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So a lot of people are having problems with the rear differentials on their 4 matic Mercedes E350's, E550's, E500's and GLK350's. If you are having noise coming from the rear differential, either a rubbing noise sounding like a bad wheel bearing or whining noise, it is most likely the rear differential bearings.
Mercedes only sells the whole differential. The reason I know all of this is because I had this problem with my 07 E350 4matic.
If anyone has this problem and is in the New York area, I am in Westchester County NY, contact me. I can have the rear differential rebuild done very reasonably.
I am updated this from my original post, I have a lot more experience with the rear differential rebuild of this model car and a bunch of other models that use the same bearings. The problem with these rear differentials is the bearings. Especially the outer pinion bearing. And this is true on 2007-2009 Mercedes Benz E350 and E550 4matics, 2003-2006 E500 4matic, 2010 GLK350 4matic and probably other models also. I can guarantee at least those models from first hand experience. When Mercedes spec'd the outer pinion bearing from NTN, they did not make it heavy duty enough and most all of these models rear diffs will fail at some point. -So it is not recommended to buy a used one and put it in because its just a matter of time before that one will also fail. Now available is a new and improved outer pinion bearing that was designed and made more heavy duty and robust, with more rollers. Below is a link to buy them on ebay with many sold and a known perfect fit. Any capable shop that does rear diff. rebuilds can do it. It is pretty straight forward.
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort (What the heck, it gets 38 mpg!)
There's another source of these parts. Benzexpert.com sells bearings and parts for several models of Mercedes and also happens to be a long time forum member who's a strong contributor to the site, lots of questions answered and DIY's written.
Send an email from the website, mention the forum and receive a 5% discount on any items purchased for a limited time.
I've never heard of repairing a differential costing so much. Had my front diff removed, repaired and bearings replaced for ~ $800 including parts here on the west coast. They'll do it for $300 + parts off the vehicle and you can ship to them.
Send an email from the site for help locating a shop.
Last edited by C230 Sport Coup; 11-08-2017 at 12:54 PM.
01-03-2017, 04:52 PM
Had my front diff removed, repaired and bearings replaced for ~ $800 including parts here on the west coast. They'll do it for $300 + parts off the vehicle and you can ship to them.
