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wbrokow1 · 07-13-2007, 05:20 AM

I just changed the fluids in the transfer case & both differentials in my vehicle at 95000 miles.

Just a few minute details that people might run into:

1) In the differentials the allen wrench size to be used is 3/8" NOT 10mm as noted in other posts. (maybe different VINS have different sizes so you must check)

2) My vehicle has the chrome bull bar with two steel protection plates on the bottom of the vehicle. The one that blocks access to the front differential fill hole
must be removed. Make sure you can remove it before you get all setup with wrenches, fluid etc. I went under my vehicle, laying on my back, to find the the threaded insert in the frame which holds the screw that holds the plate just spins and spins. I had to dremel off the head of one of the screws which took 20 minutes. tHe other srew was fine, but fell out later in the week from vibration, now it needs to be replaced, probably loc-tited also.

3) I used the might vac to fill the differentials without any problems. I also used
genuine MB 85w90 gear oil from the dealer. $25.00 per qt. I figured since the fluid is changed so infrequently why not spend a couple extra bucks on the original formula.

4) Transfer Case: Well, I went to MB in Greenwich and asked the parts guy for transfer case fluid. His doumentation said use power steering fluid, my manual said use dexron III ATF. So I used Redline Dexron III. Everything seems to be working fine.

5) I notice that one of the welded on bolts to hold the lower steel protection plate had been re-welded on because it probably popped off. MB must have a threaded insert problem. I noticed the spinning threaded insert on the rear license plate mount also.

6) Finally, I used the funnelw/wife pouring method to fill the transfer case. I didn't want to clean out the mity-vac.

07-13-2007, 05:20 AM	#52 (permalink)
wbrokow1 BenzWorld Junior Member Date registered: Jun 2006 Vehicle: 2000 ml430 Location: stamford, CT Posts: 36	I just changed the fluids in the transfer case & both differentials in my vehicle at 95000 miles. Just a few minute details that people might run into: 1) In the differentials the allen wrench size to be used is 3/8" NOT 10mm as noted in other posts. (maybe different VINS have different sizes so you must check) 2) My vehicle has the chrome bull bar with two steel protection plates on the bottom of the vehicle. The one that blocks access to the front differential fill hole must be removed. Make sure you can remove it before you get all setup with wrenches, fluid etc. I went under my vehicle, laying on my back, to find the the threaded insert in the frame which holds the screw that holds the plate just spins and spins. I had to dremel off the head of one of the screws which took 20 minutes. tHe other srew was fine, but fell out later in the week from vibration, now it needs to be replaced, probably loc-tited also. 3) I used the might vac to fill the differentials without any problems. I also used genuine MB 85w90 gear oil from the dealer. $25.00 per qt. I figured since the fluid is changed so infrequently why not spend a couple extra bucks on the original formula. 4) Transfer Case: Well, I went to MB in Greenwich and asked the parts guy for transfer case fluid. His doumentation said use power steering fluid, my manual said use dexron III ATF. So I used Redline Dexron III. Everything seems to be working fine. 5) I notice that one of the welded on bolts to hold the lower steel protection plate had been re-welded on because it probably popped off. MB must have a threaded insert problem. I noticed the spinning threaded insert on the rear license plate mount also. 6) Finally, I used the funnelw/wife pouring method to fill the transfer case. I didn't want to clean out the mity-vac. __________________ 2000 ML430 744 Brilliant Silver Last edited by wbrokow1 : 07-13-2007 at 05:25 AM.