Change your DIFF fluid!!!!

[714guy]

Well i just changed mine with Mobil 1 Syn. and it FEELS so much better. So if you haven't changed your lately look into it. Labor was only $25 (@ indie benz shop) and 2 quarts of Gear oil was $15 (autozone). Well worth it IMO.

And for you DIYers: PEEP IT (http://www.slk32.com/pages/diffoilchange/diffoilchange.html)

Peace

[nokia8860]

Great find! So when you say feels so much better... what feels so much better?

[jnenad16]

I totally agree with 714, when I changed my diff fluid with redline 75W-90, there was a noticable difference in responce, and this was replacement from castrol syntec gear oil to redline gear oil with pro-blend's drag racing rear end additive. what a difference.

nenad

[ja2k]

Thanks:) :) :)

[714guy]

Originally posted by nokia8860
Great find! So when you say feels so much better... what feels so much better?

The car accelerates better and drives smoother. I also did my tranny service also so it might be a combo of both. But none the less still Worth the money since since most people never even to think of to change it. the mechanic at the shop says they never do it unless people request it. :confused: :confused:

[irieite]

Originally posted by 714guy
Well i just changed mine with Mobil 1 Syn. and it FEELS so much better. So if you haven't changed your lately look into it. Labor was only $25 (@ indie benz shop) and 2 quarts of Gear oil was $15 (autozone). Well worth it IMO.

And for you DIYers: PEEP IT (http://www.slk32.com/pages/diffoilchange/diffoilchange.html)

Peace

Hate to resurrect an old thread, but those safety glasses and gloves just crack me up. heh :p

[rollinrealbig]

my dad did that to my w202.

he lifted the car up @ 50,000 miles. replaced all the oils tranny service, engine service, diff. oil replaced. its about 59K on the car right now it runs very smooth.

I would too recommend this!

[nguyenphananh]

Originally posted by 714guy
Well i just changed mine with Mobil 1 Syn. and it FEELS so much better. So if you haven't changed your lately look into it. Labor was only $25 (@ indie benz shop) and 2 quarts of Gear oil was $15 (autozone). Well worth it IMO.

And for you DIYers: PEEP IT (http://www.slk32.com/pages/diffoilchange/diffoilchange.html)

Peace
Hi 714guy
Im also living in the OC area. Can you please give me the address, name of the shop the done the diff oil change for that price? I've been thinking about doing that for awhile.... just cant find any place that will doing it for a reasonable price. Thank you

[OCKlasse]

Originally posted by nguyenphananh
Hi 714guy
Im also living in the OC area. Can you please give me the address, name of the shop the done the diff oil change for that price? I've been thinking about doing that for awhile.... just cant find any place that will doing it for a reasonable price. Thank you

werd...did you get it done at TWS?

[nguyenphananh]

Originally posted by OCKlasse
werd...did you get it done at TWS?
OCKlass, where is the TWS? address? are they qualified? do you have any experience with them? thanks

[Ashkan's C280]

tws is ass far to drive... I hate it, gotta spend an entire day for it... is there any shops in oc irvinne area we could go to?

[OCKlasse]

Originally posted by Ashkan's C280
tws is ass far to drive... I hate it, gotta spend an entire day for it... is there any shops in oc irvinne area we could go to?

I have heard of Bruce Strauss autocare...but haven't researched it too well...its in Costa Mesa

[nguyenphananh]

can anybody tell me where is tws shop at? thank you

[OCKlasse]

Originally posted by nguyenphananh
can anybody tell me where is tws shop at? thank you

It's in Walnut, in the San Gabriel Valley

http://www.thewheelsupply.com/index.jsp

[nguyenphananh]

Thank you, I'll give them a call

[OCKlasse]

Originally posted by nguyenphananh
Thank you, I'll give them a call

Let me know how much it ends up costing you...

[nguyenphananh]

I called Bruce Strausse and Orange County motor today regarding the diff fluid. This is what both of them told me:
To change rear diff oild and I bring me own fluid: $100+fluid.... Damn... what a ripped off. Does anybody know any better place??

[1995c280]

oh just forget about changing the damn fluid, your just gonna change the entire diff anywayz down the road!!!!!!!!

sorry guys i am is a pissed off mood. my spider gears went out today and ate up my rear end and then i saw that the boot was torn and damaged the axle! almost $4,500 for the parts from my work so obviosuly i can't afford that. i got some connections finding me a used diff and axle shafts (complete).

maybe i can't complain too much seeing as how i got 289,000 miles on the diff and axles but i changed the fluid 1-2 times a year (always poured out clean) and always fixed my leaks immediatly. maybe too much maintaince hurts sometimes...

but for now i am out of a ride for a week at least!!!!!!!

Jason

[Ashkan's C280]

how much would it be to rebuild a diff? Or get new seals and rings, or whatever is needed for the diff, I'm not too sure... So do you think we should still bother doing it, I was intending on doing it soon since I doubt it has ever been changed... Has not been changed since I've owned it...

[1995c280]

it's MUCH cheaper to buy a used one than to try and rebuild the gears and bearings. but i am getting a diff with 150,000 miles on it for $400 so that definately beats the $3,000+ i would have paid but who knows how long it will last and if it was ever beatin on. the reason it's so expensive is because i need one w/o ASR and with the ABS harness goin into the diff also with a 3.27:1 ratio. it's very rare even though i think it's the worst combo come winter/snow season!

just so we are all clear i was letting off some anger to start the last post, but...

ALWAYS CHANGE YOUR DIFF FLUID!!!!!!!!

Jason

[Ashkan's C280]

I would need the same kind of diff as you I think then.. I do not have asr either, and believe I have the same ratio... if you find the part and know where to get it let us know, I believe i'll have to do that sometime as well...

[OzC36]

maybe i can't complain too much seeing as how i got 289,000 miles on the diff and axles but i changed the fluid 1-2 times a year (always poured out clean) and always fixed my leaks immediatly. maybe too much maintaince hurts sometimes...
1995c280,
Bad luck with the diff. With the care and maintenance you gave , it should have lasted forever. Must have been a badly manufacture part. What fluid did you use on your regular changes?

[1995c280]

OzC36, i just used the mobil 1 80w-90 gear oil from my dealer since it's free, LOL. prolly not the best stuff but at the intervals i changed it at, who cares...it alwasy came out clean with no metal shavings. found out on friday during lunch it was definately the spider gears so i called about 50 junk yards. i found 1 with a diff with 103,000 and side axles. guy said $350 cash so i am goin today to get it. everyone else wanted 400-500 for the diff and 150 for each axle so this was a steal. i let you guys know how it turns out. monday i am gonna reseal it after work just to be safe and tuesday it goes in!!!!!!!!!!!

Jason

[OCKlasse]

Originally posted by 1995c280
OzC36, i just used the mobil 1 80w-90 gear oil from my dealer since it's free, LOL. prolly not the best stuff but at the intervals i changed it at, who cares...

Jason

what is the best weight to use??

[Proven Guilty]

Originally posted by Ashkan's C280
tws is ass far to drive... I hate it, gotta spend an entire day for it... is there any shops in oc irvinne area we could go to?

you guys should look up a shop named coast MBZ, its in costa mesa right by south coast plaza mall. the guy that runs it is named john, and he's "the man" when it comes to mercedes. I had their shop take care of my tranny rebuild, and it's stronger now than even a brand new trans could ever be.

i'm sure he would give us a reasonable price on service if we got 5 or more from the OC interested in having maintenance done there.

edit: it's off paularino avenue right next to my old apartment complex.

phone number is 866 473 7911

i'm due for a synthetic oil change, and i'd like to replace the rear diff too. i'll call him on monday and see what kind of prices he can give us. he remembers me cause i'm typically a pain in the ass with asking so many questions ;)

[OCKlasse]

Originally posted by Proven Guilty
you guys should look up a shop named coast MBZ, its in costa mesa right by south coast plaza mall. the guy that runs it is named john, and he's "the man" when it comes to mercedes. I had their shop take care of my tranny rebuild, and it's stronger now than even a brand new trans could ever be.

i'm sure he would give us a reasonable price on service if we got 5 or more from the OC interested in having maintenance done there.

edit: it's off paularino avenue right next to my old apartment complex.

phone number is 866 473 7911

i'm due for a synthetic oil change, and i'd like to replace the rear diff too. i'll call him on monday and see what kind of prices he can give us. he remembers me cause i'm typically a pain in the ass with asking so many questions ;)

tight...I need my trans oil and diff oil changed...hook up a price...see you this afternoon :p

[94benZo]

You guys recommend MobilOil and RedLine over OEM Mercedes fluids??
OEM Fluids are about 2.60 a quart, how much redline or Mobiloil cost?

[1995c280]

Originally posted by 94benZo
You guys recommend MobilOil and RedLine over OEM Mercedes fluids??
OEM Fluids are about 2.60 a quart, how much redline or Mobiloil cost?

OEM Mercedes diff fluid is made by Mobil 1.

Jason

[Metromoto202]

yeah we just use castrol 90 weight

[nguyenphananh]

I have a dumb question: the manual said use 85W-90... Couldnt find any Mobil synthetic with that weight, so I used 75W-90. Is it ok? will it harm the car in the long term? Normally it should be ok, but will all the horrible stories of how expensive to fix the tranny... I better know for sure !! Does anybody know the definitive answere for this??

[94benZo]

Originally posted by 714guy
Well i just changed mine with Mobil 1 Syn. and it FEELS so much better. So if you haven't changed your lately look into it. Labor was only $25 (@ indie benz shop) and 2 quarts of Gear oil was $15 (autozone). Well worth it IMO.

And for you DIYers: PEEP IT (http://www.slk32.com/pages/diffoilchange/diffoilchange.html)

Peace

714Guy, this link is instruction for slk320, everything is exactly the same? like the location of the drain plug and the fill plug?

[Ashkan's C280]

I just had mine changed for about 80, well not for, I paid 80 and had it done at walters in riverside, yes I know very far, and they told me they have some special deal with penzoil (sp) and they make this special kind of diff fluid for mercedes, they had also mentioned to me that I was the first person to have this done in ages, they had to go ask people about it because it had not been done in so long, go figure, and while I was talking to them about tranny and diff fluid and all that lifeitme business, they just looked at me and laughed, they said it was for the lifetime that you owned the car... I guess I would assume most mercedes-benz owners keep their cars for about 4-6 years...? maybe less

[ncd]

Originally posted by nguyenphananh
I have a dumb question: the manual said use 85W-90... Couldnt find any Mobil synthetic with that weight, so I used 75W-90. Is it ok? will it harm the car in the long term? Normally it should be ok, but will all the horrible stories of how expensive to fix the tranny... I better know for sure !! Does anybody know the definitive answere for this??

My cars just recently had a B service and its now at 122K.. its been going to the main dealer for maintainance.. moreless all its life till its presnt mileage.. should i do it?

I really dont want diff or tranny problems :bandit:

[OzC36]

Sealed for life means that the oil will still be there when the tranny blows. A blown tranny is designated as life-expired...dead.

What you don't know is what is the life of your particular tranny 50,000 miles or 250,000 miles?

Experienced tranny folks say that if you replace your tranny fluid and filter on a regular basis, the life of your tranny will be extended!

Of interest, the Australian Supplement to the Operators Handbook for my 1996 C36 says change the tranny fluid every 60,000 kilometres (about 37,000 miles). Go figure!

(sorry to hijack the thread).

[nguyenphananh]

to continue the sagae of diff fluid..
I eventually had my fluid replace by a tranny specialized shop for $15+mobil 1 synth. They specialized in tranny, but not mercedes... so to make sure, I had to supervise them step by step, even make them sealed the tranny at the end. They did a good job, no leak, no problem so far. The car seems to be slicker, more fluidily... but lacks the feel the of isolation, tightness compare to before the fluid replacement. Im not sure if it is due to the fluid (75w-90 compare to mercedes original 85w-90).

[REMUS]

will the sme synthetic oil work for the c230k?


and as I will be doing this change in class, does having the oil drange wrench make this job easier?

[ncd]

For thoses that have done it.. can you comment on the condition of the oil drained and at what mileage you are at...
tnx

i gues the main dealer doesnt get their hands dirty on this front..

[ncd]

Originally posted by ncd
For thoses that have done it.. can you comment on the condition of the oil drained and at what mileage you are at...
tnx

i gues the main dealer doesnt get their hands dirty on this front..

Ok.. well just to give this a UK outlook, I decided to do this.. I just have to know if its ever been done in my car (its got a f-mb-sh) .. Im hoping to see some crappy condition oil comming out, and then we can confirm stealerships.UK policy for the diff.

When I have enough money to get the dipstick/thermal gun I will do the same on transmission.

Im going to take plenty of pics :)

"Diff oil" == "Gear Oil"
Most autospares places give me a weird look when I ask for the "pump" they tell me "it has a Spout".. yep i know there rubish round here most of the time..

I have gathered:
1x 14mm Hex socketed drive
2x Comma Gear Oil SX7 75W-90 (Semi Synthetic)
1x 271 Locktite Bearing N Stud Fit
1x Sun Shades .. lightly tinted ofcorse still got about 70% visibilty with these
babys and you look cool while changing diff oil.. YEAH! :)
1x gardening gloves.. rawwr
1x cut open 5ltr water container to capture oil
1x 5ltr bottle to transfer oil too..
1x WD-40 / Bolt Loosening gunk.
1x Trolley Jack ..
1x 1M bit of garden hose


void diff_service() {
swearing++;
cursing++;
hating++; <-MB service policys
}

I would not advise trying this with out a trolly jack or atleast 2x jack stands..

if you are doing it jacked up with out a pump... feed the hose through the gaps by the wheel and then use gravity have a friend feed the bottle into the pipe while you get full of gear underneath.
what can i say gravity is your friend ;D .. between the three of you, anything is possible.

the car really needs to be level, I found that out at the last second fortunatly if you jack on the left it should be imposible to overfill... but on the right you could possibly easily under fill it..

lastly ... It is WORTH it... you get that black goupe out of your diff, a mechanic friend of mine tells me that the black goupe is riddled with microsopic sheers and splints of metal..

What its done for the car..
Sounds smoother and Acceleration is smoother and Slightly quicker.
and givern it every chance of going smooth for another 120K in that department - with regular service - finger crossed.

notes:
my diff's fill and drain nut where so rusted I can almoust say with certainty that it cant have ever been changed.

[ncd]

some weeks later...
http://img226.imageshack.us/img226/5356/dscn1889xk6.th.jpg (http://img226.imageshack.us/my.php?image=dscn1889xk6.jpg)
no leaks, no side effects .. tnx to all for the guidance