The girlfriend's 1999 ML430 has decided to start making odd noises from the rear of the car, and the rear differential seal has started giving out. There was a minor leak from it for quite a while, but now there is visible fluid leaking from the seal and covering the bottom of the differential. The fluid is slightly low, but not gone, so I do not think the fluid level is the cause of the noise.
The vehicle has had an unlocatable vibration ever since she has had it, and has apparently refused to back up a couple of times, and when it did move, made a loud "pop" noise.
I am suspecting that the rear differential bearings and/or driveshaft u-joints are shot. I further suspect it would be easier and cheaper to replace the entire rear differential with a used one rather than try to rebuild what is (Mercedes quoted $3,500 to rebuild the rear differential.)
My question is how does one get the rear differential out? Most of the bolts are fairly obvious, but I have no idea how to pull the CV joints off of the differential. Any helpful suggestions are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
10-23-2006, 10:43 AM
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