Limited Slip Clutch Pack

Replace the limited slip differential clutch pack assembly in the rear differential to restore proper torque transfer between rear wheels.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Limited slip clutch pack kit × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Differential cover gasket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Pinion seal × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Side bearing shims (assorted) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Clutch pack shims (assorted) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Crush sleeve (if applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Shop rags × 1 — Generic

Fluids

• Mercedes-Benz Diff Fluid 75W-85 — 2 qt

Preparation

1. Ensure vehicle has cooled for at least 2 hours if recently driven
2. Raise vehicle on lift or secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight
3. Remove rear wheels using proper lifting points per owner's manual
4. Place drain pan under rear differential
5. Photograph driveshaft orientation and mark components for reassembly reference

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove rear wheels and driveshaft
   Remove both rear wheels. Mark the driveshaft-to-differential flange orientation with paint or marker. Remove driveshaft U-joint strap bolts and carefully lower driveshaft. Support driveshaft with wire or strap to prevent damage to center support bearing.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

   Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Drain differential fluid
   Remove differential cover screws in crisscross pattern. Carefully pry cover away from housing and allow fluid to drain completely into drain pan. Remove cover gasket material and inspect for metal debris indicating prior damage.
   Torque spec

   Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove axle shafts
   Remove CV joint bolts at both inner CV joints where they mate to differential flanges. Push axle shafts outward and secure with wire to suspension components. Do not allow axle shafts to hang unsupported as this damages CV joints.
   ⚠Support axle shafts properly to prevent CV joint damage from overextension.
   Torque spec

   CV Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove differential carrier assembly
   Remove carrier mounting bolts securing differential assembly to rear subframe. Carefully extract entire differential carrier assembly from vehicle. Place on clean workbench. This assembly weighs approximately 80 lbs, use proper lifting technique or assistant.
   ⚠Differential carrier weighs approximately 80 lbs. Use proper lifting technique or get assistance.
   Torque spec

   Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Mark bearing caps and measure backlash
   Before disassembly, mark bearing caps with punch marks for orientation. Install dial indicator on ring gear and measure backlash at 4 points around ring gear. Record measurements for reference (should be 0.004-0.008 inch). Check ring gear tooth contact pattern using marking compound and note for reassembly verification.
6. 6

   Install differential spreader and remove bearing caps
   Install differential spreader tool on carrier housing. Carefully spread housing no more than 0.015-0.020 inch maximum while monitoring with dial indicator. Remove bearing cap bolts and carefully lift bearing caps. Keep caps and shims matched to their original sides.
   ⚠️Do not spread carrier housing beyond 0.020 inch or permanent casting damage will occur.
7. 7

   Remove differential case assembly
   With spreader maintaining housing spread, carefully pry differential case assembly upward and out of carrier housing. Remove spreader immediately after case removal. Mark and remove side bearing races and shims, keeping left and right components completely separated and labeled.
8. 8

   Disassemble differential case and remove clutch packs
   Remove ring gear bolts from differential case. Using bearing puller, remove side bearings from case. Remove differential case retaining bolts and separate case halves. Remove pinion gears, side gears, pinion shaft, and existing limited slip clutch pack assembly. Note clutch pack orientation, shim thickness, and number of plates for reference.
   ℹ️Photograph clutch pack arrangement before disassembly for proper reassembly reference.
9. 9

   Clean and inspect components
   Thoroughly clean differential case halves, gears, and all components with solvent. Inspect case for cracks, scoring, or wear. Inspect side gears and pinion gears for wear, chipping, or damage. Measure pinion gear shaft bore and shaft for excessive wear. Replace any damaged components.
10. 10

    Install new clutch pack assembly
    Install new clutch pack assembly according to manufacturer specifications, alternating friction plates and steel plates. Install correct shims as specified by clutch pack kit. Soak friction plates in Mercedes-Benz differential fluid for minimum 20 minutes before installation. Ensure wave springs and Belleville washers are oriented correctly per kit instructions.
    ℹ️Clutch pack plate orientation and shimming is critical for proper limited slip function. Follow kit instructions precisely.
11. 11

    Reassemble differential case
    Install side gears with clutch packs into case halves. Install pinion gears and pinion shaft. Assemble case halves and torque case bolts per manufacturer specification (typically in crisscross pattern). Install ring gear with new bolts torqued to specification. Press side bearings onto case using bearing press and appropriate drivers.
12. 12

    Set bearing preload and backlash
    Install original shims on differential case bearings as starting point. Reinstall differential spreader and spread housing 0.015 inch. Install case assembly into carrier. Install bearing caps in original orientation. Remove spreader. Torque bearing cap bolts per specification. Measure backlash with dial indicator, adjusting shims as necessary to achieve 0.005-0.007 inch backlash. Bearing preload should be 15-20 inch-lbs on new bearings.
13. 13

    Verify gear contact pattern
    Apply gear marking compound to ring gear teeth. Rotate pinion through several revolutions in both directions while applying light resistance. Check tooth contact pattern on both drive and coast sides. Pattern should be centered on tooth face. Adjust shims if pattern is incorrect.
    ℹ️Improper gear contact pattern will cause noise and premature wear. Pattern must be correct before final assembly.
14. 14

    Install carrier assembly and axles
    Apply thread locker to carrier mounting bolt threads. Install carrier assembly into rear subframe and torque mounting bolts to specification. Reconnect axle shafts to differential flanges and torque CV bolts to specification in crisscross pattern.
    Torque spec

    Mounting Bolts37 Nm (27 lb-ft)

    CV Bolts82 Nm (61 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Install cover and fill differential
    Clean differential cover and housing mating surfaces thoroughly. Install new cover gasket. Install cover and torque cover screws in crisscross pattern to specification. Fill differential through fill plug with Mercedes-Benz 75W-85 differential fluid until fluid reaches bottom of fill hole (approximately 2.0 quarts). Install fill plug. Reconnect driveshaft aligning orientation marks and torque U-joint strap bolts evenly to specification. Install rear wheels and torque lug nuts in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Cover Screws15 Nm (11 lb-ft)

    Driveshaft U-Joint Straps20 Nm (15 lb-ft)

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all bearing caps and components are installed in original orientation
2. Verify backlash is within 0.005-0.007 inch specification at multiple points around ring gear
3. Apply thread locker to all critical fasteners per torque specifications
4. Verify gear contact pattern is correct before final assembly
5. Use only Mercedes-Benz approved 75W-85 differential fluid

Verification

• Lower vehicle and test drive on flat road at low speed, verify no unusual noise from differential
• Perform figure-8 maneuvers in parking lot to verify limited slip function
• Check for fluid leaks around differential cover and pinion seal after test drive
• Re-torque all fasteners after initial 50 miles of driving
• Monitor differential temperature during initial break-in period (first 500 miles), avoid hard acceleration
• Verify both rear wheels provide equal power delivery during acceleration from stop

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