If you experience loss of handling and control while driving your Mercedes-Benz, it could be because of a problematic differential. A differential is a gearbox that sits between the wheels and is connected to the transmission by the drive shaft. It enables the vehicle’s wheels to rotate at different speeds while turning corners without skidding. The wheel on the inside of the corner turns slower than the wheel on the outside of the turn, since it has more ground to cover. The differential is what allows this to occur.
Modern, high-performance cars have a limited-slip differential (LSD) instead of an open differential. If your car’s wheels begin to lose traction, the LSD distributes torque to the wheel with the most grip on the road, Thereby preventing skidding and spinning out of control. This not only is an essential component of your transmission and ability to control your car, but it is also for your safety and everyone on the road that this important gearbox works properly.
Common Signs That the Differential In Your Mercedes is Going Bad
If you notice any of the following issues, you may want to have your model’s differential checked by a professional mechanic.
- Vibrations: If the universal joints of the differential are damaged, you may feel your Mercedes shake while accelerating.
- Poor Handling: A malfunctioning differential will make your drive feel uncomfortable. You’ll notice your car will not respond as intended, and it may feel like it’s pulling to one side when you make turns.
- Difficulty Steering: With a bad differential, you will find it harder to steer, especially while making turns.
- Grinding Noises: If you hear grinding, clunking, or whirring sounds, especially while accelerating, slowing down, or turning, the gears of your differential may have worn out.
- Tire Damage: Extreme and uneven wear on treads or significant damage on the sidewalls of your tire may indicate there is a differential issue. Of course, remember there could be other reasons for this. Therefore, it is always a good idea to talk to a professional mechanic.
- Leaking Differential Oil: If you notice an oil leak under your car, definitely get your Mercedes inspected. Differential oil, which is used to grease the gears, looks like engine oil. A professional mechanic can examine your car to figure out where the leak is coming from.
- Burnt Oil Smell: The gears in the differential use oil for lubrication. When there is not enough lubrication, the friction may create a burnt oil smell.
What Causes a Differential to Malfunction
Here are a few reasons why the differential of your Mercedes could be deteriorating.
- Poor Driving Habits: Overloading your car, spinning your wheels, and doing donuts are just a few driving styles that can overheat your differential and cause problems.
- Wrong Lubricant: You must use the correct lubricant for your differential.
- Water Damage: If water gets in through the seals or vents, it will emulsify the lubricant. This will cause rusting and your differential will be corroded.
- Seized U-joints: The joints in the differential can seize up for various reasons and that will affect its performance.
- Time and Wear: It is expected that, over time, normal wear and tear will lead to corrosion and degradation of the differential.
Maintenance is Important
Differentials are low-maintenance components of your car. It is a closed system. This is why people often forget that every once in a while, the differential needs some caring. For example, the differential needs oil to lubricate the gears, which needs to be changed occasionally. Generally speaking, it is a good idea to put your Mercedes on a regular maintenance schedule. When you bring your car to us for regular maintenance, we keep an eye on all the moving parts of your car. Catching problems early saves you from stress and costly repairs later.
Visit Crowne Automotive for Your Mercedes’ Needs
At Crowne Automotive, we are the experts 
in the European luxury car niche. Our highly-trained professionals and state-of-the-art facility offer you the best in service. Please call us or book an appointment to visit us. We service Hummelstown, Hershey, Harrisburg, Camp Hill, Lebanon, Palmyra, Carlisle, Lancaster, Mechanicsburg, Elizabethtown, and York in Pennsylvania.