MAINTENANCE QUESTION ABOUT MY LEAKY DIFFERENTIAL
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2011
Posts: 131
Likes: 0
From: CHARLESTON,SC
2001 CLK55,2003 CL55AMG,2003 E55,2004 CLK55,2011 E350
MAINTENANCE QUESTION ABOUT MY LEAKY DIFFERENTIAL
Ive got a 2001 CLK55(W208) and noticed that the rear differential is all oily.. took it to my mechanic where he put it on the lift. Ill need to drop the diff to change cover seal and it appears the drive shaft seals are leaking as well. The problem is that pretty much the whole rear-end has to come apart to access the diff and seals. My question is while I'm in there what else should I have done. I already have the 2 drive-shaft couplers.what else should I do? Any advice is greatly appreciated. 
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 876
Likes: 81
From: Phoenix AZ & Cayucos CA
’27 AMG SL55(ordered), ‘23 EQS 580 SUV, ‘19 AMG E53 Cpe, ‘48 Willys Jeepster
Find out where the leak is. I check for leak locations by degreasing the whole area, driving it a bit and then spreading talcum powder all around. Look for the wet spot.
Axle seals are easy to replace but I wouldn't mess with the pinion seal.
Axle seals are easy to replace but I wouldn't mess with the pinion seal.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 301
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2000 E320 2009 E550
REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEAL LEAK
A week later there was a small oil spot on the garage floor.
I have 61,000 miles on my E550. I purchased an extended warranty from MB 7 years and 100,000 miles at the time of my vehicle purchased.
Dealer Left Side Differential Seal Rear Differential was leaking.
Oil Seal replaced
Seal ring replaced
Sealant MB
Transmission Oil
Covered under extended warranty.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 301
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2000 E320 2009 E550
REAR DIFFERENTIAL SEAL LEAK
I saw another oil spot on the ground last week. Return to dealer replaced left side seal on rear differential again. Picked up vehicle today mileage 62,460.
Last edited by E2233; Nov 28, 2013 at 02:03 AM. Reason: Added mileage.
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 301
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2000 E320 2009 E550
LEAKY DIFFERENTIAL
I noticed a small oil spot on the garage floor about a week ago. I cleaned the floor with a water and oil like material that looks like a gray gravel. I purchased a three pound bag from Home Depot a few years back.
A week later there was a small oil spot on the garage floor.
I have 61,000 miles on my E550. I purchased an extended warranty from MB 7 years and 100,000 miles at the time of my vehicle purchased.
Dealer Left Side Differential Seal Rear Differential was leaking.
Oil Seal replaced
Seal ring replaced
Sealant MB
Transmission Oil
Covered under extended warranty.
A week later there was a small oil spot on the garage floor.
I have 61,000 miles on my E550. I purchased an extended warranty from MB 7 years and 100,000 miles at the time of my vehicle purchased.
Dealer Left Side Differential Seal Rear Differential was leaking.
Oil Seal replaced
Seal ring replaced
Sealant MB
Transmission Oil
Covered under extended warranty.
I saw another oil spot on the ground last week. Return to dealer replaced left side seal on rear differential again. Picked up vehicle today mileage 62,460.
1/24/17
Miles 94,160 Replaced both side rear differential side axle seals. I also had the transmission service at independent shop. The seals had some evidence of some type of adhesive or cyclone on the outer edges.
