How to solve the rear axle differential oil leakage issue in Mercedes-Benz GLC?
4 Answers
If you discover oil leakage from the rear axle differential, simply visit a 4S dealership for replacement. Differential: The automotive differential is a mechanism that enables left and right (or front and rear) drive wheels to rotate at different speeds. It mainly consists of left and right half-shaft gears, two planetary gears, and a gear carrier. Function of the differential: When a car turns, the turning radius of the inner wheel differs from that of the outer wheel, with the outer wheel's turning radius being larger than the inner wheel's. This requires the outer wheel to rotate faster than the inner wheel during a turn. The differential's function is to meet this requirement of different wheel speeds during vehicle cornering.
If you notice oil leakage from the rear differential on your Mercedes-Benz GLC, I think the first thing to check is whether the sealing components have aged. For this type of vehicle running in urban areas for a long time, the gaskets are prone to drying and cracking, causing oil to seep out. If you want to handle it yourself, first check the oil level. If it's low, you'll need to top it up, but the root cause must be addressed. Take it to a professional repair shop, lift the car, disassemble the rear differential, and replace it with new oil seals or gaskets. If the leakage is severe and the oil dries up, it could damage the internal gears, requiring replacement of the entire differential unit, which would double the cost. It's recommended to inspect the chassis every six months to avoid minor issues turning into major repairs. Drive gently in daily use and reduce impacts from potholes to extend component lifespan. Timely repairs ensure safety and save money.
Last time my car's rear axle differential was leaking oil. At first I thought it was just dirt, but later at the shop they found out the oil seal was broken. The mechanic replaced new seals and fluid, costing over 2,000 yuan to fix. If you encounter this, don't rush to drive long distances - towing it to the repair shop is safer. The oil leak might be caused by aggressive driving or poor road conditions cracking the gasket. For simple fixes, small repair shops can replace parts for just a few hundred yuan - no need to blindly trust expensive dealership service. After the fluid change, I learned to do regular checks: every 5,000 km, check under the car for oil stains. Top up promptly if leaking to avoid gear damage. During routine maintenance, ask the mechanic to pay extra attention to the rear axle area to prevent issues proactively.
Oil leakage solutions can start with the basics: first, check the oil level yourself and top it up if it's low, then confirm the leak is at the differential. If it's a faulty oil seal, buying the part and replacing it yourself can save a lot of money. However, Mercedes structures are complex, so beginners should avoid disassembling randomly to prevent damage. Replacing the seal at a repair shop usually costs a few hundred, while dealerships charge double. Oil leaks may result from prolonged driving wear or poor oil quality—using original manufacturer oil is better. After fixing, keep some oil handy for checks; prevention is cheaper than repairs. Avoid off-roading to reduce wear.
