2011 GL450 Chain Stretch/Transfer Case noise
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 169
Likes: 9
From: Houston
E55(gone), Tesla Model S P90DL, MB GL 450
2011 GL450 Chain Stretch/Transfer Case noise
Hello all,
We have a gorgeous 2011 GL 450 that we love driving. It's knocking on 110k miles now. A few weeks ago we noticed the infamous front chatter, which I believe to be caused by the chain stretching in the transfer case. Symptoms are exactly as described by others, during slightly more than moderate acceleration, chatter occurs. Can be avoided if accelerating gently.
My independent shop said no one will repair the transfer case, it needs to be replaced, to the tune of $3800.00. Is this something a transmission shop can help with? Or any other thoughts? I'm located in Houston, TX if that helps...
We've been impacted by Covid financially and recently experienced some damages to our house from water pipes bursting during this winter freeze. So looking for budget friendly recommendations.
Thanks,
- Zishan
We have a gorgeous 2011 GL 450 that we love driving. It's knocking on 110k miles now. A few weeks ago we noticed the infamous front chatter, which I believe to be caused by the chain stretching in the transfer case. Symptoms are exactly as described by others, during slightly more than moderate acceleration, chatter occurs. Can be avoided if accelerating gently.
My independent shop said no one will repair the transfer case, it needs to be replaced, to the tune of $3800.00. Is this something a transmission shop can help with? Or any other thoughts? I'm located in Houston, TX if that helps...
We've been impacted by Covid financially and recently experienced some damages to our house from water pipes bursting during this winter freeze. So looking for budget friendly recommendations.
Thanks,
- Zishan
Super Member
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 622
Likes: 202
From: CA
11 ML550, 95 Supra TT, 14 Audi S4
They can be rebuilt, and rebuilt units are also available. I got one for $1,350 last year from: https://tcbmwx5.wordpress.com/ last year, although I don't see MB xfer cases listed on their website now. I did the install myself, but it shouldn't be really expensive to pay someone to do it. It took me ~4 hours, with a big chunk of time working on one bolt I didn't have the right combo of tools for. With a lift and a better equipped toolbox, you could probably do it in half that time.
Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 394
Likes: 155
2013 E63 P30, 2010 GL550
I have written a detailed 3-part DIY article on the transfer case. Search is your friend on this forum.
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...art-1-3-a.html
https://mbworld.org/forums/gl-class-...art-1-3-a.html
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 169
Likes: 9
From: Houston
E55(gone), Tesla Model S P90DL, MB GL 450
All, thank you for the replies.
I did search- where I've gathered the basic diagnosis. My search results ended up intimating me, plus, back issues, etc. I thought I'd look at recommendations where to get it fixed. If there was some shop locally that does the rebuild vs replacing. If simple enough, maybe a transmission shop?
Thus far, I've been making calls to local transmission shops to see if they can help, but most want me to bring it in to properly diagnose. Will continue my search.
Thanks again,
- Zishan
I did search- where I've gathered the basic diagnosis. My search results ended up intimating me, plus, back issues, etc. I thought I'd look at recommendations where to get it fixed. If there was some shop locally that does the rebuild vs replacing. If simple enough, maybe a transmission shop?
Thus far, I've been making calls to local transmission shops to see if they can help, but most want me to bring it in to properly diagnose. Will continue my search.
Thanks again,
- Zishan
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2010
Posts: 3,114
Likes: 782
NGL450 w/EORP, S550
If you can't DIY just get a known good used transfer case and find a shop that will charge you labor for swapping in your brought part.
LKQ or fleabay for the part.
Over to you to find a shop that'll use customer brought parts.
Just tell them you don't like the transfer case that's in it and leave it at that.
You'll probably have to assume risk and waive their repair warranty (other than the bolts and nuts falling off, that is).
LKQ or fleabay for the part.
Over to you to find a shop that'll use customer brought parts.
Just tell them you don't like the transfer case that's in it and leave it at that.
You'll probably have to assume risk and waive their repair warranty (other than the bolts and nuts falling off, that is).
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 169
Likes: 9
From: Houston
E55(gone), Tesla Model S P90DL, MB GL 450
Just to follow up on this and how it was resolved. I ended up purchasing a new/rebuilt case on eBay for $1,000 and paid a buddy who works out of his house (used to own a performance shop). Approx $250 = Total $1,250
Running like a champ again and we decided to celebrate with a trip thru the winding roads of Austin!
Thanks again,
- Zishan
Running like a champ again and we decided to celebrate with a trip thru the winding roads of Austin!
Thanks again,
- Zishan
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