Dealer Says not the Transfer Case??? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

outofspec · #1 06-01-2007, 07:34 PM

Hi,
I have a 1999 ML 320 with 112,000 Miles and I think I may have a transfer case issue. I was doing some research and found several great related posts. One in particular by Centumg had the same symptoms, but with a different diagnosis.
My ML is making a ratcheting noise, although not very loud, and it’s only noticeable on take off, from the outside of the vehicle. It seems to be coming from the drive train. There are no drivability issues at all with the vehicle. I just bought the ML, so I’m a little worried the seller may have stuck me with a big repair.
Anyway, I brought the ML to the dealer to diagnose the problem, and either confirm my worst fears, or put my mind at ease. The diagnosis I got back was that the front driveshaft was making the noise and needed to be replaced; not the transfer case. I’ve looked at a lot of posts on the forum, and not much is said about drive shafts, but there is a lot about transfer cases.
What do you guys think, could the dealer be right? Would a driveshaft cause a ratcheting noise? If it is my transfer case what other symptoms can I expect? How long before it really gets bad? The driveshaft is about a $600 dollar part, so better that then a new case, but only if it solves the problem.
I appreciate any thoughts or direction.

Melcher · #2 06-03-2007, 05:32 PM

"could the dealer be right" - of course they could. And if they're not don't pay for the repair. Or better yet let them show you why they think it is the drive shaft. A good indication that your transfer case is the culprit is that it makes a ratcheting when turning in either direction at low speeds, especially on concrete. If it only makes the noise when driving straight upon acceleration and not when turning I would think the transfer case is fine for now.

mbdoc · #3 06-04-2007, 08:27 AM

I believe that they may have made a questionable diagnosis..

I would get a second opinion.. sounds like a transfer case CHAIN to me.

outofspec · #4 06-05-2007, 06:16 PM

Thanks for the assessment fella’s.
It’s making the ratcheting noise when moving in a straight line, backwards or forwards. Turning does not seem to affect the noise in any way; it’s still there, but in no way different. I read another post that talked about doing kind of a brake stand and listening for chain slippage at the same time. Did the test, and heard no chain slippage. I think I’ll take the well placed advice and have the work done. I can battle it out with the dealer if they gave me a miss diagnosis.
Thanks again for helpi9ng me through my thought process.