[43sqd]

what type of oil does the diff take? and about how much?

over the past 5k/miles it has not gotten worse, or more or less frequent

This relatively simple information is in your owner's manual.

Hypoid gear oil SAE 90 1.3 qts.

 

[43sqd]

Hello All,

Does anyone know the U joint Cap size or have a U joint spec sheet for my 99 ML430?

I have a 1999 ml430 that I have sheduled service to have the center support bearing repleced at a driveshaft shop. The problem I always run into is that my local mercedes dealer controls the parts pricing market and charges 500 to 1000% markup on most parts. I have found the center support bearing brand new through duetsch parts on ebay for $47 the dealer charges near $300. The driveshaft shop is charging me $150 to install the center support bearing and the U joints And I have to provide the parts. I found a place that sells u joints for about $12 -$25 each all i have to do is provide the correct cap size.

Is the retail on these U joints really $90 each? what a joke.

Your help is appreciated
Brianh68008 Omaha NE

Brian, it's quite apparent that you were impressed with the price of the center bearing from Deutsche Parts on ebay. You should have done a little homework on this seller. He is selling parts for German cars from his apartment in a high rise building on the 31st floor and his contact number is a cell phone.

Deutsche Parts USA in New York, NY - YellowBot

Think very seriously about how many revolutions your original driveshaft bearning has made in 10 yrs. and then think very seriously about how many revolutions the bearing that you are going to buy/have bought from Deutsche will make.

Because you found a cheaper price for any part does not mean that you have struck gold. When this bearing goes bad in a thousand miles or so, then you will be out the cost of the part and the installation cost and then you will have to start all over again. Buy the repair kit from Mercedes and be done with it. #56 part #163 410 00 10.