[joemurphy]

Hello everyone,

I was shocked today with this high quote from the dealer for a transfer case replacement.
My wagon has 123,000 miles on it, so I can understand that thiis might be a wear item.
I had the tranny fluid changed 5 months ago, should I have had the "transfer case fluid" changed as well? I didn't buy the idea of "lifetime" fluid.

1. Is there any reliable used, or rebuilt transfer cases to be bought, as opposed to MB's 4000 dollar part?

2. Can I continue to drive the car in the meantime? Everything is fine until I want to do a tight turn, then it sounds like metal grating. Kind of reminds me of driving an old ford in 4 wheel drive mode. But that was normal!


Love the wagon, but at this price I am wondering if it makes sense to do the repairs, what will be next?

I will recommend that anyone getting a used mb should buy the extended warranty, I am kicking myself for not getting it when I bought the car. (3,000) for a 2 year 30,000 mile coverage.

Thanks for your help!

 

[konigstiger]

If the transfer case serial # is between 115925 & 137342 Service Campaign may entitle you to a no cost repair.

 

[joemurphy]

If the transfer case serial # is between 115925 & 137342 Service Campaign may entitle you to a no cost repair.

Thanks for the tip. I researched that there was a a service memo for '05. I will check it out!
do you think it is dangerous to drive like it is, or perhaps do more damage?

 

[joemurphy]

Thanks for the tip. I researched that there was a a service memo for '05. I will check it out!
do you think it is dangerous to drive like it is, or perhaps do more damage?

Thanks for the tip.. I had MB mechanic look for the number, no luck.

I took it to a recommend transmission repair shop. had him drive it around a bit, strangely, the grinding was not nearly as bad today. He suggested changing the fluid for the transfer case. He said that this can take care of 8 out of 10 problems like this.. I will keep my fingers crossed.

I will suggest that anyone with a 4matic get the transfer case fluid changed if it high miles, the MB service advisor never suggested this EVER!

I will report back on this if it fixes the problem. Life time fluid my arsh!

 

[joemurphy]

a status update, had the car to an independent mercedes mechanic, and his transmission guy did a a fluid change to the transfer case. It took care of all the issues!
Be cautious with the dealers, trying to sell parts, and expensive services. but not recommending fluid changes!

 

[NiwPix]

thanks for the updates and infos.

 

[pelletman]

joemurphy is your problem still cured or did it come back?

 

[konigstiger]

As a matter of reference, starting MY06 MB enacted requirement to replace ATF & TC fluid once @ 39000 in addition I recommend changing both every 40000 miles thereafter. Although not specifically mentioned on previous MY service sheets, this should hold true for MY04-05.

 

[JayDee4711]

+1 on joemurphy's experience: Get that fluid changed and start wondering whether it is the same transfer case still!

My 04 Wagon acted up as well, and it felt so severe I was afraid the whole car would fall apart on me. After a costly diagnostic visit at the stealership, I was presented with an outrageous quote. Having read about the service bulletin, my trustworthy indy changed the fluid, drove 20 or so miles and changed it again. The shudder at steering lock, particularly when backing up, went away completely, and not the slightest hint has reappeared after some 2000 miles. Fingers crossed.

My indy charged less than half of what the stealership quoted for the fluid changes. He is servicing the car today, and I am having him change the fluid one more time. Just to be entirely safe...

Thanks again to Konigstiger for sending me the paperwork related to the bulletin!

 

[Bruce24]

Never trust a dealer and the fluid the use that just me

 

[rabitoblanco]

dead TC; $7000

I've got 182k on our E500 wagon. Had my Indy mechanic change fluids about 15k miles ago when there was shuddering at lock (front, center and rear diff), but didn't know about the TSB at that point with specific directions. I just had my transfer case fluid replaced again (and this time with the TSB in hand-- last time it wasn't) because I felt the same tell-tale signs. Just the transfer case fluid was changed this time.

BUT the car still has the same TC failing symptoms. Dealership quote is about $7grand. A couple of other indys around the same.

Any suggestions for a good rebuilt source? Love the car, have already changed the rear air and one of the front struts, in addition to SBC module, so the major sources of issues have already been addressed including most of the pulleys, and mounts so the thing runs beautifully otherwise. [Except a bit of ticking that only I can hear, apparently...]

Any thoughts are appreciated!

Thanks,

Ridwan

Never trust a dealer and the fluid the use that just me

 

[rabitoblanco]

Essentially, I'm along the same question as OP, without the Rasu out, haha
Also including, can I drive out around like this? Currently switched to the Land Cruiser just in case.


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[ps2cho]

Never trust a dealer and the fluid the use that just me

True this.

I went to the parts dept to get the TC fluid and he said its the same fluid as transmission. I disagreed and provided part #. He went to his tech in the bay and said they always use tranny fluid. I asked again I want the legit TC fluid. Eventually he found it and said he's never even heard of it and he has been there for 5 years.

I believe the disconnect is that the container says ATF, but it's NOT the same as ATF 134. The dealer just then assumed it's the same!


Trust the part numbers and factory manual, not what the techs say.

 

[Noodles]

The TC fluid does say ATF on it, but it is a very light brown clear fluid. And you are correct it is totally different part number.

One of our two local dealers only had a 5 liter bottle for shop use. It was covered in a dust crust and had never been opened.

Called the dealer on the other side of town and they had one liter bottles on the shelf of the correct fluid. I change mine once
every two years or 40,000 miles. Whichever comes first.

 

[rabitoblanco]

How bad is it to keep driving through the shudder? Will some horrible end happen?

Alternatively, I know the older cars you could easily disengage 4 magic, can I do something like that? I surely don't need it.


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