Rear Differential leak fix: HOW TO???

gregory13lil · 02-27-2007, 01:40 PM

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!!!

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gregory13lil · 02-28-2007, 03:59 AM

Anyone???

Hal H · 02-28-2007, 11:05 PM

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.

gregory13lil · 03-01-2007, 02:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hal H

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.

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!!

SUNILP · 03-01-2007, 08:19 AM

IS the diff wet or is it actually leaking on the floor?

Hal H · 03-01-2007, 09:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gregory13lil

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.

I'd would say that the rear diff cover should be removed and re-sealed. If the sides of the diff (where axles protrude through) are dry and the front pinion seal (this is where driveshaft connects to the front) is also dry, I suspect the diff cover needs to be pulled and re-sealed.

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...

gregory13lil · 03-01-2007, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sunman

IS the diff wet or is it actually leaking on the floor?

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.

Silverbillet · 03-01-2007, 02:47 PM

Judging from the picture, I think you need to replace the cover seal.

gregory13lil · 03-01-2007, 02:53 PM

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!!!

bbearden · 03-04-2007, 01:16 PM

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!

Dknowz · 04-23-2013, 01:32 PM

Did anyone every find a diy instruction for rear differential cover seal replacement? Mines out too...

02-28-2007, 11:05 PM	#3
Hal H Senior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Nov 2001 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 291 Drives: 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. __________________ 2001 CLK320 / Magma Red

03-01-2007, 08:19 AM	#5
SUNILP MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2003 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 3,910 Drives: 2003 c320, 2002 s500, 1992 300SD	IS the diff wet or is it actually leaking on the floor? __________________ Sunil <br> 1993 300SD Updated 2004 S55 AMG 2003 C320 with supercharged s55 engine 2004 E320 Wagon with OM648 Diesel Loaded 2008 ML320 CDI Package PIII

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02-28-2007, 03:59 AM	#2
gregory13lil MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 1,437 Drives: 2000 CLK430 / 2006 Infiniti QX56/ 2012 Harley Street Glide	Anyone???

03-01-2007, 02:47 PM	#8
Silverbillet Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Bay Area Posts: 217 Drives: 2001 CLK430 Cab; 2008 GL550	Judging from the picture, I think you need to replace the cover seal.

03-01-2007, 02:53 PM	#9
gregory13lil MBWorld Fanatic! Garage is empty, add now Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Antonio, Tx Posts: 1,437 Drives: 2000 CLK430 / 2006 Infiniti QX56/ 2012 Harley Street Glide	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!!!

03-04-2007, 01:16 PM	#10
bbearden Super Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: Los Angeles, CA Posts: 566 Drives: '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!

04-23-2013, 01:32 PM	#11
Dknowz Junior Member Garage is empty, add now Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: Los Angeles Posts: 22 Drives: 2006 C55 AMG	Did anyone every find a diy instruction for rear differential cover seal replacement? Mines out too...

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