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CLA250 4MATIC Rear Differential DIY-able?

36441 Views 93 Replies 25 Participants Last post by  PaullyP
Hello guys. My CLA250 is just out of warranty and the rear diff is acting up. I was looking to swap in a rear diff off of a crashed CLA and see if it would fix it since Mercedes wants $5000 for the repair. My question is has anyone tried this yet? Is it plug and play or does Mercedes need to re-learn this replacement diff? Is it going to fully just reject this donor differential since its not "new" or "unmarried"? Any help is appreciated.

P.S. I tried calling my local dealers for information and no one is picking up the phones..
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Lifetime fluid??!!
Think their own service guides spec diff oil change intervals ...
whats your number, I can get you used one with warranty on as well.
whats your number, I can get you used one with warranty on as well.
hey do you have a cla 250 rear diff still available ?
Car is fixed. Attached is the screen shot for part numbers and comment.

At least I won’t have to deal with diff oil change.

I have the same exact problem. Thought it was the shocks for 6 months. I am guessing warranty is out for the 2014 cla 4 matic diff? Should I take it to the dealer or anyone know other places that can fix that without the dealership price? I don’t know how f I can get the solenoid and try first? The thumping and banging noises are getting more noticeable. Would appreciate any input
I have the same exact problem. Thought it was the shocks for 6 months. I am guessing warranty is out for the 2014 cla 4 matic diff? Should I take it to the dealer or anyone know other places that can fix that without the dealership price? I don’t know how f I can get the solenoid and try first? The thumping and banging noises are getting more noticeable. Would appreciate any input
The solenoid is pretty easy to get to, but you do have to put it on a lift or jack stands. On the front left of the diff is a small plug in. Unplug it and the noise should go away.

I haven’t heard anyone say what the consequences are of continuing to drive it with it knocking though. Mine was still working, just made the noise for several years.

Yes the warranty would be out unless you had an extended drivetrain warranty.

You can purchase the differential (reman) for around $2500 usd online and install yourself or have a local mechanic install.

Check out fcpeuro.com for MB parts.


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The solenoid is pretty easy to get to, but you do have to put it on a lift or jack stands. On the front left of the diff is a small plug in. Unplug it and the noise should go away.

I haven’t heard anyone say what the consequences are of continuing to drive it with it knocking though. Mine was still working, just made the noise for several years.

Yes the warranty would be out unless you had an extended drivetrain warranty.

You can purchase the differential (reman) for around $2500 usd online and install yourself or have a local mechanic install.

Check out fcpeuro.com for MB parts.


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Thanks much! What a bummer- problem started 4 years ago and even busted a rear tire. Would have been under warranty if caught but was told shocks wearing out was probably doing that. Saw a service memo from Mercedes on this in Australia but not here. Mercedes should own up or somebody should file a law suit.
looking at 4K plus in repairs!
Thanks for your info!
Anyone with this same problem (clunking noise when low speed turning in a parking lot or at a stop) just by changing the differential fluid?
(must admit I haven't done mine in at least 42k miles and not sure about previous maintenance history)
I have noticed my rear diff will give a mechanical "shunt" and clunking noise when rapidly decelerating in 1st gear or when engaging neutral when the car is still cold. I had the rear diff oil changed at 85,000km at a local shop at that seemed to remedy it for 20,000km or so. I've noticed the clunking return lately(I'm at 106k km) but no weird behaviour in slow speed turns.
Mine is getting replaced at the dealer. I’ll post the part number once I get the repair invoice.
Hi,
I am interested to know about the replacement parts (name / part number) in case Rear differential is repaired, as my car has same problem as car
Thank you.
eBay?
Need to get correct p/n or supersede for your model year
Online benz parts sites may help as they refer to vin
P/n: A2463507701
hey, guys, I think I am having the same problem with my rear differential. The worst possible repair solution would be to replace it. My car is under extended warranty. But, I am not sure if my warranty would agree to cover the cost. Here is the list of the parts covered by my extended warranty. Please help me out her to check the list. Do you guys think they would cover the rear differential replacement depending on these covered parts?

Font Screenshot Document Electric blue
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transfer case and transmission sections suggests coverage
Y’all keep talking about getting a good used rear axle, but that’s total oxymoron!
Mine started making noise at about 50k miles. With that said they’re all actually bad, so finding a “good used one” is out of the question. You can buy rebuilt ones so that means parts to rebuild are available, at least to select vendors. I want the option to rebuild my own.


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Hi,
I am suffering also from the rear differential of my 4matic CLA.
Kindly, if you know/ have the part numbers post it please.
Many thanks
Car is fixed. Attached is the screen shot for part numbers and comment.

At least I won’t have to deal with diff oil change.

hey hi, you had the howling noise as well on top the the chatter sound during turns? my 2014 had this howling sound at certain speed range and it seems like the same problem. :(

anyone has done the replacement and can confirm if the re-learning is required? thanks!
Mine is getting replaced at the dealer. I’ll post the part number once I get the repair invoice.
Hi,
Yes please, post the part numbers when possible ?
Regards.
Just have a differential oil change,. Mine was fixed.. For now lol.
Just have a differential oil change,. Mine was fixed.. For now lol.
How the hell did it fix that? Just changing the oil and it will fix it?
my guess is the electropneumatics in the rear diff are sensitive to fluid state (as it should be) just like old autoboxes and atf condition
though once physical damage is done then no amounts of perfect fluid will do much

wonder if we swapped diff oil at 5k or 10k or 1yr when the engine oil is done if that could have avoided the myriad of rear diff sad stories on here …?
my guess is the electropneumatics in the rear diff are sensitive to fluid state (as it should be) just like old autoboxes and atf condition
though once physical damage is done then no amounts of perfect fluid will do much

wonder if we swapped diff oil at 5k or 10k or 1yr when the engine oil is done if that could have avoided the myriad of rear diff sad stories on here …?
Hi,
I have a problem with my CLA 250 model 2014, 4Matic, and I have described the problem I have faced in my previous posts regarding the rear differential noise.
Actually, after disconnecting the Solenoid rear differential I was sure the problem is from that part.
My Mercedes( independent Engineer) recommend an additive to the rear differential in order to eliminate the noise as per some customers who have tried this additive and it works very well.
I just applied the additive and waiting to run the car about 100km trip to find out if the issue will be solved or any other problems will occur :) :)
I'll keep you posted and wish me a good luck 🤞
Oh?
have a part number for this magical additive!
Hi,
The magical additive called (ceratec) from liqui moly.
It works 95% with my car. The shutter sound disappear when car goes reverse but still hearing very light knock ( sometime) when car comes to full stop.
Probably result will differ according to Rear differential symptoms.
Any way the additive will not make the things worsens.
It worth to try and pay 45US$ rather than paying few thousand before replacing the RD.
Please keep this discussion open for feed back.
Thank you.
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