Worn Front Differential
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2006 R 350
Worn Front Differential
Hi all,
I'm a long-time MB owner but new to the site.
Previously I had an E 350 wagon.
I have an R 350 now and took it to dealer for what I thought were minor repairs. But also asked him to check the car as it was driving a bit rough.
I'm told that the front differential is worn.
Estimate is $3700. I've also received an estimate for Thermostat replacement ($650) and leaking centrifuge cover ($210).
From looking through the site, I see that worn front differential is a common problem for R class at 75k, which is about what I have.
However, it's not clear to me what the fix should be. The above numbers for a 2006 car seem incredibly high.
Would anyone care to share their wisdom and guidance with me?
Many thanks.
I'm a long-time MB owner but new to the site.
Previously I had an E 350 wagon.
I have an R 350 now and took it to dealer for what I thought were minor repairs. But also asked him to check the car as it was driving a bit rough.
I'm told that the front differential is worn.
Estimate is $3700. I've also received an estimate for Thermostat replacement ($650) and leaking centrifuge cover ($210).
From looking through the site, I see that worn front differential is a common problem for R class at 75k, which is about what I have.
However, it's not clear to me what the fix should be. The above numbers for a 2006 car seem incredibly high.
Would anyone care to share their wisdom and guidance with me?
Many thanks.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 85
Likes: 2
2007 R320 4matic / Airmatic
Your description is so vague it is difficult to comment on it:
What specifically do you mean by "driving a bit rough"? That could mean countless different things.
What is the reason for replacing the thermostat - is the car overheating?
I'm also curious to know what a "centrifuge cover" is, as I've never heard of such a thing outside of a laboratory.
For a potentially expensive repair, it's best to go find a 2nd or 3rd opinion from an independent mercedes shop.
What specifically do you mean by "driving a bit rough"? That could mean countless different things.
What is the reason for replacing the thermostat - is the car overheating?
I'm also curious to know what a "centrifuge cover" is, as I've never heard of such a thing outside of a laboratory.
For a potentially expensive repair, it's best to go find a 2nd or 3rd opinion from an independent mercedes shop.
Last edited by PeteInLongBeach; Feb 6, 2014 at 04:04 PM.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
2006 R 350
Thanks. The "rough" was an overall vibration when I was not accelerating. It just felt off which is why I took it in, thinking there was a minor adjustment. Was not expecting this bill. I'll follow-up on your questions with the primary and get another opinion as well. Hopefully there is someone out there who might do it for less. I'm also wondering if I shouldn't go back to the E Wagon. Looked on Consumer Reports and 06 R class is listed under Worst of the Worst. Too late for me but perhaps helpful for someone else.
Member
Joined: Feb 2013
Posts: 85
Likes: 2
2007 R320 4matic / Airmatic
A vibration could be a tire, a wheel, worn suspension component, or something else.
A bad differential will usually display a howling, whining, or grinding noise, usually upon deceleration, with a volume and/or rhythm directly proportional to road speed (as opposed to engine speed).
It is adviseable to change the fluids in the front/rear differentials and transfer case at regular intervals. I do mine when the transmission fluid gets changed every 40,000 miles.
I would not accept the first diagnoses without getting a couple other opinions.
A bad differential will usually display a howling, whining, or grinding noise, usually upon deceleration, with a volume and/or rhythm directly proportional to road speed (as opposed to engine speed).
It is adviseable to change the fluids in the front/rear differentials and transfer case at regular intervals. I do mine when the transmission fluid gets changed every 40,000 miles.
I would not accept the first diagnoses without getting a couple other opinions.
Last edited by PeteInLongBeach; Feb 6, 2014 at 04:20 PM.
