Rear differential help needed
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
From: Ca
2011 S550
Rear differential help needed
Recently purchased a 2011 s550 with 80k miles non 4matic and am having rear diff noise. Thought it was wheel hub but upon further diagnosing, i was able to isolate the noise to be coming from diff. Sounds like the passenger side carrier bearing is the culprit. Took it to a local indy shop who also said it was the carrier bearing. Quoted me 700 just for labor and they would have to get back to me on parts. Want to take on the job myself. Does anyone know what needs to be taken off for bearing replacement? Can i just pop the axle seal off and replace bearing from there? Is bearing pressed? Or complete diff drop? Doesnt seem to be pressed but never have had to open diff up either so dont know how these are built. Any advice will be much appreciated!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Aug 2014
Posts: 5,322
Likes: 1,678
S500
if simple then it will be cheap, if a reputable garage.....
if you haven't done this before and don't have a ramp, support info and decent tools is it worth the fight ? the bushes holding the diff in the car are often heavily worn, so might be worth doing at the same time.... as would the STUPID bracket on the anti-roll bar for the airmatic level sensor..... ($30 part nightmare to fit)
if you haven't done this before and don't have a ramp, support info and decent tools is it worth the fight ? the bushes holding the diff in the car are often heavily worn, so might be worth doing at the same time.... as would the STUPID bracket on the anti-roll bar for the airmatic level sensor..... ($30 part nightmare to fit)
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 3
Likes: 2
From: Ca
2011 S550
if simple then it will be cheap, if a reputable garage.....
if you haven't done this before and don't have a ramp, support info and decent tools is it worth the fight ? the bushes holding the diff in the car are often heavily worn, so might be worth doing at the same time.... as would the STUPID bracket on the anti-roll bar for the airmatic level sensor..... ($30 part nightmare to fit)
if you haven't done this before and don't have a ramp, support info and decent tools is it worth the fight ? the bushes holding the diff in the car are often heavily worn, so might be worth doing at the same time.... as would the STUPID bracket on the anti-roll bar for the airmatic level sensor..... ($30 part nightmare to fit)
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 362
Likes: 186
2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
Shop wants to drop the diff and open it up. Doesnt seem like that needs to happen in order to replace bearing. But i cant seem find anything on how these diffs are put together. Wondering if the side seals are a way to access bearings, as backplate on this diff looks too small to have gears and bearings come out as one unit like most 'pressed' bearings. this diff dont look as big as lets say a trucks rear diff. That have pressed bearings. I have all tools needed to take the job on. Just trying to avoid a full drop. And this shop isnt a 'foreign' car specialist. Just a local tranny shop. Did go to a local 'foreign' shop also and they want to replace the whole assembly. For over 1000. It just needs a bearing replacement. Lol. Thanks for the info botus. Will check that out aswell. Although everything else seems okay.
Newbie
Joined: Jan 2026
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
‘92 350GDT, 93 290GD Kastenwagen, ‘93 250 LWB Wolf
May be u can find a sprinter indie shop that may specialize axle repair? Up to 2007 Sprinters, the diffs are the same. I lived in Tokyo for over 10yrs and understand the mindset there and they are pretty square box. But if some mechanics there may be a bit flexible, you can hold their hands and work thru this.
Do you have good access to MB dealer parts? Not too many of the G axle experts carry diff shims in their pockets. So if one is needed, it may set back the completion if your idea is to temporarily import a mechanic..
Is purchase and shipping another set that much more expensive? I would think this is the best solution. Your challenge is to find a good axle mechanics but easier problem to solve.
A quicker turn around is to find a G wagen with same axle ratio and swap. Then turn around and sell and ship to USA or Canada at a discount. I assume u can buy one and avoid brokers BS fees and pass the savings to the overseas buyers. This is assuming the axles are “rollable”.
PM me if you have more questions.
Do you have good access to MB dealer parts? Not too many of the G axle experts carry diff shims in their pockets. So if one is needed, it may set back the completion if your idea is to temporarily import a mechanic..
Is purchase and shipping another set that much more expensive? I would think this is the best solution. Your challenge is to find a good axle mechanics but easier problem to solve.
A quicker turn around is to find a G wagen with same axle ratio and swap. Then turn around and sell and ship to USA or Canada at a discount. I assume u can buy one and avoid brokers BS fees and pass the savings to the overseas buyers. This is assuming the axles are “rollable”.
PM me if you have more questions.
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