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PointedThree :  Vans, Trucks, SUVs and Other Forums : G-Class : Front Differential Bearing Replacement

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Front Differential Bearing Replacement
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Posted 5/6/2015 9:46 AM
Floobydust
Veteran




Date registered: Mar 2014
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Vehicle(s): 1995 E320 Cabrio, 2003 G500, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8
Posts: 284
100
RE: Front Differential Bearing Replacement

fernweh - 5/5/2015 7:23 PM I'll be driving to Vance, AL and Atlanta, GA next week.....could pack that heavy tool as an anchor, for the "off-roading" in the woods there.


Sounds like you will be at the Treffen. I wanted to go, but my wife has instead scheduled me for a 10 glorious days with the in-laws.
#227936 - in reply to #227918
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Author
Posted 8/22/2015 12:22 PM
Floobydust
Veteran




Date registered: Mar 2014
Location: Massachusetts, USA
Vehicle(s): 1995 E320 Cabrio, 2003 G500, 2000 SL500, 1980 TR8
Posts: 284
100
RE: Front Differential Bearing Replacement

The front diff work is now completed so I thought I would post an update. But before I do that, I would like to thank everyone for their advice , input, loan of tools, etc. The forum members are the best!!

The R&R of the front axle and diff went surprisingly well - two evenings for the removal of the front axle, a day for the diff bearing replacement, and two days for reassembly. In addition to the diff work, I also ended up replacing the right CV joint as the boot clamp had let go which toasted it. I had to replace the entire axle assembly because the circlip broke off, permanently locking the joint to the axle stub. Alas, I guess that's in line with MB's new business model anyway.

The results have been a mixed bag. The pronounced audible grumbling and vibration that occurred sharply at 59- 61 MPH has now been replaced by lesser vibration that occurs over a much wider range of about 50 to 65 MPH. In a way this is an improvement because it tends to be masked by road noise and the stereo. The original vibration was almost impossible to ignore.

But it's still not what I think a G should (having driven others), but I have exhausted just about everything, including myself. So my plan is that when the weather gets a little cooler, I'm going to remove the front drive shaft to one more time just to rule out any damage to it from the pinion. Depending on the results of that I will either replace the front drive shaft or put it back in and just drive the truck as it is.

Thanks again everyone,

- Scott



#229077 - in reply to #227835
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Posted 9/19/2025 11:46 AM
jambo
Regular




Date registered: Jul 2007
Location: Pretoria, South Africa
Vehicle(s): '92 300GD LWB OM606
Posts: 79
50
RE: Front Differential Bearing Replacement

Reviving an old thread, sorry.

Guys, I am busy with the rear diff on a 2014 G500. It suddenly had a whining noise. The owner took it to MB and they found filings in the diff, quoted a new axle.
Owner obviously not impressed asked me to check.
I first drained the oil (old oil was filled back into diff by MB), only 750ml. Was it not all filled back or was it low to begin with? Who knows.

So, I slowly made my way to the different components and finally identified the pinion bearings as the culprit. It was so jagged in movement that I could not even measure the friction torque.
After it was all removed the bearings showed a rough surface, but would not end in a catastrophic failure, just noisy.
I have now received all the new bearings, but I want to double check the shim sizes on the pinion. For that I need a special tool "Measuring piece 601589012300" and Adjustment device 60589002100.
I tried finding them in South Africa, but I will probably find hens teeth before finding the tools.
I read here that at least two members have special tools, and I would humbly ask if they were willing to measure them up for me to reproduce locally possibly with photos for clarity. I would be very, very grateful.

ReGards,
Alan from South Africa



(Measuring Piece.jpg)



(Adjustment device.jpg)



Attachments
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Attachments Measuring Piece.jpg (37KB - 25 downloads)
Attachments Adjustment device.jpg (192KB - 27 downloads)
#244280 - in reply to #227835
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