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so I’m getting some hard thumping at the front of my vehicle when I accelerate and the mechanic told me my transfer case is done.
I plan on selling next spring so really trying to budget the repair.
I found a transfer case used with low mileage but want to make sure it will fit my 2013 GL550.
a dealer told me the part I need is A251 280 35 00 80
the seller indicated this one would work on mine but just wanted to confirm:
So i am on my second replacement transfer case for my 13 GL 450. I replaced my original TC in February. I did what you did. I took the dealer part number and found that wow, this "form factor" for the TC has been used for years across many different models. What I have learned is that even though they will fit, you may not get the best life. My first replacement case from ( E B A Y) lasted about 5 months and 2500 miles. I managed to find the only on that site that had my part number on it and not a similar part. The reason you have to be specific is because there are different models supported. ML, GL, RL. Off-road, non off-road. 450 and 550 are slightly different I believe but I dont know the specifics as to why. Also, i have a good indi german shop that does my heavy work. They (and most other shops) refuse to rebuild these.
I spent $1000 for the first TC which was remanufactured. The model number was A2512802900
I spent $800 on the second TC which was used. The model number is A251280350080
My indie shop charged 800 in labor plus fluid for the installs for both. On another note, the seller of the first said it came with a 1 yr warranty. They have been 100% unresponsive. I did purchase Allstate insurance that the site offered for $129 I think. I have been working with them to see if they will refund my cost. Needless to say I am a little disillusioned with old girl. Think its time for a change.
On the X164, it seems that most are able to fix by changing the chain inside the case. Not sure if that will fix the issue but it may be worth checking.
On the X164, it seems that most are able to fix by changing the chain inside the case. Not sure if that will fix the issue but it may be worth checking.
Yup, same with x166 - it's the stretched chain that skips the teeth of the gear. As long as the part that holds the plastic "tensioner" isn't broken, all you need to do is replace the chain and maybe the gears/bearings, depending on how worn they are.
There are complete rebuild kits available on ebay and elsewhere, as well as just the chain. I think I even saw someone replace the chain without removing the transfer case.
The problem is that most shops don't want to do it for some reason - they'd rather just swap the transfer case for a new one.
So i am on my second replacement transfer case for my 13 GL 450. I replaced my original TC in February. I did what you did. I took the dealer part number and found that wow, this "form factor" for the TC has been used for years across many different models. What I have learned is that even though they will fit, you may not get the best life. My first replacement case from ( E B A Y) lasted about 5 months and 2500 miles. I managed to find the only on that site that had my part number on it and not a similar part. The reason you have to be specific is because there are different models supported. ML, GL, RL. Off-road, non off-road. 450 and 550 are slightly different I believe but I dont know the specifics as to why. Also, i have a good indi german shop that does my heavy work. They (and most other shops) refuse to rebuild these.
I spent $1000 for the first TC which was remanufactured. The model number was A2512802900
I spent $800 on the second TC which was used. The model number is A251280350080
My indie shop charged 800 in labor plus fluid for the installs for both. On another note, the seller of the first said it came with a 1 yr warranty. They have been 100% unresponsive. I did purchase Allstate insurance that the site offered for $129 I think. I have been working with them to see if they will refund my cost. Needless to say I am a little disillusioned with old girl. Think its time for a change.
sounds like a headache. The good news is I’m probably selling next spring.
Originally Posted by BlownV8
On the X164, it seems that most are able to fix by changing the chain inside the case. Not sure if that will fix the issue but it may be worth checking.
the mechanic actually told me to find either a transfer case or a chain so you’re right. The friend that I have that works for Mercedes told me to just change the transfer case.
Originally Posted by mtm
Yup, same with x166 - it's the stretched chain that skips the teeth of the gear. As long as the part that holds the plastic "tensioner" isn't broken, all you need to do is replace the chain and maybe the gears/bearings, depending on how worn they are.
There are complete rebuild kits available on ebay and elsewhere, as well as just the chain. I think I even saw someone replace the chain without removing the transfer case.
The problem is that most shops don't want to do it for some reason - they'd rather just swap the transfer case for a new one.
I’m going to ask the mechanic what he’ll charge to swap the chain.
what do chains cost around and are they all the same for our transfer cases?
I purchased a complete set of spares for the transfer case just to have everything on hand if something other than the chain was bad. I bought from this seller on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/143571476650
The kit was all OEM parts and was great, but once I got inside I only needed the chain. As posted above it's easy to source a Morse-Borg Warner chain for under $100.
Install at local shop (removal of case; open case; replace chain; clean components; reseal case; reinstall case) was just about $1,000. All the other components were in very serviceable condition so I sold the spare parts on ebay.
This is a much better option that a rebuilt case with an unknown history.
Video link below is how stretched out the old chain was - it was bad!
I purchased a complete set of spares for the transfer case just to have everything on hand if something other than the chain was bad. I bought from this seller on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/143571476650
The kit was all OEM parts and was great, but once I got inside I only needed the chain. As posted above it's easy to source a Morse-Borg Warner chain for under $100.
Install at local shop (removal of case; open case; replace chain; clean components; reseal case; reinstall case) was just about $1,000. All the other components were in very serviceable condition so I sold the spare parts on ebay.
This is a much better option that a rebuilt case with an unknown history.
Video link below is how stretched out the old chain was - it was bad!
Nice job. That chain was stretched out bad.
So what’s the labor hours for replacing just the chain compared to replacing the transfer case?
I have 2 options:
1. get a transfer case which I found for $600 with “low mileage” and basically pay next to nothing for labor because the mechanic is a great friend old business partner.
or
2.get the chain and have to go to a better mechanic to do the work because I don’t know if my mechanic is qualified to do that job if that makes sense?
would changing the transfer case be an easier job then swapping the chain?
Changing the case is easier - the chain requires the additional steps to open the transfer case, replace chain, clean it, re-seal and close. That takes 24 hours since the RTV needs to harden.
Changing the case is easier - the chain requires the additional steps to open the transfer case, replace chain, clean it, re-seal and close. That takes 24 hours since the RTV needs to harden.
oh ok, then my only choice is to replace it.
would you pick a used one with “low mileage” over a remanufactured one for the same price?
If you are really planning to get rid of the car in a few months, it doesn't really matter - either one will likely last that long.
Otherwise I'd go the route I went - get a case that was rebuilt by a reputable shop using genuine parts. More expensive, but the case will be good for another 100K miles. I guess you would also feel better selling the car if it's a person to person sale.
If you are really planning to get rid of the car in a few months, it doesn't really matter - either one will likely last that long.
Otherwise I'd go the route I went - get a case that was rebuilt by a reputable shop using genuine parts. More expensive, but the case will be good for another 100K miles. I guess you would also feel better selling the car if it's a person to person sale.
how do I find one? Do I call local reputable shops near me and ask them if they sell rebuilt ones?
It would be unheard for a local shop to have one on hand.
If you don't have a lead on a replacement transfer case, find a local transmission shop and give them the job - let them open your case and change the chain. It really is not complicated, degree of difficult 3/10 for an experienced tech. The hardest part is opening the case as there is only one spot to pry.
how do I find one? Do I call local reputable shops near me and ask them if they sell rebuilt ones?
This is the one I bought. He ships it to you in a huge rubbermaid box along with a UPS return shipping label. When you ship your old one back to him, he refunds you $500
It ends up on the expensive side, but the guy uses original parts and has been doing it for a while for MB, BMW etc.
I bought mine a year ago and it's been working flawlessly for about 25K miles.
This is the one I bought. He ships it to you in a huge rubbermaid box along with a UPS return shipping label. When you ship your old one back to him, he refunds you $500
It ends up on the expensive side, but the guy uses original parts and has been doing it for a while for MB, BMW etc.
I bought mine a year ago and it's been working flawlessly for about 25K miles.
It would be unheard for a local shop to have one on hand.
If you don't have a lead on a replacement transfer case, find a local transmission shop and give them the job - let them open your case and change the chain. It really is not complicated, degree of difficult 3/10 for an experienced tech. The hardest part is opening the case as there is only one spot to pry.
Sounds good. I’ll call around some transmission shops and see if they can give me an estimate on the chain replacement. Thanks!
No problem. I had a buddy do mine and grease it all back up. Took no more than 2 hours so make sure if you swap the chain they don’t bend you over. Also there are some bearings in there as well. Should you need to replace them I can sell you the extra I have or send you the link. Will have to hunt wheee I bought them from. Chain however likely all you need and be done cheaply and back to normal.
No problem. I had a buddy do mine and grease it all back up. Took no more than 2 hours so make sure if you swap the chain they don’t bend you over. Also there are some bearings in there as well. Should you need to replace them I can sell you the extra I have or send you the link. Will have to hunt wheee I bought them from. Chain however likely all you need and be done cheaply and back to normal.
Im still waiting on a price from the mechanic I use. I called a few transmission places who told me they won’t touch that job.
Once I get a price I’ll message you for the bearings. Wish someone can refer me to a reputable shop in Michigan that won’t bend me over lol
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