ryancolla

First-time caller, long-time listener.

I'm on a road trip traveling the US in my 2013 GLK 350. After a transmission noise became apparent, I sought a mechanic's advice (currently in Tampa, FL). The shop told me it was a bad transfer case, but that they were having trouble locating a shop that had the parts I would need and would be able to fix it. They recommended I take it to Mercedes for repair because of their access to the needed parts. I took it to Mercedes, and they told me they viewed the transfer case and transmission as one part and could not fix it. They offered to replace it (brand new transfer case and transmission) for $10k.

I'm looking for a better solution, and I still believe there is somebody out there who can fix my transfer case. Any suggestions as to where to start on this? The first mechanic I took it to was looking to outsource the transfer case rebuild/repair and was coming up empty-handed. That gives me a low degree of confidence that I'll be able to find a transmission/transfer case repair shop that can help.

This car is my lifeline for traveling the states, and I'm a bit up the creek without a paddle at this point. Looking for some solid guidance, thanks.

Mmr1

Is it drivable , what is the noise? , does it have oil in it and has it been changed? You can get used transmissions on eBay for about 2000 with a 30 day guarantee. I just look looked at a few. How many miles on it? Try to get home with it and take care of it. It may be out of service awhile . Dealers are not the place to go.

habbyguy

There are two sources of noise in a GLK transfer case - the most common source of the noise is bad bearings, and the other is a bad U-joint in the front output shaft gear cluster.

It IS difficult to find the info and get someone who knows how to fix these things. Luckily, I did the heavy lifting and found the parts, and put together a couple videos to guide the DIY-er (or the shop) through the process. I included links and info on finding the parts you'll need, and included that info in the video description. I did two videos - the second came about after I learned a bit more about bearing preloading in the MB transfer case, and to avoid damaging the (very fragile) front output shaft seal. I'd strongly suggest watching both even if you do take it to a shop for repair, as you'll be miles ahead understanding the process well enough to know whether the shop knows what they're doing (or not). Hint - many won't.

Here are links to the videos:

habbyguy

Second video:

Mmr1

Yea my noise was a bad ujoint , from fighting 13” of snow ! It cost me about 5-600. A dealer wanted 2000.

habbyguy

You found someone to replace the output shaft gear cluster for $2000? That's by far the best price I've seen (and would consider that a VERY fair price), given everything else that has to be done to do this repair.

I assume the $5-600 was for JUST the output shaft gear cluster (seems like that's what mine cost from the supplier in Poland)...