Rear diff whine.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 56
Likes: 13
2012 MB R350 Bluetec
Rear diff whine.
I just bought a 2009 e350 4matic. 170k km.
There is a loud howling sound audible at speeds greater than 70km/h. Gets louder with speed. Seems to come from rear of vehicle.
Have taken to 2 seperate mechanics, who have test driven vehicle and put it up on a hoist
Both independently conclude that the noise is coming from the rear diff.
No play in wheel bearings. No noise with stethoscope.
No asymmetrical tire wear, and at least 50% tread.
Moving rear tires to the front did not change any characteristic of the noise, it's still coming from the back.
Rear diff fluid changed recently with proper mercedes spec fluid, no difference in noise, still present.
Besides the annoying sound, car drives smooth and great with full power, no lights on the dash.
Question:
I am annoyed by the noise and want to get it fixed.
I am looking at getting the differential rebuilt.
Does anyone know any shops in the GTA that will rebuild differentials? I have no idea who to go to, I live in Barrie.
There is a loud howling sound audible at speeds greater than 70km/h. Gets louder with speed. Seems to come from rear of vehicle.
Have taken to 2 seperate mechanics, who have test driven vehicle and put it up on a hoist
Both independently conclude that the noise is coming from the rear diff.
No play in wheel bearings. No noise with stethoscope.
No asymmetrical tire wear, and at least 50% tread.
Moving rear tires to the front did not change any characteristic of the noise, it's still coming from the back.
Rear diff fluid changed recently with proper mercedes spec fluid, no difference in noise, still present.
Besides the annoying sound, car drives smooth and great with full power, no lights on the dash.
Question:
I am annoyed by the noise and want to get it fixed.
I am looking at getting the differential rebuilt.
Does anyone know any shops in the GTA that will rebuild differentials? I have no idea who to go to, I live in Barrie.
Member
Joined: Apr 2018
Posts: 205
Likes: 15
From: Bayside, NY
06 E500 4Matic Wagon
It's the pinion bearing. Mine was also doing the same thing as yours and my diff fluid was silver from the bearing getting chewed up. I had my local euro shop rebuild mine using a kit from ebay using NTN bearings and its smooth and quiet now.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/31397599803...3ABFBM2JO6j4Rk
https://www.ebay.com/itm/31397599803...3ABFBM2JO6j4Rk
Last edited by Onyxthecat; Jun 16, 2024 at 08:14 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2022
Posts: 56
Likes: 13
2012 MB R350 Bluetec
Thank you for sharing your experience.
I took the car to a transmission shop and they confirmed the same thing. I have purchased a bearing kit from ebay, similar to the link you provided. It arrived on Friday, so I am planning on dropping off the car to the shop again tomorrow, and I hope for a good result like yours. The ebay seller I used is named benzexpert, he had good reviews.
I took the car to a transmission shop and they confirmed the same thing. I have purchased a bearing kit from ebay, similar to the link you provided. It arrived on Friday, so I am planning on dropping off the car to the shop again tomorrow, and I hope for a good result like yours. The ebay seller I used is named benzexpert, he had good reviews.
It's the pinion bearing. Mine was also doing the same thing as yours and my diff fluid was silver from the bearing getting chewed up. I had my local euro shop rebuild mine using a kit from ebay using NTN bearings and its smooth and quiet now.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/31397599803...3ABFBM2JO6j4Rk
https://www.ebay.com/itm/31397599803...3ABFBM2JO6j4Rk
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 7,258
Likes: 168
From: So. Oregon Coast
C230 Sport Coup + 2006 W164 ML350 + 99 Ford Escort RIP
Check here.
https://www.ebay.com/str/benzexpert
