GL Class (X164) 2007-2012: GL320CDI, GL420CDI, GL450, GL550

Differential bearing GL450 07

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Old 08-02-2012, 06:39 PM
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07 GL 450 and 12 Panamera Turbo
Differential bearing GL450 07

Hello,
Does anyone know where/how to get in US just a bearing/race kit (front differential) for GL450 2007.
I was told it will cost me $5k to replace the whole differential, but overheard that someone gets the bearings only, from Europe and resells them in US;
I was unable to find such a person/place.
Does anyone know the specs of that bearing by any chance?
Apparently made by ZF Friedrichshafen
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

Last edited by greggy101; 08-02-2012 at 09:03 PM.
Old 08-02-2012, 09:12 PM
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Short answer - I don't know.

ZF make the diff - they do not make bearings.

Your local bearing distributor should be able to match them from sample.

But your local diff/trans specialist will not only procure them at a similar price, but also install them with the correct preload.

At worst, he will buy the bearings genuine but all up, it will be far less than $5000.

The dealer will quote that figure as a complete diff assembly, as they rarely have a mechanic who is experienced to set up a diff. (The diff has no plug for a computer.)
Old 08-02-2012, 09:13 PM
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Originally Posted by greggy101
Hello,
Does anyone know where/how to get in US just a bearing/race kit (front differential) for GL450 2007.
I was told it will cost me $5k to replace the whole differential, but overheard that someone gets the bearings only, from Europe and resells them in US;
I was unable to find such a person/place.
Does anyone know the specs of that bearing by any chance?
Apparently made by ZF Friedrichshafen
Any info would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks!

If everything else fails, remove bearing and match it by markings. Most bearings are standardized and can be cross referenced to multiple manufacturers.

Sorry could not be of greater help. Btw, you sure you need a bearing? This is not a common problem with the gl trucks. You can also check junk yards for a complete front diff at much lower pricing.

Last edited by alx; 08-02-2012 at 09:15 PM.
Old 08-02-2012, 09:40 PM
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07 GL 450 and 12 Panamera Turbo
Originally Posted by iankayem
Short answer - I don't know.

ZF make the diff - they do not make bearings.

Your local bearing distributor should be able to match them from sample.

But your local diff/trans specialist will not only procure them at a similar price, but also install them with the correct preload.

At worst, he will buy the bearings genuine but all up, it will be far less than $5000.

The dealer will quote that figure as a complete diff assembly, as they rarely have a mechanic who is experienced to set up a diff. (The diff has no plug for a computer.)
Hm...ZF has a patent on this differential and I was told this unit was made with the option "no service" - replace the whole thing. I could be wrong but some people from Germany said that bearings were made by ZF as well.
Matching from sample is no go for me - as I still drive the car and can't be without it for more than a few days. So taking the differential apart and looking for the right one, getting it installed again - the best case scenario - 7 to 10 days.
If I had some specs on that bearing - I could get it done in no time...
I also have MB tech. who would install them
I appreciate your suggestions!
Thanks!
"The diff has no plug for a computer" - LOVE IT!

Last edited by greggy101; 08-02-2012 at 09:49 PM.
Old 08-02-2012, 09:45 PM
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07 GL 450 and 12 Panamera Turbo
Originally Posted by alx
If everything else fails, remove bearing and match it by markings. Most bearings are standardized and can be cross referenced to multiple manufacturers.

Sorry could not be of greater help. Btw, you sure you need a bearing? This is not a common problem with the gl trucks. You can also check junk yards for a complete front diff at much lower pricing.
They found some metal pieces in the diff. fluid - They claim it is a bearing going bad + all the noise when driving at the hi speeds...
I did check some online junk yards - no luck.
Can't get the markings from the bearing as I can not remove it, need to drive this car.
Someone else suggested that there are no markings/symbols on the bearing - had something to do with ZF's patent.
Thank you for your input, much appreciated!
Old 08-02-2012, 10:04 PM
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Originally Posted by greggy101
They found some metal pieces in the diff. fluid - They claim it is a bearing going bad + all the noise when driving at the hi speeds...
Bad news!
Metal pieces in the oil usually means damage to the gears or diff centre. Bearings tend to shed only minimal material until they are hit by bits of broken gear or similar matter.

And for reference purpose only, I assure you ZF do not make bearings. They usually contract *** or SKF to make them to their specs, and as such if they are special, they will not be sold aftermarket for some time. The Japanese specify 7 years, I am unaware how long the Europeans require.
Old 08-02-2012, 10:34 PM
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07 GL 450 and 12 Panamera Turbo
Originally Posted by iankayem
Bad news!
Metal pieces in the oil usually means damage to the gears or diff centre. Bearings tend to shed only minimal material until they are hit by bits of broken gear or similar matter.

And for reference purpose only, I assure you ZF do not make bearings. They usually contract *** or SKF to make them to their specs, and as such if they are special, they will not be sold aftermarket for some time. The Japanese specify 7 years, I am unaware how long the Europeans require.
I don't really know how big/small the pieces of metal were, I trusted the MB people when they told me it's the bearing. They also suggested that if
I get lucky to find that bearing I will save myself thousands of $ , so I am assuming they were pretty honest about all this.
Thanks for the info on *** and SKF - I will check with them.
Also, just learned that TIMKEN makes them under HM88510 and HM88542 (Inner and Outer sections) but will need to confirm that with manufact. tomorrow.
Old 08-03-2012, 01:09 AM
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Those part numbers are standard industry parts made by all major manufacturers. Therefore fairly cheap. They are the nose pinion bearing, the tail pinion may differ but should be cheaper. The side carrier bearings will be much different, but hopefully again standard.
Old 12-14-2014, 12:43 PM
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2009 Gl 450
front differential lock up

Originally Posted by iankayem
Short answer - I don't know.

ZF make the diff - they do not make bearings.

Your local bearing distributor should be able to match them from sample.

But your local diff/trans specialist will not only procure them at a similar price, but also install them with the correct preload.

At worst, he will buy the bearings genuine but all up, it will be far less than $5000.

The dealer will quote that figure as a complete diff assembly, as they rarely have a mechanic who is experienced to set up a diff. (The diff has no plug for a computer.)
Hey good morning i have a 09 Gl450 at 72,000 miles i was driving on the highway, hit a pothole at like 60mph and heard a big bang taught i blew my tire come to find out not only did the diff lock up it cause my left front axle to snap clean like someone cut it with a blade .. i replaced the left front axle thinking that was the only problem but took it for a test drive after replacement of axle , but i think theres a diff problem did anyone found replacement bearings and race for their GL??
Old 12-14-2014, 04:06 PM
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07 GL 450 and 12 Panamera Turbo
Originally Posted by Prem sahadeo
Hey good morning i have a 09 Gl450 at 72,000 miles i was driving on the highway, hit a pothole at like 60mph and heard a big bang taught i blew my tire come to find out not only did the diff lock up it cause my left front axle to snap clean like someone cut it with a blade .. i replaced the left front axle thinking that was the only problem but took it for a test drive after replacement of axle , but i think theres a diff problem did anyone found replacement bearings and race for their GL??
My MB guys (service advisor and the tech) were able to match the bearings and got them installed in one of their friend's GL450 - they lasted only a few months. So finding the matching size is only half way job done - the quality of the material they are made of is the second half... There is no way to get them in US.

I had to get the whole differential replaced

Last edited by greggy101; 12-14-2014 at 04:10 PM.
Old 12-14-2014, 04:43 PM
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08 GL320 CDI
It's a shame you had the dealer replace the diff. The bearings are readily available on the bay, a complete set of Timkin bearings with Mercedes seals for the diff is sold for @$305.00 + shipping. look for mercbenzspecialist. I have absolutely no affiliation with this seller I have only seen his listings and read about him online.

Dan
Old 12-14-2014, 04:53 PM
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Originally Posted by Prem sahadeo
Hey good morning i have a 09 Gl450 at 72,000 miles i was driving on the highway, hit a pothole at like 60mph and heard a big bang taught i blew my tire come to find out not only did the diff lock up it cause my left front axle to snap clean like someone cut it with a blade .. i replaced the left front axle thinking that was the only problem but took it for a test drive after replacement of axle , but i think theres a diff problem did anyone found replacement bearings and race for their GL??

If you locked up the diff hard enough to snap an axle, I doubt a bearing is the only problem.
Old 12-14-2014, 11:27 PM
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Originally Posted by N_Jay
If you locked up the diff hard enough to snap an axle, I doubt a bearing is the only problem.
This.

Check eBay- there are a few x164 being parted out. Get the whole thing and be done with it. Diff bearings are a ***** to get redone right.
Old 06-02-2015, 07:52 PM
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Old post but thought I'd mention that replacing with a used diff without replacing the bearings will get you the same result.
There's a website with prices less than ebay,
benzexpert.com . If someone needs bearings, check it out.

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