How Does Mercedes Differential Failure Affect Its Performance?
Do you notice any abnormal sounds when driving? Your Mercedes is one car that gives a smooth ride, but what do you do when you begin to hear strange noises or feel that your vehicle is not responding well? If your car produces a whining, clunking, or grinding sound, this is an indication that your differential is failing. Most drivers do not know what a differential is until it starts giving them sleepless nights.
Okay, let’s put it this way. Can you walk properly without your hips? Your legs don’t always move at the same speed, and your hips balance both of them. Similarly, the differential balances power between the wheels of your car. When it fails, the effects are evident in various ways, ranging from strange noises to poor handling.
At Dougherty Automotive Services, located near you in West Chester, Pennsylvania, we will explore the signs of differential failure and its impact on the performance of your Mercedes.
What Does the Mercedes Differential Do?
Technically, your Mercedes differential is a framework of gears that divide the engine‘s power to let each wheel rotate at different rates, especially when cornering. For instance, when you make a turn, the outer wheels should turn faster than the inner ones so the car maintains its balance. If your Mercedes’ differential isn’t working correctly, your vehicle cannot turn as smoothly as needed, which leads to handling issues and your tires wearing out more quickly.
Symptoms of Mercedes Differential Failure
Whining or Howling Noises
The most obvious indication that you have a differential issue is if your car produces whining or howling sounds from the rear. This usually happens due to a low level of differential fluid or worn-out gears. If the fluid is not changed over time, metal components begin to rub against each other, producing such sounds.
Shaking or Vibrations
If your differential is failing, your Mercedes will vibrate, especially when you are accelerating with it. This occurs as the various clusters that make up the drivetrain lose their correct positioning and, therefore, the power transfer becomes unstable.
Difficulty in Turning
Since the differential assists the car to make smooth turns, you may observe that turning is rigid or uneven when there is a problem. If your car has trouble turning or seems to be pulling in the opposite direction, it may be time to have your differential checked.
Impacts of Differential Failure in Your Mercedes Performance
Excessive Tire Wear
A failing differential makes both wheels rotate at the same speed, which they should not. This creates extra stress on the tires, especially during turns, leading to uneven or premature wear. Just imagine how you could run with uneven shoes, one side of your foot wears down faster. Fixing the differential saves your tires from unnecessary stress and extends their lifespan. If you notice uneven wear on your tires, please drive into our garage, located near you in West Chester, PA, so our professionals can inspect your tires for differential damage.
Loss of Powers to Wheels
Have you ever tried to run by dragging heavy weights tied to your body? Don’t you feel like you exhaust your entire energy, but you hardly move, some limited steps that you’re supposed to move with less energy? Similarly, when the differential fails, the engine’s power is not delivered to the wheels effectively. This usually makes your Mercedes feel sluggish, even though the engine is working fine. You feel that your Mercedes is not performing as it should. Drive into our garage, located near you in West Chester, PA, and we will thoroughly inspect your vehicle and resolve the issue promptly.
Breakdown of Drivetrain
If you neglect a failing differential and leave it untreated, it can surely cause a complete breakdown of the drivetrain. In simple words, if your hip joint breaks, you will not be able to work. Similarly, if you have a failed differential, your Mercedes will not move a single mile, even if your engine is in its proper condition. Certified technicians at Dougherty Automotive Services, located near you in West Chester, PA, recommend either a complete differential replacement or a rebuild to ensure long-term reliability.
Best Auto Care Near You in West Chester, PA
There are numerous issues that can arise with 
your car’s differential, which is why it’s a crucial component of ongoing maintenance for your Mercedes-Benz vehicle. Here at Dougherty Automotive Services, Mercedes and other luxury car owners from West Chester, PA, and nearby areas trust our expertise and consistency above that of other repair shops in the area. It’s helpful that we never recommend services unless they’re necessary for your car’s longevity and optimal performance. To learn more about our shop’s expertise in working with Mercedes-Benz vehicles, please feel free to explore our website or contact our specialists now.
