differential oil capacity - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rockhopper · #1 07-06-2002, 11:19 AM

Hey group. I'm new to this forum and would like some advice. I've got a 1983 300D with a noisy differential, and I'm going to try the Redline 80W140 gear oil in it to see if that quiets the noise. Can anyone tell me how much of the gear oil I need to buy....from the Redline website it looks as if it comes in quantities of one quart. Thanks!

engatwork · #2 07-06-2002, 11:31 AM

Get two quarts. Put as much in there as you can from them and then pour whatever is remaining into one of the jugs. Keep adding from this jug until it runs out. You physically can't put all of one quart jug in there unless you are using a pump. Remove the top plug first.

rockhopper · #3 07-06-2002, 05:21 PM

Thanks for the information on the capacity....here's my next question: I just went to Sears and was told that they don't make a 14mm Hex driver for my half-inch ratchet. Where are people finding such a socket attachment for the drain/fill plugs on these cars? I'm in the Washington, DC area if anyone has any suggestions. Thanks.

engatwork · #4 07-06-2002, 06:05 PM

Try Snap On or Mac Tools. www.snapon.com for Snap On.

B300FO · #5 07-06-2002, 06:10 PM

Rockhopper----************************ sells a tool which has one end for the differential drain and the other for the oil pan drain, if you are interested.
Jeff

rockhopper · #6 07-06-2002, 06:34 PM

Thanks for the suggestions...I'll get one from either PP or snapon. I'm hoping that the Redline, too, will help to quiet this differential...it's starting to bug me!

Thanks again.

Ken300D · #7 07-06-2002, 07:08 PM

A well-equipped Trak Auto will have the 14mm socket at a very good price. The brand they carry is "Mr. GoodWrench" and it is a good quality tool. You may have to find a Super Trak in order to get a store large enough to carry the Hex drivers.

You will also eventually need a 5mm to drain the transmission pan. 10mm changes the engine starter and the brake disc rotors I believe.

Can't remember at this moment if the 14mm socket is 1/2" drive or 3/8" drive - will post back later with this info.

Changing to a synthetic differential oil (Mobil One in my case) made the unit run significantly quieter - not a tough job to do either.

Ken300D

#8 07-06-2002, 07:24 PM

Get a 1/2 inch drive 14mm. The PO had put my in must have been a gorilla. Had to use a 18" breaker bar with 4' cheater pipe. They don't need to be this tight. Good luck. Charlie

Ken300D · #9 07-06-2002, 07:32 PM

Just checked - the socket that Trak Auto sells is 1/2" drive. If memory serves it costs somewhere around $8.

Ken300D

rockhopper · #10 07-06-2002, 09:32 PM

Great, thanks everyone for the helpful information!