Reasons Behind Your Mercedes’ Differential Failure From Certified Technicians in Plano
by europewpadmin January 8, 2020The differential is an important component in your Mercedes. It plays a major role in how your car performs. If you experience complete failure, your car will break down and you will become stranded. You may have heard that Mercedes’ newer models have lifetime fluid in the differential, but this is a misleading statement. After time, your fluid can get dirty and needs to be changed.
Info about the Differential
The differential is a component in your Mercedes that transfers power from the engine to the wheels. It plays a role in how your car turns. It also provides comparative RPMs between the wheels. This allows one wheel to rotate faster than the other, making turning easier.
Symptoms Associated with Differential Failure
Like all moving components, your differential will experience wear and tear. If it gets too bad, the gears will wear out. The metal shavings from the gears will enter into the differential fluid and gear oil. If this happens, you will be looking at an expensive service repair bill. If you notice any of the following symptoms, have your car looked out right away.
Burning Oil Smell
A burning smell can be coming from a leak. It may also be due to an overheating gearbox. Old oil can thicken and will not be able to provide adequate lubrication.
Oil Leak
Many components in your vehicle use oil as lubrication. Without proper lubrication, components wear out and fail. If you notice an oil leak coming from the axles, it may be differential oil. If the leak is not fixed right away you can experience transmission, axle, and wheel damage.
Grinding or Humming Noises
When the gears wear out, they will make grinding noises. In some cases, it may sound like a humming. The noise usually gets louder as you accelerate.
Whining Noises
A lack of lubrication will cause whining noises. This is the most common symptom of a differential issue.
Vibrations
Vibrations can occur when the differential’s universal joints wear out. When the joints break down, the driveshaft will vibrate. The vibration usually increases when you accelerate. A differential fluid leak will also make the vibrations worse.
Hard to Handle
When the differential is failing, it can be hard to turn your Mercedes. This can also lead to tire damage.
Check Engine Light
Burnouts may seem like a bit of harmless fun, but they hurt your tires and differential. When your wheels get traction, there is a sudden jolt. This can lead to unnecessary damage.
Avoiding Differential Failure and Damage
Differential failure can lead to serious damage and costly service bills. Taking preventative measures now will help you avoid failure.
Don’t Spin Your Wheels
Burnouts may seem like a bit of harmless fun, but they hurt your tires and differential. When your wheels get traction, there is a sudden jolt. This can lead to unnecessary damage to the differential.
Check the Fluid Level
Even if you own a Mercedes that has “lifetime fluid,” you still need to have it checked. Differentials do not have filters, so dirt and metal shavings can enter. This debris will damage your differential. Fluid should be changed every 60,000 miles.
Have Regular Inspections
Regular service inspections can prevent failures. Your service technician will look for any problems. Fixing them now will help you avoid future issues.
We Can Help You
Here at European Auto Tech, we provide dealership-quality service without dealership prices. We have serviced Mercedes owners in the Plano, TX area and surrounding communities for over 18 years. We are proud to have established a reputation for honesty, quality and expertise. Our service center is equipped with the latest tools and equipment available. This allows our expert technicians to diagnose and fix any problem right the first time.
Schedule an Appointment Today
If you believe that you are experiencing symptoms 
of a failing differential in your Mercedes, give us a call today. At European Auto Tech, we provide special offers and fair pricing on all services and repairs. We service customers in the Allen, Dallas, Flower Mound, Frisco, Highland Park, McKinney, Park Cities, Richardson, Southlake, University Park, and Plano, TX areas. You can reach our Plano TX office at 972-299-0307 or come see us at 3953 N Central Expy.