Hello Everyone,

Thanks for the great advice. Thanks to you guys I have replaced brakes, tie rod (inner and outer), catalytic converter and almost the spark plugs. This board has saved me hundreds of dollars in maintenance bills and to show my appreciation I have sent you all a small check (it's in the mail so don't ask for it).

The reason I never changed the plugs is because I read about all the oil sludge problems so I took the ML into Baker (local dealer) to have the harmonic balancer replaced and have an oil consumption test done. Well as it turned out; my engine was just about overhauled and they replaced the plugs at that time. I think I ended up spending about $1,500 for additional parts that weren’t covered but I think it was well worth it for the amount of work that was done.

Now it’s running fine and I couldn’t be happier but here comes my questions:

Transfer case:
Q Seams easy enough, just pull the plug, let it drain, and fill from the fill hole?
Q. What weight/brand fluid does everyone recommend use?


Differential
Q. Same questions as the transfer case

Transmission:
I’m about to change the fluid and purchased:
9qts MB fluid
Dipstick
New dipstick plug
Filter
Gasket
Q. Do I need anything else?
Q. While I thought it appeared to be strait forward, after reading Gilly's comments I am more than slightly frightened. I spoke to Ron in SC last year and said it was fairly simple but now I read I need to have the transmission probed at differenent temperatures to ensure the correct level. Is there any way I can do this CORRECTLY myself?

PS My ML currently has 129000 miles and we are in SC

Thanks for you help and remember the check it in the mail

Transfer case:
Q Seams easy enough, just pull the plug, let it drain, and fill from the fill hole?
Correct
Q. What weight/brand fluid does everyone recommend use?
Castrol Dextron III Mercon


Differential
Q. Same questions as the transfer case
Owners manual gives weight I think it's 80W-90, I used Castrol, not synthetic



Transmission:
I’m about to change the fluid and purchased:
9qts MB fluid
Dipstick
New dipstick plug
Filter
Gasket
Q. Do I need anything else?
Don't think so
Q. While I thought it appeared to be strait forward, after reading Gilly's comments I am more than slightly frightened. I spoke to Ron in SC last year and said it was fairly simple but now I read I need to have the transmission probed at different temperatures to ensure the correct level. Is there any way I can do this CORRECTLY myself?
I measure the exact amount of fluid I removed and replaced it with the same amount. I meaured the volume of each at same ambient temperature. With that special dipstick I suppose you could measure what it is before you drain with engine cold and refill then run engine and let it get cold and measure, with special dipstick, again; assuming ambient is about the same.

Ron,
Thanks, I think that's the way I'll proceed but I think I’ll wait until Hurricane Francis passes though. Can I ask who checked your fluid level after you did yours? I think I would feel better having a tech check it after I’m done.

I never had it checked. You might want to see if Star on Bees Ferry Rd. has the tools to check it, ie that special computer to make sure it's done at the right temp. There is a tech there, Bob who drives an ML and really likes it. He did the warranty work on my ML when he was at Baker.

Thanks Ron, I think I'll give them a shout.

Nick - in an article of the Jult/August Star Magazine, the tranny fluid change procedure is described in detail, and includes the following additional parts needed:

Lock pin: 140 991 00 55; $0.85
Torque converter drain plug washer: 007 603 010 100; $0.40
Torque converter drain plug: 000 000 000 648; $2
Magnet to insert in bottom of pan: 220 171 00 98; $2.50
Pan bolts: 140 990 46 01; $0.90
Pan bolt stops: 140 271 00 68; $1.40

Plus he mentions the tools you'll need - let me know if you need a copy of the article.

I haven't done this before myself, so any more helpful feedback would be welcome - I hope this helps you.

__________________
Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery

fema,
that would be great, you can post it here or email it to nick_russo@yahoo.com
Thanks

Nick - I can fax it or copy & mail it. If you want to email me with that info, I'll take care of it - francis@femareps.com.

__________________
Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery

fema

fax or email would be great
fax to:
Kim Russo
843-873-3500

or mail to:
Nick Russo
115 President Circle
Summerville, SC 29483

Thanks and I'll let you know how it goes
Nick

I'll do that.

On fluids in general, and power steering fluid specific, do you all recommend the factory stuff - or are there any good compatible's (NAPA, etc)? Just talked to a MB dealer about the PS fluid, and he's not aware of what they could say is compatible.

__________________
Francis E. Abate
Automotive Restoration & Preservation
Sheet metal, trim and upholstery

When available I choose factory fluids
Just my 2 cents