion of the oil without forcing it past the seals - got this info from a tech that has seen this type of symptom due to a plugged or clogged vent because of road grime.
If the oil leaks enough to leave drips on the ground, then you may have a seal that needs replacing.
It is leaking from where the cover is bolted on but it is only making the cover moist. I do not see drops forming or anything hit the ground. I looked all over the seal and it looks like it is still good but it worried me cause it was wet.
Where is this differential plug? Does anyone have a pic? Man if this is the case then I will owe you big time for saving me some money!!
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 291
Likes: 0
From: Portland, OR
2001 CLK320
That is kind of common. The rear diff cover wouldn't leak under pressure, but possibly due to not being torqued adequately or the appropriate amount of sealant wasn't used during assembly at the factory.
Some of the others may have had this symptom (I haven't) and could indicate where the diff vent is located - I'd have to get under my car a look for it - at this point I haven't had the need to do so...
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, Tx
2000 CLK430
It doesnt seem to be leaking enough to hit the floor yet but I have cleaned it and it shows up again all wet. It is only showing moisture and MAYBE a very slight drop forming at the very bottom but it is small.
It is only wet from the diff seal and not from the sides of the diff or the front pinion seal. I have attached a picture since its better than me describing it.
Last edited by gregory13lil; Mar 1, 2007 at 12:33 PM.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 1,486
Likes: 4
From: San Antonio, Tx
2000 CLK430
Yeah thats what I though.
Does anyone know of a how-to so that i can avoid paying way too much. I am mechanically inclined and always do my own work but this job doesnt have a logical sense of what to take of first and so on...
HELP!!!
Does anyone know of a how-to so that i can avoid paying way too much. I am mechanically inclined and always do my own work but this job doesnt have a logical sense of what to take of first and so on...
HELP!!!
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
Likes: 3
From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
Yeah, it definitely looks like you have a leak from the differential cover seal. Should be an easier fix than the half shaft seals that go into the side of the diff. I've never done this job before on a Benz but I don't see why it would be much different than doing any other rear end. Be sure to get the right torque specs. Also, might see if it would be an easier job by dropping down the rear diff by disconnecting the mount so it makes for easier access to the bolts. Best of luck!
