Hi, 2014 E350 Fourmatic - mechanic can't figure out how to drain the fluid from the Front Differential to replace it. Anyone know how?

Thanks!

 

Can’t drain the transmission? Not sure I understand. The two are integral

 

Thanks! That’s what I was looking for.

Ed

 

Unless I misunderstood the question.

 

Thank you. So just to confirm, you agree that the transmission and the front differential are integral and that they share the same fluid 😀?

 

No, separate see 221 diagram shown same a 212.

 

Thank you very much

 

This is covered in a few other threads. But how was he planning on filling it? I forget where the fill hole is if there is one. Sometimes they just fill it through the same drain hole but you have to have the right sized tubing to fill it. As you can see from the approved fluid list, there are very few fluids that meet spec aside from the MB fluids. I believe it's just a small amount so I just buy it from MB.

 

The PDF konigstiger attaches explains filling procedure.
My first impression on this thread is that when your mechanic has such problems - it is good time to look for different mechanic.

 

FWIW, the fill adapter you use for the transmission works perfectly for the front diff too. Agreed, make sure he understands the implications of filling it before he drains it.

 

That’s for sure...

 

.

 

At what mileage, the front diff fluid needs to be changed ??

I have never change it before.... LOL

 

IMHO coordinate with transmission oil/filter change. In your case (278) every 70,000/7-years whichever comes first.

 

THANK YOU AGAIN!!! I will do it in the following week.

 

Did both diffs on the E550... rear was easy and the fluid looked fine at 100k. The front, on the other hand, was looking past due. Drained the front diff into a measurement cup and collected 16 oz. Per WIS, it should hold 18.6 oz and its had a slight leak since the PO (10 yrs, 100k some loss for sure).

I used a transmission filling adapter (same as 722.9), short piece of hose, fluid pump and quart measuring cup. To account for some waste from spillage and oil remaining in the line/pump/cup... I started with 20z and ended up putting in close to 18 oz. Similar technique to this: https://mbworld.org/forums/s-class-w...il-change.html

Used oil out of rear diff


used oil out of front diff


So, moral is... change the front diff oil sooner, maybe 50-75k. I'm curious what it'll look like in our E350.