4Matic Front Diff Problem? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

tajeffers · #1 04-21-2009, 08:04 AM

I have a 2002 E430 4Matic that is giving me a rubbing/vibration when I accelerate at low speed (0-15 mph?). When I take my foot off the accelerator, the rubbing/vibration stops. At higher speeds I cannot be sure if the vibration is still there due to road noise. I have 79K miles on the car. It seems to be coming from the front passenger side of the car. Can someone point me in the right direction for this problem before I get a catastrophic failure. Thank you.

mbdoc · #2 04-21-2009, 08:12 AM

Of course start with an inspection of the front axles & wheel bearings.

Have you ever had the fluid in the differentials changed?

tajeffers · #3 04-21-2009, 09:28 AM

I can do an inspection of the axles/boots/bearings this week. In the mean time, since I have never had any of the fluids changed in the transmission and differentials, can you point me in the direction of a post or site that lays out the specialty tools (I heard there is a transmission dip stick), fluid specifications and other suggested procedures for fluid changes in the transmission/transfer case and differentials? Probably too good to be true to find everything in one place?

Thank you.

mbdoc · #4 04-21-2009, 10:29 AM

Having the MBUSA DVD for the W210 chassis is a good starting point.

Would have all of the needed info on servicing that car including lubrication products.

pwogaman · #5 04-21-2009, 07:21 PM

The W124 4matic front and rear differentials use 90 w.

cliffmac · #6 04-21-2009, 10:14 PM

yes, if it's coming from the front end. Open the hood and disconnect the 4 wheel drive and see how that works.....

mbdoc · #7 04-22-2009, 08:02 AM

Can't disconnect the 4 wheel drive system...........

That is a full time 4 wheel drive system.

tajeffers · #8 04-24-2009, 07:51 AM

I inspected underneath, found fluid leak so I took it to the shop. I have been told that the transfer case leaked, the noise is coming from the case. They took down the case and found that it needs rebuild. Having all other fluids changed also.

loubapache · #9 04-24-2009, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tajeffers

I inspected underneath, found fluid leak so I took it to the shop. I have been told that the transfer case leaked, the noise is coming from the case. They took down the case and found that it needs rebuild. Having all other fluids changed also.

This is going to be expensive. Your transfer case was probably leaking for a while so the fluid level is low. It uses ATF in the W210 transfer cases.

May of these transfer case leak (more of a seep) around this mileage. Mine has a slow leak as well. I added about 100 mL of ATF two years ago (10k miles ago) and I am going down there to check the level in a few weeks. The capacity is only about 1 L.