Changing fluids in a 2020 Mercedes Sprinter - differentials and transfer case [SERVICE B]

[@ballancampeau6427]

Just talked to Mercedes parts department in Wilsonville, OR. The rep said: 75w90 (they use Mobile 1) for both front and rear diff; and ATF134 for transfer case.

[@OutofIpswich]

Thank you for sharing!

[@scottaberegg1167]

neglected to mention the torque specs of the drain and fill bolts. Always a good idea to torque to spec with the German stuff

[@OutofIpswich]

Thanks for the feedback! That's a helpful tip.

[@drewbrend]

For the front diff, I was able to cut out a piece of cardboard and fit it under the drain to direct the fluid off the cross member. It made for a very easy cleanup. Thanks for all the service B videos, they're a big help!

[@OutofIpswich]

So happy you found them helpful! We love it when people choose to do it themselves.

[@AdrienRenaud]

Rear diff at 40k miles and again at 120k miles. Transmission can be done at 60k miles, but then you have to do a full flush, which is a lot of work and a big mess. If you do it every 40k miles, then there is a quick partial flush that is a lot easier and less messy; but you have to do it more often. (link below) Depending on how often you use the 4x4, the front diff and transfer case are typically done together, since they get the same amount of wear and tear. They are changed out between 80k-120k miles. kzbin.info/www/bejne/bJaQYYSqjqmopdUsi=UM-VIyo6LWel34ab

[@Midlothian55]

A liter is a metric system measurement for volume. One kilogram of water is equal to one liter. One liter is equivalent to 1.0567 liquid US quarts, making a quart the slightly larger volume. Two other quart measurements are commonly recognized: dry U.S. quart and U.K. quart. Both U.K. quarts and dry U.S. quarts are slightly smaller than a liter. One liter is equivalent to 0.90808 dry U.S. quarts and 0.87988 U.K. quarts.

[@thisfinitelife]

How much oil did you get out of the front differential? I just did mine and I got ~550ml which is ~0.6 quart. That's what made it to the oil catch can (that I then poured into a quart measuring cup). There would be a little on the cross member that just got mopped up with paper towels. It took about the same to refill (so that it started to overflow the fill hole). I was expecting more and I'm curious why only ~0.6 quart. Also, I contacted my local MB, and torque spec for the fill/drain plugs of front differential are 10 Nm (which equates to 7.3 ft lbs).

[@OutofIpswich]

I didn't measure how much oil came out. It's not a lot. The differential is very small.

[@CO2W]

Hi, I just got my 2016 4x4 sprinter back from the 80000 mile service. Tech suggest replacing front diff sighting fluid leak, service writer quoted $12000.00 repair cost. It appears to be weeping rather than leaking I’ll be monitoring fluid levels closely in the coming months. And thoughts?

[@OutofIpswich]

I'm not sure if the NCV3 uses the same front differential as the VS30, but there seems to be an issue with the front driveshaft input seal on the later models. The seal is not available to purchase anywhere. Our whole front differential was just replaced under warranty to remedy the leaking seal. I think the differential is around $4,000 If you can do it yourself, but it requires removing the entire front suspension and subframe.

[@douglasmitchell8028]

Any idea what the torque specs are for the front and rear differential fill plugs are?

[@OutofIpswich]

It depends on what axle you have, but it is just a simple pipe thread. You only need to tighten it enough to not leak. It's not super critical.

[@educatefun]

I just did both of. my diff's. The rear plugs were most clear from any debris. The front drain plug had a good bit of material on it. though. Nothing. big, almost looked like worn clutch material from a Moto oil change. Did you have more material stuck to the plug on the from than the rear?

[@OutofIpswich]

I think there was a bit more goop on the rear magnet than the front on ours as well. Not so much that it was concerning. I wonder if there will be less wear next time, after the initial break in.

[@tztz1949]

How cani do this without getting old oil mess everywhere like you? Or did you not actually change the oil.

[@OutofIpswich]

For which reservoir? There's really no way that I know of to drain the front differential that won't make a mess. To put new fluid in for each location, you may want to use a fluid pump but it's not necessary.

[@andymcdo]

How do i do service B on my tacoma?

[@OutofIpswich]

Hmm. I think you would have to ask Jeeves.

[@glennr9913]

Thanks for the video. 👍 I just finished the transmission and differentials. I couldn't believe how tight the rear plug was. King Kong must have been working at the Sprinter factory that day! After breaking loose it was still very hard to turn for about 5 revolutions.

[@OutofIpswich]

At least we know it was never going to fall out on its own! How satisfying it feels to have done it yourself though!

[@HighlineGroupVT]

at the 27 second mark, you were in Woodstock VT..

[@OutofIpswich]

Good eye!!

[@ballancampeau6427]

Is there a tool for getting the fluid into those fill holes? How do you know the devices are full?

[@OutofIpswich]

The technically correct tool is a fluid pump. A cheaper way to do it is to stick a piece of hose on the cap for the oil container and just squeeze it in by hand. For all three gearboxes, the way to know it's full is to add oil until it runs out of the fill hole. The full level is flush with the bottom of the hole for the fill plug. Hope that helps!

[@joelrowe9034]

Mobil one delvac