Symptoms of bad rear diff? And prices, if possible?
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Symptoms of bad rear diff? And prices, if possible?
So, there's been a weird sound coming from the rear of my car for a while, off and on (was better when the new tires went on two weeks ago), and now it's gotten worse. It increases with speed, but is not so noticeable at high speeds.
I took it to a local tire shop today, and we ruled out the brakes, tires and rims. His thinking was that either it's a wheel bearing or the diff.
If it is the diff, how much labor time is involved, and anyone know what the price is of one from the dealer? Potomac has one for $425 - has anyone had any bad experience with them? Seems like people are happy with their diffs.
And the stock on the 2002s with manny is 3.27, correct? Would be interesting to go with something higher, but not feeling like playing around with any more non-cosmetic mods now - have paid way too much in repairs this summer already.
Gracias in advance! (and wish me luck)
I took it to a local tire shop today, and we ruled out the brakes, tires and rims. His thinking was that either it's a wheel bearing or the diff.
If it is the diff, how much labor time is involved, and anyone know what the price is of one from the dealer? Potomac has one for $425 - has anyone had any bad experience with them? Seems like people are happy with their diffs.
And the stock on the 2002s with manny is 3.27, correct? Would be interesting to go with something higher, but not feeling like playing around with any more non-cosmetic mods now - have paid way too much in repairs this summer already.
Gracias in advance! (and wish me luck)
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2003
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From: Charlotte, NC
Had: 1987 300TD, Had: 2004 C230 Sport Sedan, Have: 2014 E350 Sport, Have: 2019 S450
Does the noise change in pitch or volume when you go around a corner? If yes, then it's more likely that the problem is a bad wheel bearing.
Rear end problems are usually a growl/roar from the rear, and are indicative of a broken/chipped tooth in the ring gear. Maybe your shop can put it on a lift and put it it gear. Then you could check the diff with a stethoscope.
I haven't priced them out, but $425 sounds almost too good to be true for a differential. I'm thinking that we went more than that for an '88 Astro van.
Rear end problems are usually a growl/roar from the rear, and are indicative of a broken/chipped tooth in the ring gear. Maybe your shop can put it on a lift and put it it gear. Then you could check the diff with a stethoscope.
I haven't priced them out, but $425 sounds almost too good to be true for a differential. I'm thinking that we went more than that for an '88 Astro van.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 69
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2002 C230 Coupe
When my rear diff went, I thought I had a hole in my exhaust. At different speeds, the noise would be louder or quieter. Mostly a hum kind of noise, until the gears shattered.
The dealer offered to install a MB remanufactured diff. The part cost was $1440. At the advice of my aftermarket warranty, I found my own used diff. for $480 shipped. I forget the labor charge, but I should be able to find the sheet at home (the dealer installed the used diff).
If you do install a used one, mention to the installer that they should check out the diff before they install it. My dealer just assumed it was good and installed it, only to find some of the bolts were loose and the diff came apart. Fortunately, the dealer was sufficiently embarassed by this oversight to fix the problem quickly at no labor cost.
The dealer offered to install a MB remanufactured diff. The part cost was $1440. At the advice of my aftermarket warranty, I found my own used diff. for $480 shipped. I forget the labor charge, but I should be able to find the sheet at home (the dealer installed the used diff).
If you do install a used one, mention to the installer that they should check out the diff before they install it. My dealer just assumed it was good and installed it, only to find some of the bolts were loose and the diff came apart. Fortunately, the dealer was sufficiently embarassed by this oversight to fix the problem quickly at no labor cost.
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Sound doesn't change in corners.
That's good that the dealer installed the used diff - that's kind of surprising. If not, there's a local shop that will do it if necessary.
Thanks for the information. Hopefully it's a cheap(ish) fix. In any case, I'm off to Nova Scotia on Friday, and am dropping the car off at the dealer the day before. Which means that I won't be able to dwell on it over the weekend, as I will be drunk on Canadian beer, and embarrassing myself by making fun of their accents.
That's good that the dealer installed the used diff - that's kind of surprising. If not, there's a local shop that will do it if necessary.
Thanks for the information. Hopefully it's a cheap(ish) fix. In any case, I'm off to Nova Scotia on Friday, and am dropping the car off at the dealer the day before. Which means that I won't be able to dwell on it over the weekend, as I will be drunk on Canadian beer, and embarrassing myself by making fun of their accents.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 99
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From: Scottsdale, AZ
2002 C230K Coupe
Sound doesn't change in corners.
That's good that the dealer installed the used diff - that's kind of surprising. If not, there's a local shop that will do it if necessary.
Thanks for the information. Hopefully it's a cheap(ish) fix. In any case, I'm off to Nova Scotia on Friday, and am dropping the car off at the dealer the day before. Which means that I won't be able to dwell on it over the weekend, as I will be drunk on Canadian beer, and embarrassing myself by making fun of their accents.
That's good that the dealer installed the used diff - that's kind of surprising. If not, there's a local shop that will do it if necessary.
Thanks for the information. Hopefully it's a cheap(ish) fix. In any case, I'm off to Nova Scotia on Friday, and am dropping the car off at the dealer the day before. Which means that I won't be able to dwell on it over the weekend, as I will be drunk on Canadian beer, and embarrassing myself by making fun of their accents.
does it sound like 'trrrrrrrrrrrr' between between 40 - 70 mph?
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Not really. Just sounds like an odd ticking that blurs into a repeating whoomp sound with speed. Oh well - enjoying driving the crx in the finally cooler weather - no a/c sucks in summer. I'm dreading the bill on this repair, though. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
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From: Huntington Beach, Ca.
'17 Jaguar XF
There's a TSB on the differential for the early C.....some are mounted too close to the frame and contact it causing a noise. Can't remember the fix but it should be easy enough to check.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jul 2004
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From: Diamond Bar & Anaheim, CA
2003 C-Class Sportcoupe
Tommy,
I may have my diff center section up for sale in a few weeks. I just had the diff oil changed for regular maintance using Synergen oil about 2 weeks ago. It's got 41,000 miles on it. 3.46 final drive. Your coupe has a 3.27 final drive ratio. If you want it, I'll give you a good deal on it.
I may have my diff center section up for sale in a few weeks. I just had the diff oil changed for regular maintance using Synergen oil about 2 weeks ago. It's got 41,000 miles on it. 3.46 final drive. Your coupe has a 3.27 final drive ratio. If you want it, I'll give you a good deal on it.
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 307
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From: NPR florida
C230k coupe 500sec convertible
Ive gone through 3 so far-----good luck---seems the early 2002 cars were prone to spider gear failure---
i bought one from potomic off the 240 which has the lower gear ratio--for 425 shipped as well---but if you do that say goodbye to first gear!!!! you can start out in second and @ 60 your RPMs will be around 3000
fun around town but bad on the interstate--- stay away from 2002 all together if they are not sure the manufacture date of the car!!
I sold my other one to a buddy in NY
you all might know for i think $500 shipped to NY from FL-- at that time i thing potomic didn't have much in inventory so their prices were more around 500+ shipping
i bought one from potomic off the 240 which has the lower gear ratio--for 425 shipped as well---but if you do that say goodbye to first gear!!!! you can start out in second and @ 60 your RPMs will be around 3000
fun around town but bad on the interstate--- stay away from 2002 all together if they are not sure the manufacture date of the car!!
I sold my other one to a buddy in NY
you all might know for i think $500 shipped to NY from FL-- at that time i thing potomic didn't have much in inventory so their prices were more around 500+ shipping
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
Well, it ended up being the wheel bearing. So not totally inexpensive, but not as bad as a diff. Picked it up this morning, and sounds perfect. Well, loud, of course, but perfect to me.
Thanks for the help and suggestions.
Thanks for the help and suggestions.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 307
Likes: 0
From: NPR florida
C230k coupe 500sec convertible
tommy, did it have any affect when you were downshifting??? if so I need to do the same job you just had to do---Im getting a little noise but thought it might be the center support bearing??? only when U downshift, no clicking
Thread Starter
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 10,067
Likes: 11
From: Westwood, NJ
2004 Civic Si. FWD for the Win!
No, was only affected by increased speed. Sounds like you've got a different animal. Aren't Benzes fun? 
I'll be eyeing a Honda Fit in the Spring, I'm guessing. Though I'll get nothing on trade-in, and no one in the family wants to even take the coupey off my hands for free. Lemons are scary, even for free!
I'll be eyeing a Honda Fit in the Spring, I'm guessing. Though I'll get nothing on trade-in, and no one in the family wants to even take the coupey off my hands for free. Lemons are scary, even for free!
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Florida
02 C230 Sportcoupe
After feeling my C230 had way too much rubber on the rear tires I have done everything I could to remove the rubber and now I have what sounds like a spin of the wheel on The Price is Right. I took car to a repair facility and they said I have a bad spider gear - only 19K miles on an 02 - The car accelerates great but just clickity clicks the faster you go the more it clicks, accelerating is quiteter that cruising out of gear. Any one have any input, I just bought the Speed Tuning USA ECU upgrade and want to get this urban assult vehicle back on the road. Does any one have one, is Potomac the place to go? Any special tricks for install?
Last edited by kleemann C230; Sep 20, 2007 at 10:48 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 307
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From: NPR florida
C230k coupe 500sec convertible
have to pull down the sway bar in the rear (leave the tie rods atteched) to keep from dropping this in the driveway----pretty simple job if you are strong, not if you cannot pick up the diff with one hand (or at least curl it on the ground lol)
empty it for a little less weight.
-wear padded gloves (finger smashing good time if dropped)
-you are skating on thin ice, you will hear eventually a loud POP and then every rotation of the drive shaft will be a lurch ---lurch ---lurch before you gent sent to the side of the road and stranded
empty it for a little less weight.
-wear padded gloves (finger smashing good time if dropped)
-you are skating on thin ice, you will hear eventually a loud POP and then every rotation of the drive shaft will be a lurch ---lurch ---lurch before you gent sent to the side of the road and stranded
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Florida
02 C230 Sportcoupe
I got lucky and found the rear diff for $400 by going on www.uneedapart.com and almost right away Randay at Stockton Auto 800-235-8733 emailed me back with a response - I have ordered it up, will see it late next week since they are in CA and I am in FL. I checked on getting an 06 rear but he said the Coupe did not list that year and would need more info to try to locate that one, is it true the 06 has a better diff, if so perhaps any input here would help out when someone else has this problem and they could locate the better rear end.
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2002 C230K Coupe
Quoting my own post, I found out that the 'trrrrrr' noise my car is making is indeed bad differential or pinion bearing in the differential (whatever that means). Mechanic is quoting 1000 bucks for repair in worst case scenario 
I will trade it for a civic
I will trade it for a civic
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 20
Likes: 0
From: Florida
02 C230 Sportcoupe
Just got this email on Tuesday Sept 25, 07 - For an 02 C230 Rear Diff - I paid $475 delivered on Friday**********
Car Parts Direct 1-866-554-7278
I have a rear differential available in good condition with a 30 day warranty for $500.00 and that includes shipping.
Quote #: 66059
*** We will try to beat any other competitors price!***
Thanks,
Jamie Johnson
1-866-554-PART (7278)
jamie@carpartsdirectllc.com
www.carpartsdirectllc.com
MSN Messenger: jamie@carpartsdirectllc.com VISA, MasterCard, Check, PayPal
Car Parts Direct 1-866-554-7278
I have a rear differential available in good condition with a 30 day warranty for $500.00 and that includes shipping.
Quote #: 66059
*** We will try to beat any other competitors price!***
Thanks,
Jamie Johnson
1-866-554-PART (7278)
jamie@carpartsdirectllc.com
www.carpartsdirectllc.com
MSN Messenger: jamie@carpartsdirectllc.com VISA, MasterCard, Check, PayPal
Member
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 99
Likes: 0
From: Scottsdale, AZ
2002 C230K Coupe
Poorer by 1000 bucks now and the noise is still there. Got the bearings replaced, so will probably buy a new differential gear and see if it fixes the problem.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
I half expect that the replacement will fail at some point.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2002
Posts: 2,916
Likes: 1
From: The blue white rock, third out.
2002 C230 Coupe(M111)
Just got this email on Tuesday Sept 25, 07 - For an 02 C230 Rear Diff - I paid $475 delivered on Friday**********
Car Parts Direct 1-866-554-7278
I have a rear differential available in good condition with a 30 day warranty for $500.00 and that includes shipping.
Quote #: 66059
*** We will try to beat any other competitors price!***
Thanks,
Jamie Johnson
1-866-554-PART (7278)
jamie@carpartsdirectllc.com
www.carpartsdirectllc.com
MSN Messenger: jamie@carpartsdirectllc.com VISA, MasterCard, Check, PayPal
Car Parts Direct 1-866-554-7278
I have a rear differential available in good condition with a 30 day warranty for $500.00 and that includes shipping.
Quote #: 66059
*** We will try to beat any other competitors price!***
Thanks,
Jamie Johnson
1-866-554-PART (7278)
jamie@carpartsdirectllc.com
www.carpartsdirectllc.com
MSN Messenger: jamie@carpartsdirectllc.com VISA, MasterCard, Check, PayPal
