Low humming from the rear differential when cornering (recent Mercedes GLE, GLS, C-, E-, S-Class, CLE and GLC)

Engine / equipment

Mercedes-Benz GLE and GLS (167), C-Class (206), E-Class (214), CLE (236), S-Class (223) and GLC (254), except AMG models with the electronically controlled locking differential (code 467)

Period mentioned

2020–2027 (US model years)

Symptoms

A low whining or humming noise, like a foghorn, from the rear axle area when cornering; mostly on cars with less than 15,000 km.

Possible cause described

Resonance from the ring and pinion gear mesh in the rear differential combined with the damper elements on the axle shafts. Mercedes adds 15 ml of friction modifier to the differential and, if the noise does not change, replaces it (information LI35.31-P-080353).

Check for the garage

Ask the workshop to drive the car in a tight circle at full steering lock in both directions and compare the noise with the Mercedes reference video.

Cost cited in the source

No verified estimate; ask the garage for a quote.A rough figure from the original database, not an up-to-date quote.

Sources from the original database