Looking For Rear Differential DIY Replacement
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
99 ml320
Looking For Rear Differential DIY Replacement
Hi everyone,
I've noticed a low hum/grumble from my vehicle for some time. I thought it could be the tires as they were getting pretty shoddy. After a recent DIY tie-rod end replacement, I took the vehicle for alignment. I mentioned the hum/growl I sensed and he diagnosed a failing rear differential.
At 261,000 this isn't a surprise and since I'm tearing it down, I'll do my rear struts at the same time.
Is anyone aware of a rear differential replacement instruct anywhere?
thank you, all!
I've noticed a low hum/grumble from my vehicle for some time. I thought it could be the tires as they were getting pretty shoddy. After a recent DIY tie-rod end replacement, I took the vehicle for alignment. I mentioned the hum/growl I sensed and he diagnosed a failing rear differential.
At 261,000 this isn't a surprise and since I'm tearing it down, I'll do my rear struts at the same time.
Is anyone aware of a rear differential replacement instruct anywhere?
thank you, all!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2011
Posts: 7,107
Likes: 765
From: Bronx, N.Y.
2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
Miguel, before you change anything, drain and replace the fluid and see if the noise diminishes.
Go to your local M/B dealer and purchase the correct fluid. Have your full vin# ready.
Go to your local M/B dealer and purchase the correct fluid. Have your full vin# ready.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
From: Dallas
99 ml320
I did empty and replace the fluid. I wish the stuff hand't been $60 for a quart!! The truck made the full 6,200 miles of our trip without a hitch. Well, the fan clutch locked up about 8 hours from home, but the drivetrain worked like a champ.
The rear differential is definitely taking a nose dive. Something about the alignment of the gears... at times it's smooth and quite, other times it's audibly grinding. At 270,000 miles, I'm not complaining though. Gonna replace that thing and get it to a half million.
The rear differential is definitely taking a nose dive. Something about the alignment of the gears... at times it's smooth and quite, other times it's audibly grinding. At 270,000 miles, I'm not complaining though. Gonna replace that thing and get it to a half million.
