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Differential and transfer case fluid change completed
Yesterday I decide to do my oil change plus both differentials and transfer case fluids on my 2014 ML63. 80K on the odometer and I thought it might be a good time to do all these fluids.
I bought all my fluids from FCPEURO and rear differential drain plugs. I got the front differential plugs from the dealer as they are not the same as the rear one. Transfer case you might want to change only the copper washers unless they are rusted by MY14 ML63 is a Florida vehicle so all plugs were in great shape. This is what I used for this job.
3qt Mercedes Benz OEM 75W85
1qt FUCHS ATF 4134 for Mercedes Benz ( red color )
Metric Hex bit socket H8 for the front differential and transfer case plugs
Metric Hex bit socket H14 for the rear differential plugs
Draining the fluids was easy and they were all at different stages of degradation. Rear Diff looked very good and could have made it another 30-40k. Front Diff was visibly darker but not black. Transfer case was black without any hint of the original red color but that one takes only .5qt so it is understandable. I will recommend using higher volume pump if you want to overfill a little bit the transfer case as I did. I removed the fill plug first and nothing poured out of the differentials but it did from the transfer case. Then I removed the drain plug to drain the fluids. I filled the differentials until a steady stream of fluid start coming out. You will have left over almost a quart of the Diff fluid and 300ml of the ATF. You probably can get a way with 2qt of the 75W85 but I would not recommend it. To do my work I use a place in Miami area called garage yourself that gives you a lift and all the tools you can ask for for a flat rate of $30 an hour so for me it is a no brainer. I also did a brake fluid flush as well. Each fluid will take you no more than 15 min if you have the car lifted and leveled. I did remove the wheels for the brake fluid flush and use the opportunity to rotate them.
Looking for part numbers for drain and fill plugs for both diffs and transfer case. Looking at online OEM parts suppliers, there is no plug shown in diagrams of any of them. Also need gasket / washer for each of necessary.
Front axle plug with sealing ring A 164 331 00 56, qty:2 required --> same as GLE350 4MATIC W166
Rear axle plug A 352 997 00 32, qty: 2 required -->. same as GLE350 4MATIC W166
Transfer case sealing ring N 007603 016105, qty: 2 required --> same as GLE350 4MATIC W166
Transfer case plug A 002 990 06 12 --> I reused the old plug with new sealing ring
The rear axle plug is a challenge to remove because of exhaust pipe proximity. I was able to get a socket with hex bit on the plug, barely. Expect some difficulty there.
Transfer case plugs are easy.
Removing the front axle plug I think needs an extension and/or swivel.
I’m planning on doing this fluid change as well and am wondering what performance fluids are available? Such as Amsoil, Royal Purple, etc? Or maybe a better overall performing fluid for our differentials?
I’m planning on doing this fluid change as well and am wondering what performance fluids are available? Such as Amsoil, Royal Purple, etc? Or maybe a better overall performing fluid for our differentials?
There are very few fluids that claim the spec rating for the diff fluid, and most are not easily available in USA. I ended up just ordering the MB stuff from FCP Euro.
I’m planning on doing this fluid change as well and am wondering what performance fluids are available? Such as Amsoil, Royal Purple, etc? Or maybe a better overall performing fluid for our differentials?
E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
Gear oil is gear oil, except when it's thinned down to an 80 weight for a little mpg, and when it's crap like Lucas or Royal Purple. Mobil 1 or Valvoline 75w-90 is excellent. best TC fluid is Dexron 6, Dex 3 was specified but is long obsolete. ATF+4 is good too, as is a good Dex 3 like Mobil 1 ATF, but Dex 6 is very advanced. I add 20-50% gear oil to the TC if extreme conditions are expected.
E Coupe C207, ML W166, ML W164, Sprinter 1500/144, W111 SB220 Fintail(s), A5 chassis Beetle 5+5
Ok, a little GL-5 gear oil is ok, but the clutch packs in the diff don't like the friction additives. The best thickener is Manual Trans Fluid for synchros it doesn't have the friction additives, GL-4 like $10 Pennzoil Synchromesh. I would use up to 50% for extreme driving or extreme heat.
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