Rear Differential Rebuild Possible?
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2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
Rear Differential Rebuild Possible?
I have a 2012 S550 RWD with about 123k miles on it. Since I've owned it, I have noticed a rumble from the differential while it is not under load. Basically accelerate to 90mph, release gas and coast until 65mph, and you will hear and somewhat feel a distinct rumble. Put the engine under load again and it disappears. My tech at work diagnosed the rear differential as the issue. Mercedes official solution is full replacement. I was curious if anyone has had luck having the rear differential rebuilt? I drove a 30k mile example to compare and there was none of the rumble or noise that is present on my car. Looking for a more economical route than a new diff, and used ones are a bit of a gamble.
Out Of Control!!
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
I have a 2012 S550 RWD with about 123k miles on it. Since I've owned it, I have noticed a rumble from the differential while it is not under load. Basically accelerate to 90mph, release gas and coast until 65mph, and you will hear and somewhat feel a distinct rumble. Put the engine under load again and it disappears. My tech at work diagnosed the rear differential as the issue. Mercedes official solution is full replacement. I was curious if anyone has had luck having the rear differential rebuilt? I drove a 30k mile example to compare and there was none of the rumble or noise that is present on my car. Looking for a more economical route than a new diff, and used ones are a bit of a gamble.
Bearings are a growl or hum that varies with speed and throttle.
Gears are a whine at speed and varies with throttle, with specific speeds that are louder than others.
Which symptom(s) do you have? Look for a rebuilt unit. Rebuilding an axle yourself will be an unlikely project unless you are “in the business”.
Last edited by chassis; Aug 5, 2022 at 12:30 PM.
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2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
Thank you. I've been told its bearing related. They won't do a rebuild at the dealership, which I expected, so I was curious if anyone has had their diff rebuilt before or should I be looking for a replacement?
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S500
not read anyone here, or on UK forum in last 5 year complain about their diff (and u have low miles for one of these to have that issue)
you have 4cv joints on the drive shafts and 2 wheel bearings that might make noises - but again unless you sat in a bath of salt shouldn't do it
- try swapping over the rear tyres - I have a car that makes what I thought was a bearing whine/ very light rumble - been about the same last 3 years.... But the guy doing the MOT last year (UK roadworthiness check) said, need to look at suspension bushes your left rear tyre is starting to have odd wear pattern - didn't believe him went to look and he's right - he went on to say he see's loads of vehicles and the idiots all go off and do wheel bearings, and come back moaning it never made the noise go..
you have 4cv joints on the drive shafts and 2 wheel bearings that might make noises - but again unless you sat in a bath of salt shouldn't do it
- try swapping over the rear tyres - I have a car that makes what I thought was a bearing whine/ very light rumble - been about the same last 3 years.... But the guy doing the MOT last year (UK roadworthiness check) said, need to look at suspension bushes your left rear tyre is starting to have odd wear pattern - didn't believe him went to look and he's right - he went on to say he see's loads of vehicles and the idiots all go off and do wheel bearings, and come back moaning it never made the noise go..
Thread Starter
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Joined: Aug 2021
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2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
not read anyone here, or on UK forum in last 5 year complain about their diff (and u have low miles for one of these to have that issue)
you have 4cv joints on the drive shafts and 2 wheel bearings that might make noises - but again unless you sat in a bath of salt shouldn't do it
- try swapping over the rear tyres - I have a car that makes what I thought was a bearing whine/ very light rumble - been about the same last 3 years.... But the guy doing the MOT last year (UK roadworthiness check) said, need to look at suspension bushes your left rear tyre is starting to have odd wear pattern - didn't believe him went to look and he's right - he went on to say he see's loads of vehicles and the idiots all go off and do wheel bearings, and come back moaning it never made the noise go..
you have 4cv joints on the drive shafts and 2 wheel bearings that might make noises - but again unless you sat in a bath of salt shouldn't do it
- try swapping over the rear tyres - I have a car that makes what I thought was a bearing whine/ very light rumble - been about the same last 3 years.... But the guy doing the MOT last year (UK roadworthiness check) said, need to look at suspension bushes your left rear tyre is starting to have odd wear pattern - didn't believe him went to look and he's right - he went on to say he see's loads of vehicles and the idiots all go off and do wheel bearings, and come back moaning it never made the noise go..
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2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
That seems to be the consensus. Need some help deciphering part #'s if you or anyone can help. The part # I was given by my parts department was 221350391480. I've been scouring ebay and have found a variety of differentials available for the 2012-13 S550 with the M278. All of them share the part # 2213503659. Obviously this does not match but its consistent across the ebay diffs I've found. I'll link an example below.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/16431223652...66ce%7Ciid%3A1
https://www.ebay.com/itm/16431223652...66ce%7Ciid%3A1
Out Of Control!!
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
From memory the ratio is stamped in the axle housing. Maybe also the ring gear diameter. It's been a while since I was under my vehicle looking at the rear axle.
EPC the the gospel here. Crawl under your vehicle and take note of all markings. Then use EPC using your VIN and confirm the part number and gear ratio.
EPC the the gospel here. Crawl under your vehicle and take note of all markings. Then use EPC using your VIN and confirm the part number and gear ratio.
Thread Starter
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2018 S560, 2004 SL500, 2014 S550 (SOLD), 2012 S550 x2(SOLD), 2007 CL600 (SOLD), 2007 S600(SOLD)
WDDNG7DB3CA424184. Hello from Scottsdale!
Member
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 154
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From: MA
e350 4matic wagon 2009
I have a 2012 S550 RWD with about 123k miles on it. Since I've owned it, I have noticed a rumble from the differential while it is not under load. Basically accelerate to 90mph, release gas and coast until 65mph, and you will hear and somewhat feel a distinct rumble. Put the engine under load again and it disappears. My tech at work diagnosed the rear differential as the issue. Mercedes official solution is full replacement. I was curious if anyone has had luck having the rear differential rebuilt? I drove a 30k mile example to compare and there was none of the rumble or noise that is present on my car. Looking for a more economical route than a new diff, and used ones are a bit of a gamble.
https://www.littlebearauto.com/
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CLK550
I need to do this - my rear differential is making a very loud road noise. My usual repair shop just told me it’s the differential and I need a new one. They said Mercedes wants $3300 for just the part, but they might be able to find a good used one for cheaper. They also said they used to rebuild them, but Mercedes locked out the part numbers, so you can’t even get the replacement parts to rebuild. However, it seems like reading this forum, people have been having success on a rebuild. Anyone have a recommendation on company in Northern Virginia that could do this?
Member
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From: MA
e350 4matic wagon 2009
Try calling Little Bear in NY. Explain your situation and ask if he can get and sell you the parts and ship them to your rebuild guy. I remember he had a source for the parts that were not otherwise easy to get. It can't hurt to ask.
https://www.littlebearauto.com/
https://www.littlebearauto.com/
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
Bearings in the differential all have part numbers on them. Bearing supply shops will be able to supply bearings. Carrier bearings rarely fail. It will be bearings on the pinion shaft. I have done dozens of differential rebuilds. Once you have your head around how it works they are easy.
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From: Phoenix
222 S-65
No pics of bearings in that screenshot.
Mercedes part numbers will be different from the SKF part numbers on the bearings. Use the part number on the bearings when inquiring at a bearing shop. MB part numbers at MB. If OP is going to replace bearings a pinion seal will be needed.
Mercedes part numbers will be different from the SKF part numbers on the bearings. Use the part number on the bearings when inquiring at a bearing shop. MB part numbers at MB. If OP is going to replace bearings a pinion seal will be needed.
Last edited by JohnLane; Feb 26, 2023 at 05:21 PM.
