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Looking For Rear Differential DIY Replacement

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Old 08-28-2016, 10:22 AM
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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!
Old 08-29-2016, 08:14 AM
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1999 E300TD
For that job you want all the documentation at Startek WIS!!
Old 08-30-2016, 04:44 AM
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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.
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Old 09-06-2016, 02:43 PM
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Right on. I'll do this and see how it does on our upcoming road trip.
Old 12-21-2016, 07:58 PM
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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.

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