Front Axle / CV Joint
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Joined: Oct 2007
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2012 C300, 2009 ML63 AMG, 1986 560SL
Front Axle / CV Joint
Looking for advice here regarding a 2006 ML500 with 105k miles
Recently replaced front differential bearings per instructions found on this forum which were extremely helpful.
Immediately fixed my noise issue from front. This was preformed by a friend who I consider competent.
After about 2000 miles I noticed a new type of noise. This was faint and only noticeable in certain conditions: acceleration in the 20-30 mph range from front driver side. Sounded like a thumping vs a whining/grinding.
This time around, I asked my regular mechanic to check things out during a routine oil change. He says the front axle was "hammered" and ground back into place and I need to replace the front axle which was quoted at $1100 parts and labor. He said it was a safety concern and needed to be replaced asap. He also mentioned the work that was performed was not up to their standards such as using proper tools to pull/replace the parts. I have been going to this same mechanic who specializes in MB for 8 years and trust them 100%. However I do know they use oem only parts and charge book labor at $90/hour.
I asked my friend about his interaction with the front axle during the bearing replacement on the front differential and he said yes he did have to hammer it back in but wasn't anything abnormal and that the cv joints usually go bad around 100k. He looked up the parts and non-oem are about $135 per side. Labor will be practically free as he owes me a favor.
My question is this: what would you do? Is there a reason to spend $1100 vs $135? Given the issue, the answer is not as simple as which option costs less.
Thanks for your help in advance
Recently replaced front differential bearings per instructions found on this forum which were extremely helpful.
Immediately fixed my noise issue from front. This was preformed by a friend who I consider competent.
After about 2000 miles I noticed a new type of noise. This was faint and only noticeable in certain conditions: acceleration in the 20-30 mph range from front driver side. Sounded like a thumping vs a whining/grinding.
This time around, I asked my regular mechanic to check things out during a routine oil change. He says the front axle was "hammered" and ground back into place and I need to replace the front axle which was quoted at $1100 parts and labor. He said it was a safety concern and needed to be replaced asap. He also mentioned the work that was performed was not up to their standards such as using proper tools to pull/replace the parts. I have been going to this same mechanic who specializes in MB for 8 years and trust them 100%. However I do know they use oem only parts and charge book labor at $90/hour.
I asked my friend about his interaction with the front axle during the bearing replacement on the front differential and he said yes he did have to hammer it back in but wasn't anything abnormal and that the cv joints usually go bad around 100k. He looked up the parts and non-oem are about $135 per side. Labor will be practically free as he owes me a favor.
My question is this: what would you do? Is there a reason to spend $1100 vs $135? Given the issue, the answer is not as simple as which option costs less.
Thanks for your help in advance
