Well all that noise and tire problem I supposedly had turned out to be the rear differ. All the bearings are slightly burned and the car has only 34k on it. funny...
question: I there any special way to set up the rear? I personally don't think so because the shims are between the carrier and the bearings, not after. but I'd like to hear something from the pros.
ps. when I called my MB parts dept. they waren't supprised. "yeah, we sell them"
what is wrong with German engeneering ?

Peter,

Is this car not under warranty? This is a drivetrain problem and should be covered.

Good luck,
Larry

What year & model is this car? Most all diffs are rebuildable BUT very few will have knowledge & tools to perform work. Also most MB ring & pinions are $600+, add bearing set & labor and rebuilt unit looks good.

Peter,

It amazes me that you would have this problem. I have never seen a MB differential have the bearings fail without lack of lubrication or improper repairs. Pinion seal repairs often cause the bearings to fail. This occurs because the pinion set up is disturbed by overtightening the flange nut.

Bearing replace is not a drop in procedure. The whole thing has to be re-set-up every time new bearings are installed. Very unlikely that the same shims would work, especially on a unit that failed so early.

Personally I would install a used unit or a MB rebuilt. This is not DIYer stuff. Very few technicians know how to set-up differentials. If you don't make the measurements you are guaranteed to fail with this.

------------------
Steve Brotherton
Owner 24 bay BSC
Bosch Master, ASE master L1
26 years MB technician