Adi-Benz

Hello everyone,

Here is a simple diy since there was not one present on the forums (not that it is very difficult, but for some direction). Also sorry for the large images.

Difficulty: 3/10
Time: Ranges from 20 to 50 minutes depending on experience...and if you accidentally drop stuff in engine bay

Dealer Cost: $300 DIY Cost: $15

INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 0: Purchase the Product

You can purchase Mercedes original or from some sponsors here on the forums. Usually they will be about ~$50. I decided to take one for the team and try the one for $15 and I'm 90% sure it is the original company but without the Mercedes badge. It is very good quality.

Here is the link:




Step 1: Remove Engine Covers

Reference this DIY: http://www.pelicanparts.com/techarti...er_Removal.htm

Step 2: Determine location of Centrifuge

It is in the back of the engine, near the dipstick. Far right circle.





Step 3: Remove Hose

Just pull the hose from it.



Step 4: Remove Screws

Screws are E10 and 8mm or 5/16" socket can be used (thank you ItalianJoe1) count of 4.

Step 5: Remove Centrifuge

Step 6: Oil up new centrifuge at seals, remove cover plug, and replace.

Step 7: Put everything else back in its place.

That's pretty much it, no need for photos for those as they are self explanatory.

Congratulations!
*Disclaimer: I am not responsible for any damage you do to your car.*

Any questions let me know!

ItalianJoe1

Be sure to check the cam plugs at the back of the heads while you're in there, they often leak and are simply pop out-pop in, worth changing if there's any doubt.

Screws are E10, IIRC. Can use a 8mm or 5/16" socket, they aren't tight.

Adi-Benz

Correct thank you! I used 8mm.

MB Marko

Adi did you find a good transmission for your car?

Adi-Benz

Nope week 7 without using the car. I found a source to the bearings overseas but the only mechanic willing to open the trans is 'busy' so if anything the earliest is next monday. Being that even I know how to fix it theres no point in buying a new trans. In the end of this hopefully I'll have saved $ and have a sort of diy thing up since no one has done it (online). Transmission is fine though just the transfer case, but they are merged so dealer wants to sell entire package.

Colin G

I find it very odd that transfer case bearings can't be serviced or at least that MB does not offer it and will just say buy a new transmission.


F that. Seems dumb to me and Canada is full of 4 Matics.


Was your transfer case fluid really low or very dirty? I'd like to know what causes the bearing to fail. I plan on getting my front transfer case fluid changed asap in the spring. Hopefully that will prevent mine from doing what yours did.

Adi-Benz

Theres no dipstick to check the fluid amount. From what I can tell it seems fine but its a bad design on MB's part; apparently oil doesn't get through the way its supposed to or something but no one has confirmed.

I believe I found this to be best priced service kit.
https://www.ecstuning.com/b-assemble...FVq4wAodv4wLAA

MB Marko

I hope you get it resolved!

OrientBlau

what were your symptoms that you determined you need new bearings in the TC?

OrientBlau

what symptoms led you to replace your oil separator?

DIY looks super easy. It is a bear in the BMW e46. Lots of parts to remove just to get to it... and then its a tight fit in and out. I managed it yrs ago but what a pain!

ItalianJoe1

Some people have tackled it themselves, but it's uncommon.

MB says you have to replace the unit, and the coupling between it and the trans is shimmed from factory, so if you change one piece you have to change both. If you just remove the same trans/transfer case and put it back on it's matching mate, it's fine.

https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w...long-read.html

I was trying to find another old thread with more info of actual rebuilding but I was unsuccessful. I'm sure it's on the forum somewhere, I've read it.

Adi-Benz

If you find anything it would be much appreciated. But I'm pretty sure I've read nearly everything related to it on the web so doubt I'll find any new info.

amoffitt

Thanks Adi. I figured it would not be much work.

I had the dealer check where oil was leaking from and creating a burning oil smell, they instructed me that this was leaking and causing everything. Does that make sense? Has anyone else had to replace this because of this same symptom?

Adi-Benz

Yes, correct. I took my car in for a different reason but a few days earlier it started to leak. By that point I wasn't driving my car much but dealer analysis said this:

"...Completed inspection of vehicle found oil to be leaking from centrifuge cover on to cat causing burning smell."

Should update, dealer cost is actually $300.

amoffitt

Gotcha, good to know. This is what I ordered:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/201450289119...%3AMEBIDX%3AIT

I suppose this will take care of both the centrifuge and the cam covers.

Adi-Benz

Sorry I missed some of your comments, they should be answered now.

As for the transfer case, at speeds of 60mph+ I could hear a faint high pitched whirr, speed dependent not rpm. Did some research and matched up transfer case issue. Also got it analyzed by 3 indy's and the dealer (only dealer charged). Got offers to swap trans with salvage cars, but it is still pricey and not a definite solution. Found that most likely issue in transfer case is bearings; should be easy for any trans mechanic.

I could go on but I don't wanna derail too much. I'll likely end up making a thread if I get it resolved.

amoffitt

One question that came up. I understand where the two small camshaft covers go but where does the larger one go or have you guys not been replacing the larger one?

This is what the parts department at my dealership said:

"IT DOES NOT. ARE TECHS ALWAYS REPLACE THEM WHEN THERE IN THE FOR THE CENTIRFUGE COVER THE HAVE 2 SMALL ONES 0009985609 9.99 AND ONE LARGE ONE 000986590 7.99
WE KEEP THOSE IN STOCK"

That's the large one that I am referring to.

Adi-Benz

The people at the dealership need to learn some grammar.
I'll let italianjoe answer this as I didn't do them

amoffitt

I just got in there and started to work on this tonight. Seems to be that my 2009 C350 has screws that hold that piece on T27 or so (Does this seem correct)? Anyway I used a T27 bit to remove 3 out of the 4. I got to the 4th and dropped the bit down in the engine bay. I wish I was able to use a socket, it would make things way easier but I can only use T27 bit. Is there any recommendation of tools to use to be able to do what my bit is doing since I cant get a full screw driver down in that area and my bit and wrench combo is a terrible method?

amoffitt

**Update**

After looking more in depth the size is T30 on my car (2009 C350 Sport). Once I removed 4 T30 Screws with the bottom one behind the hardest, and installed the new piece my oil leak was resolved. Everything seems to be working well. I purchased Torx Keys from Home Depot (roughly $15) and used those to assist in removing the torx screws.


Thanks Adi-Benz for the write-up.

Adi-Benz

No problem, also sorry I totally missed your last comment, glad you got it figured out!

brettysetgo

Just replaced this part on my 2008 C300 Sport - wish I would have seen this tutorial first. My mechanic called it "Crankcase Cover", so my searches were all over the place. I went ahead and bought the OEM part on Amazon for $58 - I wasn't sure if the cheaper one for around $20 was legit. I take it that yours is still working?

Adi-Benz

Yes like a charm. I will have to leave a review on amazon to help others.