sinclair808

I have a 2013 GL450. Started to get the clunking noise every now and then, now it's more prevalent on acceleration. My mechanic says it needs a new transfer case ($6K). I can't find any definitive answers in the forums, but is it possible to just replace the chain for thousands less? Or, is the only option to replace the whole case in the 2013?

MJ50

moved to X166 forum...

mtm

Most likely it's the chain skipping. Depending on wear, you may just need a new chain (sells for about $90 on Amazon), or possibly also a new plastic guide and new gears/bearings.

When it happened to my GL, I couldn't find a mechanic willing to replace the chain, so I bought a rebuilt transfer case on ebay and had it replaced by a local shop. Labor was around $700. The transfer case was around $1,500 after I returned the old one as a core.

olesouthernboy

The chain job is easy. Remove the rear driveshaft and split the case without removing it (gl350 diesel anyway). Chain slides right out and the new one goes right back in. I think I could do it in 2-4 hours now that I’ve done it once.

mcoady1

Any transmission shop should be able to replace the chain easily if you are not willing to do it. I convinced a very no-European,car, country boy transmission shop to work on the Benz by showing them pictures of the repair, I believe from Amazon. Once they saw how straightforward it was, they agreed and all-in was $750 including parts.