W163 Transfer case question???
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Member
Joined: Jan 2020
Posts: 85
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Saab
W163 Transfer case question???
Hello all, Have a 2001 ML320 that I bought four years ago that I am second owner.. When I purchased i could have sworn the guy told be he just change transfer case oil. Fast forward to now as I started getting a clicking noise low speeds while under acceleration especially in a turn. In doing some digging folks have said transfer case has a chain and could be loose causing issue. Have vehicle at local indy shop and he ruled out half shafts and carrier bearing. He stated sounds like it's coming from transfer case. Question can transfer case be rebuilt? Or should I find a used or rebuilt one worh low miles? Also could a gear oil change fix problem? Thanks for feedback
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2026
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GLC220d X253 2017
Hello all, Have a 2001 ML320 that I bought four years ago that I am second owner.. When I purchased i could have sworn the guy told be he just change transfer case oil. Fast forward to now as I started getting a clicking noise low speeds while under acceleration especially in a turn. In doing some digging folks have said transfer case has a chain and could be loose causing issue. Have vehicle at local indy shop and he ruled out half shafts and carrier bearing. He stated sounds like it's coming from transfer case. Question can transfer case be rebuilt? Or should I find a used or rebuilt one worh low miles? Also could a gear oil change fix problem? Thanks for feedback
Member
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 76
Likes: 13
From: Lakewood, Ca
2001 ML 320
Hello all, Have a 2001 ML320 that I bought four years ago that I am second owner.. When I purchased i could have sworn the guy told be he just change transfer case oil. Fast forward to now as I started getting a clicking noise low speeds while under acceleration especially in a turn. In doing some digging folks have said transfer case has a chain and could be loose causing issue. Have vehicle at local indy shop and he ruled out half shafts and carrier bearing. He stated sounds like it's coming from transfer case. Question can transfer case be rebuilt? Or should I find a used or rebuilt one worh low miles? Also could a gear oil change fix problem? Thanks for feedback
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 62
Likes: 1
From: So. California
Change it right
The transmission oil change was not handled well by the factory on these early W163s, the oil change procedure was developed a few years later when the forever fill began to fail. Find that procedure and then find a tech who is willing to follow it. A BMW independent did mine, the other way is multiple drain pan drops and refills to get most of the old oil out. As you probably know there was no dip stick but I got mine on eBay for a few bucks, check it hot with engine running.
