Rear Differential Fill Plug Removal How To - For Future Reference
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 27
Likes: 19
G63
Rear Differential Fill Plug Removal How To - For Future Reference
I was frustrated all evening so I thought I'd make this thread for future reference. In the future if anyone out there searching for how to do this, you'll thank me later because after spending a ton of time trying to find a work around, the light bulb finally went off in my head. FWIW, I own a 2016 G63 so YMMV. There's guide I see on the web that make the rear fill look like it's free and clear to access, but this wasn't the case on my vehicle.
I just changed the front and rear differential fluid, and the process is super easy. If you are mechanically inclined enough to complete an oil change, you can complete this service on your own vehicle and I'd argue it's easier because the fluid takes a shorter amount of time to drain, and you can't really overfill the differentials. I don't even want to know what a dealer would charge for this service, which took me maybe 30 minutes to complete.
On my model year 463, the rear sway bar sits right against the rear differential fill plug. If you have a standard length 14mm hex socket, you are not going to be able to get a ratchet onto the socket due to clearance. I see three solutions you can use:
1) This is what I did. Take your 14mm hex socket and put it on the plug. Take a 14mm ratcheting wrench or a 14mm open put and put it on the OPEN section of the hex that is exposed. The plug is shallow enough where you'll have the body of the hex exposed.
2) You need a low profile 14mm socket. Even not, I am not 100% sure this would work because the clearance is so tight.
3) Use a heavy duty 14mm allen key and hope you can get enough leverage.
Obviously I would advise step 1. If anyone has any questions in the future, let me know.
I just changed the front and rear differential fluid, and the process is super easy. If you are mechanically inclined enough to complete an oil change, you can complete this service on your own vehicle and I'd argue it's easier because the fluid takes a shorter amount of time to drain, and you can't really overfill the differentials. I don't even want to know what a dealer would charge for this service, which took me maybe 30 minutes to complete.
On my model year 463, the rear sway bar sits right against the rear differential fill plug. If you have a standard length 14mm hex socket, you are not going to be able to get a ratchet onto the socket due to clearance. I see three solutions you can use:
1) This is what I did. Take your 14mm hex socket and put it on the plug. Take a 14mm ratcheting wrench or a 14mm open put and put it on the OPEN section of the hex that is exposed. The plug is shallow enough where you'll have the body of the hex exposed.
2) You need a low profile 14mm socket. Even not, I am not 100% sure this would work because the clearance is so tight.
3) Use a heavy duty 14mm allen key and hope you can get enough leverage.
Obviously I would advise step 1. If anyone has any questions in the future, let me know.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,151
Likes: 1,765
From: Colorado
G550
Do all 3 gear boxes have a drain plug and a fill plug?
Were you able to fit the gear fluid bottles into position for filling, or is a tubed turkey baster required?
What fluids (brand, weight, type) did you decide to use?
Can you post some pics of each gear box that show the plug locations and wrench sizes?
I do want to know the dealer charge for this service - anyone in forumland done this recently?
Thanks!
Were you able to fit the gear fluid bottles into position for filling, or is a tubed turkey baster required?
What fluids (brand, weight, type) did you decide to use?
Can you post some pics of each gear box that show the plug locations and wrench sizes?
I do want to know the dealer charge for this service - anyone in forumland done this recently?
Thanks!
Last edited by streborx; Apr 1, 2021 at 04:44 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 27
Likes: 19
G63
Do all 3 gear boxes have a drain plug and a fill plug?
Were you able to fit the gear fluid bottles into position for filling, or is a tubed turkey baster required?
What fluids (brand, weight, type) did you decide to use?
Can you post some pics of each gear box that show the plug locations and wrench sizes?
I do want to know the dealer charge for this service - anyone in forumland done this recently?
Thanks!
Were you able to fit the gear fluid bottles into position for filling, or is a tubed turkey baster required?
What fluids (brand, weight, type) did you decide to use?
Can you post some pics of each gear box that show the plug locations and wrench sizes?
I do want to know the dealer charge for this service - anyone in forumland done this recently?
Thanks!
Around fitting the fluid bottle for filling, you will need some type of pump. Whether you use a baster or a small handheld one, both will work.
Around fluids, this is a tough one but I used a bit of digging on the web and some common sense. I started a thread a few days ago, which validated some of my confusion and helped out a bit. Here is what I would recommend and I'm pretty certain this is correct:
- For the differentials, I could not find a spec online anywhere. Even the major european auto part sites did not show what fluid fits this vehicle. What makes this incrementally more challenging is the data tags on the differentials did not print a typical Mercedes 2XX.XX fluid spec, and the owners manual did not have it printed inside of it. Long story short, I used an API GL-5 Fluid with limited slip additive weighted to 75W-90 via some Motul 300LS. FWIW, the older G classes looked like they use a 75W-85 but regardless of what fluid you use, GL-5 fluid is produced to an API spec so they're all going to be fairly similar. Pick which ever brand you prefer.
- Around the transfer case fluid, I purchased an extra 5 liter jug of Pentosin 134 FE. This is the same fluid used for my transmission fluid change and follows Mercedes 236.15 spec.
Last edited by jtm893; Apr 1, 2021 at 09:07 AM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 27
Likes: 19
G63
Alright I'm pulling an audible. I'm digging deeper into the spec sheets and I'm going to run a 75W-90 gear oil in the transfer case vs using 134FE transmission fluid. It looks like the VG150E transfer case follows the 235.11 spec while the 236.15 spec is on newer 9 speed transmissions on the smaller vehicles like a C class.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,151
Likes: 1,765
From: Colorado
G550
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,151
Likes: 1,765
From: Colorado
G550
Alright I'm pulling an audible. I'm digging deeper into the spec sheets and I'm going to run a 75W-90 gear oil in the transfer case vs using 134FE transmission fluid. It looks like the VG150E transfer case follows the 235.11 spec while the 236.15 spec is on newer 9 speed transmissions on the smaller vehicles like a C class.
Let us know what kind of fluid transfer pump you use and how it works out for you. There are several varieties -- soap bottle pump style that adapts directly to the fluid bottle, syringe type (e.g., turkey baster), syphon pump style, etc. Each seems to have its pros and cons. Personally, I think the pump that adapts to the fluid container probably produces the least mess, even though users say the transfer rate is slow. But they cost less than $10 and should last for one set of fluid refills.
Trending Topics
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 27
Likes: 19
G63
Thanks for the supplemental info. While perusing the Motul website for appropriate fluids, I noticed that the gearbox capacities are provided, and some gearbox numbers are listed. For example, for my 2019 G550, the front differential is listed as "730.337", "1.4 Liters", and recommends Motul HD 80W-90. I haven't yet crawled under the truck to see if there's a tag attached with "730.337" stamped on it, but I'll look when I next do an oil change.
Let us know what kind of fluid transfer pump you use and how it works out for you. There are several varieties -- soap bottle pump style that adapts directly to the fluid bottle, syringe type (e.g., turkey baster), syphon pump style, etc. Each seems to have its pros and cons. Personally, I think the pump that adapts to the fluid container probably produces the least mess, even though users say the transfer rate is slow. But they cost less than $10 and should last for one set of fluid refills.
Let us know what kind of fluid transfer pump you use and how it works out for you. There are several varieties -- soap bottle pump style that adapts directly to the fluid bottle, syringe type (e.g., turkey baster), syphon pump style, etc. Each seems to have its pros and cons. Personally, I think the pump that adapts to the fluid container probably produces the least mess, even though users say the transfer rate is slow. But they cost less than $10 and should last for one set of fluid refills.
I see the fluids on the motul site but I find it funny how some of their fluids conflict with what is on the MB service spec. For instance, the front and rear differential fluid calls for their 75W-140 differential oil but the 231.1 MB spec specifically calls out the G63 and states 75W-85 as the approved weight. The 75W-140 is marked as "Can only be used in exceptional cases or under certain operating conditions".
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Member
Joined: Apr 2019
Posts: 110
Likes: 30
AMG G63
I was frustrated all evening so I thought I'd make this thread for future reference. In the future if anyone out there searching for how to do this, you'll thank me later because after spending a ton of time trying to find a work around, the light bulb finally went off in my head. FWIW, I own a 2016 G63 so YMMV. There's guide I see on the web that make the rear fill look like it's free and clear to access, but this wasn't the case on my vehicle.
I just changed the front and rear differential fluid, and the process is super easy. If you are mechanically inclined enough to complete an oil change, you can complete this service on your own vehicle and I'd argue it's easier because the fluid takes a shorter amount of time to drain, and you can't really overfill the differentials. I don't even want to know what a dealer would charge for this service, which took me maybe 30 minutes to complete.
On my model year 463, the rear sway bar sits right against the rear differential fill plug. If you have a standard length 14mm hex socket, you are not going to be able to get a ratchet onto the socket due to clearance. I see three solutions you can use:
1) This is what I did. Take your 14mm hex socket and put it on the plug. Take a 14mm ratcheting wrench or a 14mm open put and put it on the OPEN section of the hex that is exposed. The plug is shallow enough where you'll have the body of the hex exposed.
2) You need a low profile 14mm socket. Even not, I am not 100% sure this would work because the clearance is so tight.
3) Use a heavy duty 14mm allen key and hope you can get enough leverage.
Obviously I would advise step 1. If anyone has any questions in the future, let me know.
I just changed the front and rear differential fluid, and the process is super easy. If you are mechanically inclined enough to complete an oil change, you can complete this service on your own vehicle and I'd argue it's easier because the fluid takes a shorter amount of time to drain, and you can't really overfill the differentials. I don't even want to know what a dealer would charge for this service, which took me maybe 30 minutes to complete.
On my model year 463, the rear sway bar sits right against the rear differential fill plug. If you have a standard length 14mm hex socket, you are not going to be able to get a ratchet onto the socket due to clearance. I see three solutions you can use:
1) This is what I did. Take your 14mm hex socket and put it on the plug. Take a 14mm ratcheting wrench or a 14mm open put and put it on the OPEN section of the hex that is exposed. The plug is shallow enough where you'll have the body of the hex exposed.
2) You need a low profile 14mm socket. Even not, I am not 100% sure this would work because the clearance is so tight.
3) Use a heavy duty 14mm allen key and hope you can get enough leverage.
Obviously I would advise step 1. If anyone has any questions in the future, let me know.
can someone please tell me what fluids to use for a 2013 G63?
Front differential, Rear differential, Transfer Case, and Transmission fluid? I’m planning on doing mine soon
thank you
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,151
Likes: 1,765
From: Colorado
G550
Last edited by streborx; Apr 2, 2021 at 04:15 PM. Reason: Add attachment
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,151
Likes: 1,765
From: Colorado
G550
I'm always used the soap dispenser type pump for fluids. It's cheap and it works.
I see the fluids on the motul site but I find it funny how some of their fluids conflict with what is on the MB service spec. For instance, the front and rear differential fluid calls for their 75W-140 differential oil but the 231.1 MB spec specifically calls out the G63 and states 75W-85 as the approved weight. The 75W-140 is marked as "Can only be used in exceptional cases or under certain operating conditions".
I see the fluids on the motul site but I find it funny how some of their fluids conflict with what is on the MB service spec. For instance, the front and rear differential fluid calls for their 75W-140 differential oil but the 231.1 MB spec specifically calls out the G63 and states 75W-85 as the approved weight. The 75W-140 is marked as "Can only be used in exceptional cases or under certain operating conditions".
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2019
Posts: 5,151
Likes: 1,765
From: Colorado
G550
My '19 G550's service sheet (WIS document AP00.20-P-1240AK) specifies front and rear differential fluid changes (Service 25) every 50K miles/5 years. I'm only at 26K miles, but 6 years, so I did this service last weekend. As noted in the several threads above, it's an easy DIY service to perform. I used Motul Motylgear 75W-85 fluid (3 liters total). The WIS service docs (AP33.00-P-3301GA and AR35.31-P-0523XGA) specify replacement of the drain and fill plugs. On removal, none of the screw plugs were damaged, corroded or worn in any way, so I cleaned them up with a fine wire brush and some brake cleaner to ensure there was no thread sealant residue. (I suspect WIS specs new plugs since they're cheaper than the time required to clean up the old ones). The WIS specified thread sealant cross references to Loctite 545 which cross references to Permatex 80632, which is what I used (only a very small amount is required). I was surprised to find the fill plug on the rear differential is rubber (same as my Jeep). I cleaned it up and the hole it fits into, and re-used it. The part number for the screw plugs is A 000 997 62 32 (M24 x 1.5 plug without any crush washer or o-ring -- it looks like a giant set screw) and the part number for the rubber plug in the rear differential is A 901 997 05 35 if anyone intends to buy new.
