Expert Tips For Addressing Mercedes Differential Failure
Are you hearing some peculiar noises emanating from the back of your Mercedes or face some challenges when turning? These symptoms indicate a differential problem, one of the parts that makes sure each wheel rotates at the right speed when turning. If not addressed, differential failure results in poor handling and further harm to the vehicle’s drivetrain.
What is a Differential?
Your Mercedes differential is a framework of gears that divide the engine’s power to let each wheel rotate at different rates, mostly when cornering. For instance, when you make a turn, the outer wheels should turn faster than the inner ones, so the car maintains balance. If the two wheels are allowed to rotate at the same speeds, it becomes difficult to maneuver the vehicle, which causes the tires to wear out very quickly.
Symptoms of Mercedes Differential Failure
- Strange Noises: One of the most common symptoms indicating that you may be experiencing differential failure is a whining or grinding noise from the rear of the vehicle. This is mostly a result of worn or damaged gears inside the differential.
- Vibration While Driving: If you experience vibrations coming from the back of the car, especially when you press the accelerator, chances are that the differential bearings are bad.
- Difficulty Turning: If you have trouble with turning or realize that the car becomes unstable during corners, it may be an issue with the differential. This happens when the differential fails to let the wheels move at differing speeds as required.
Expert Tips On How to Avoid Mercedes Differential Failure
- Regular Fluid Changes: One of the operations that are carried out to maintain a safe differential is the removal and replacement of the fluid. Mercedes suggests that the differential fluid should be changed at least once in every 30,000 to 60,000 miles that your car covers, but you should check your owner’s manual for the right interval for your car. Also, you should not wait for the recommended interval for fluid change before inspecting the fluid; regular inspection every 10,000 miles is also recommended.
- Inspect for Leaks: Differential fluid is another fluid that should sometimes be checked for leaks under your car. If you see any stains, it is advisable to have your differential checked and serviced to avoid further problems.
- Drive Gently: Do not use aggressive driving techniques when cornering, especially at a fast rate. This will put less stress on your differential, which will last longer.
- Avoid Overloading: If you frequently load up your Mercedes or tow other vehicles, remember always to check the weight. Excessive load in your vehicle puts extra pressure on the differential, resulting in quicker degradation.
What to Do if Your Differential Fails
- Stop Driving Immediately: If you experience loud noise or feel the vibration coming from the rear of the car, turn off the car and seek towing services to a mechanic shop. Failure to stop driving with a bad differential might result in other parts of the vehicle being damaged further.
- Get a Professional Diagnosis: In many cases, a mechanic will have to inspect the differential to establish the extent of the problem that it has developed. They will look for signs of leakage, fluid levels, and the state of the gears and bearings.
- Replace or Repair: Depending on the extent of the problem, your mechanic will advise whether to fix or replace the differential. The problem can sometimes be fixed by changing the fluid or replacing a seal on other occasions. However, if the gears are worn or damaged, it may be necessary to replace them.
Where Should You Go For Quality Differential Repairs?
Diagnostic and repair of differential problems is one of the specialties of our professionals at Royalty Auto Service. The ASE-certified experts in our garage are well-trained and experienced in taking care of European, Asian, and Domestic car brands and we have been assisting drivers in the area for over 2 decades. We have our two garages in St. Marys, and Kingsland, GA but we can also ensure that your car gets back on the road quickly, if you reside in nearby areas like Brunswick, Amelia Island, King Bay Base, Yulee, Woodbine, GA. Call us for an appointment today and let our team offer the best service to your magnificent Mercedes.
* Mercedes-Benz A220 Car image credit goes to: teddyleung.