Reasons Behind Differential Failure in Your Mercedes

by techplusaadmin July 3, 2019

Mercedes are high-end vehicles that are reliable and well-built. They do come with issues, just like any car. A common issue Mercedes models have is with failure of the differential. Mercedes has made it a point to let the consumer know that their newer models have lifetime fluid in the differential, but this is misleading. In this article, let’s take a look at differential failure and where to go for help.

What is the differential?

The differential is an important part of your Mercedes. Its purpose is to transfer the power from your engine to the wheels. It also allows the wheels to rotate at different speeds. This is important in turns.

Over time, everyday wear and tear can lead to differential failure. The gears can wear down, and metal shavings can contaminate your gear oil and differential fluid. If the issue gets to this point, you are looking at an expensive service repair.

Symptoms of Differential Failure

Differential Oil Leak

All leaks are a concern, and it is important when you spot a leak that you have the issue diagnosed right away. If the leak is coming from the axles, there is a good chance that it is differential oil. Not fixing the problem can lead to wheel, axle, and transmission damage.

Loud Noises

If you begin to hear strange noises when you are turning the wheel, the differential is the likely culprit. You need to have this looked at right away to prevent complete failure. You may also experience an extremely bumpy ride, which is uncharacteristic for a Mercedes.

Whining Noises

The most common issue that people notice with a failing differential is a whining noise coming from the transmission or differential. This noise is caused by the lack of proper lubrication.

Burning Smells

Differential oil can thicken over time and burn. In turn, this can lead to failure of other components.

Service Engine Light is On

Your service engine light can be illuminated for a number of reasons. Your Mercedes is equipped to tell you when it is experiencing an issue. If this light is triggered, it is best that you have a trained technician perform a diagnostic scan to determine the exact cause of the problem.

Preventing Differential Failure

If your Mercedes experiences differential failure, it can lead to serious damage to other parts. Maintaining your differential can help you avoid failure as well as high service repair bills.

Check the Fluid

Even though Mercedes states that they have lifetime fluid in their differential, you still need to have it checked. The differential isn’t equipped with a filter, so metal shaving can easily enter. Eventually, this contamination will lead to damage. It is commonly recommended that you have the fluid changed every 60,000 miles to prevent this damage.

Don’t do Burnouts or Allow the Wheels to Spin

The excessive wheel speed combined with the sudden jolt from the wheel traction can lead to damage.

Inspect the Components Regularly

To help prevent future issues, perform frequent inspections to make sure that the components are all in good shape and free of corrosion.

How We Can Help

By staying current on routine maintenance, you can help to prevent differential failure. Here at Tech Plus Automotive, we are equipped with a state of the art facility which allows us to give you the best service around. You don’t have to take your car to a Mercedes dealer to have it serviced, we can do it for you at a fraction of the cost that they will charge.

When you visit our shop, you will notice that it is clean and organized. We believe that this same attention to cleanliness is always extended to the quality of work that we provide our customers. We will take care of your car like it is our own. We understand that your vehicle is a major investment, and we will do everything that we can to protect it.

Schedule an Appointment Today

If you are noticing signs of differential failure or are in need of routine maintenance for your Mercedes, contact Tech Plus Automotive today. You can reach us at 480-607-1177 or use our online form. A member of our team will contact you shortly. We are conveniently located to Phoenix, Paradise Valley, McCormick Ranch, and Scottsdale, AZ.