W202 Rear Differential Seals

[C240Sport97]

I went to Steve (R2D2's mate) to sort out a rattle (this has been bugging me for about 2.5 years!!!) tonight. No one else has managed to fix it. Not George Fraser, not Lucky Motors, not Prestige Car Specialists. Steve did it in an hour. It was a marvel watching him diagnose the fault (traced to a loose bracket at the back of the gearbox). No more rattle and now I am not afraid of bumps anymore. Car is transformed. I can't stop smiling.

The man knows his stuff (he had a C43 AMG), and is very very good. Has worked all his life as mechanic in a franchised MB dealer. Tan and R2D2 on here use him to my knowledge. Me too now.

I was chatting to him about rear differential seals (mine was leaking quite badly and very suddenly, he didn't do mine). He loves doing them, and is very good at them. Says that this is a common fault. New seals designed which means should not recur once fitted. Let me know if you want his contact details -- he's in Kent.

I had a look at my rear differential when it was opened up. It was in PERFECT condition. No sign of ANY wear on any of the gears. All the teeth were gleaming and sharp and as new. My car has done 61k miles. Amazing. The more I wander under the car, and see how it's made, the more convinced I am it's fundamentally well designed and well built.

 

[R2D2]

I didnt know you were going to see him, but chuffed you got on well. Steve is the biz. I have never met anyone from any garage like him and not only is he like a walking encyclopedia on cars he is pretty cheap as well! :bannana:

 

[sedstevo]

My W202 diff seals are leaking :-(
I need to get this sorted out. Any idea how much a job like this is likely to cost. In the meantime, is it an easy job to top up the oil, and if so, what oil should I use?



Thanks

 

[GrahamC230K]

Pretty much all w202 diffs leak. Have someone trusty and qualified (so not a dealer) check if you actually need to take any action.

 

[se97mlm]

how do i contact Steve? He might be just the chap to change gearbox oil and shocks for me..

 

[Will]

Yeah - in view of how much labour is involved in changing the diff seals, I would be tempted to check and monitor how bad a leak it was. After all, a few spots of oil can make an artificial impression of how bad a leak it actually is. Check/top up the oil level, and then keep an eye on it? If it is leaking enough to worry about, at least you know you are not wasting money!

Just my honest opinion,

Will

 

[C240Sport97]

A new diff is about £2k and reconditioned one about £800 -- you also have the problems of getting the gears work well together.

I spotted my leak quite early and it was a huge mess, with oil all over the plastic cover protecting the fuel filter, the bottom of the diff and the 2 drive bolts. I didn't want to constantly wander about whether there was enough oil, nor did I want oil patches on the garage floor, so I had it done asap. The peace of mind is worth it for me.

 

[GrahamC230K]

......it was a huge mess, with oil all over the plastic cover protecting the fuel filter, the bottom of the diff and the 2 drive bolts......

Yep, sounds like mine!

 

[R2D2]

Like Graham said nearly all W202 diffs leak. Mine leaks but hasnt dripped on the garage floor. Steve has seen it and is keeping an eye on it. I believe at a dealer is down as a 6 hour job!! But I think Steve does a bit quicker than that If anyone needs steves number then PM me.

 

[sedstevo]

Just wondered if anyone's topped up their diff oil. If so, what oil did you use and was it an easy task?



Thanks

 

[C240Sport97]

topping up is easy(ish). there is a bolt at the top to the diff. make sure car is level, put oil in until it begins to spill out, when it stops spilling out, it's the correct level. not sure what oil to use though. the people did mine put in synthetic stuff

 

[alex_brest]

OK, guys, I replace all the seals and bearings in differential of my w202 for 8 hours.
Who's better?
Sorry for my English, I'm russian.

 

[R2D2]

I was talking to Steve (The Mechanic) and he says MB charge about £500 to do all 3 seals, which a diff out job.

Steve will do members cars for £250.

 

[C240Sport97]

the quote I got from MB Canary Wharf was £730 including VAT but excluding the seals (which are about £35)!!!!

I was talking to Steve (The Mechanic) and he says MB charge about £500 to do all 3 seals, which a diff out job.

Steve will do members cars for £250.

 

[R2D2]

Blooming Heck, better ring Steve then!

 

[shaan]

How do i contact steve

 

[hollyhocks]

Hello I am now the very proud owner of Ruby - a c 220 cdi coupe 2009. I live in Kent and am keen to find someone recommended by other enthusiasts to look after my pride and joy!
I would like to contact Steve and have a chat with him. Please would you let me have his details. Many thanks,
Feiona

 

[C240Sport97]

http://www.mbclub.co.uk/forums/merc...s-uk/179409-steve-garlick-maidstone-kent.html

 

[martinmerc]

Is Steve still in business

 

[C240Sport97]

Is Steve still in business

definitely still in business