Duff Diff? - Differential Difficulties

[13022]

There are a few strange things occuring with my poor auld 190E which I suspect may be related to the diff. The diff DOES make horrible noises when  reversing (like heavy chains being dragged over a gravel drive), although my local MB garage weren't too worried about this when I mentioned it a few years ago. So I've tended to ignore this...rightly or wrongly!

However there is an uncomfortable lurching motion in the car whenever the road surface is less than 100% (car ferry/choppy sea). When the roads are wet the back end seems to have a mind of its own. The back springs are due for replacement I think, although the shocks are fairly new.

I have also noticed when taking a *VERY* tight left turn that the car seemed to loose power in a strange and mysterious way, the like of which I've never seen before!! The engine was still playing the game and the clutch isn't slipping.

My suspicion is whatever lurks in that greasy little unit between the driving wheels has gone for its final drive. But seeing as the diff is the only part of the car that I have absolutely no idea how it works....I'm lost!!!

Anyone know what I'm talking about :-(

(The car has covered at least 155,000 miles.)

 

[eric]

Duff Diff?

If the diff has been making this noise for a few years then there is not much wrong with it.  Is is a manual gearbox? - they are quite noisy in reverse (noise from straight-cut reverse gears and idler travelling along propshaft to back of car).
Change your diff oil (use GL-5 spec. e.g. Castrol 80W-90) - takes about 0.75 litres.

The diff will have no affect on the ride or engine power in a curve.

Suggest you look at suspension components, rather than diff.

You can fit W202 rear subframe mounts to your car (Blue Star Enterprises have them for about £15 ea.) Get a local garage to swap them out for you (I got charged £50 labour).  There are better designed than the W201 originals and result in a quieter ride due to better driveline noise suppression through the rear subframe.

Part No. for the improved mounts is: 202-350-3408

 

[Andy]

Duff Diff?

Hi,

I agree with with Dave mostly. except you said that the problem is a little more severe when turning left. There could still be a problem with the axle as this is the time when the planet gears and sun gears would be under the most load. If you suspect the rear axle. I would drop it down of the four bolts which support it in the subframe. And remove the backplate and check for any debris or excessive movement in the gears. Either that or get it checked out proffesionally.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedeservicing.com