At our Doctor Benz workshop, we offer the following services:
1. Maintenance and repair of the transfer box.
The transfer box is a vital part of the transmission system in four-wheel-drive vehicles. The transfer box transmits and distributes torque in a specified ratio to the vehicle’s axles (front and rear); in off-road conditions, it increases the torque; it helps the vehicle to be more capable and manoeuvrable in challenging conditions, on steep ascents and descents.
Signs of a fault in the transfer box include:
▪ Excessive noise from the transfer box; unusual noises may be caused by mechanical faults.
▪ Oil leaks. The low-range gear disengaging spontaneously.
▪ Overheating. Difficulty engaging the front or rear axle.
▪ Vibration when starting off and accelerating may indicate a fault with the centre differential.
▪ Play in the front axle output flange.
▪ Play in the rear axle drive shaft.
▪ The vehicle jerks when starting off; this may be caused by a stretched chain.
The causes of transfer box faults include:
▪ failure to change the oil on time or the use of unsuitable lubricants, oil leaks due to mechanical damage;
▪ wear and tear of individual components, such as the engagement clutch and the drive chain;
▪ electrical faults.
At the Doctor Benz car workshop, our specialists will carry out a thorough diagnosis, provide expert servicing and professional repairs to your transfer box.
2. Gearbox maintenance and repair.
The gearbox is designed to distribute and increase the torque transmitted from the engine crankshaft. One of the key parameters of the gearbox is the gear ratio. This indicates how many times the driven gear (the larger one) can turn for every single revolution of the drive gear (the smaller one).
Signs of a faulty gearbox include oil leaks, a characteristic noise and a humming sound, which initially becomes noticeable at speeds of 80–90 km/h. The longer the vehicle is driven with a faulty gearbox, the sooner (at lower speeds) the noise from the gearbox will become audible.
The main causes of rear axle differential failure are:
▪ prolonged exposure to excessive loads;
▪ failure to change the oil on time, use of poor-quality oil, or low oil levels;
▪ mechanical damage;
▪ wear and tear on bearings, gears, oil seals, the differential, and the main gear set.
At the Doctor Benz car service centre, our specialists will carry out a thorough diagnosis, provide
expert servicing and professional repairs to the differential.
3. Gearbox maintenance and repair.
If you notice any unusual symptoms whilst the gearbox is in operation, you should contact a service centre. Firstly, a corresponding error code will appear on the dashboard; however, the following signs may also indicate a faulty gearbox:
▪ Jerks and jolts are felt when changing gears, and gear changes are delayed;
▪ The automatic gearbox selector cannot be moved into any position;
▪ The gearbox has entered emergency mode;
▪ The gearbox is accompanied by noise or vibration;
▪ oil stains on the gearbox housing or a drop in oil level;
▪ a deterioration in acceleration performance or the gearbox slipping whilst in motion.
At Doctor Benz, before carrying out any gearbox repairs, we always perform diagnostics using a specialist dealer scanner, check the gearshift adaptations, carry out a visual inspection for leaks, and check the level and condition of the transmission fluid.
Modern automatic gearboxes are electronically controlled and therefore require periodic software updates to function correctly. At Doctor Benz, we can update the gearbox software (and other units, such as the engine control unit) using an original diagnostic system and a direct connection to the car manufacturer’s server.
Transmission control modules are often part of a vehicle’s anti-theft system, preventing the vehicle from moving or changing gears unless the module is paired with the vehicle following replacement. Car owners who have entrusted such repairs to a workshop not authorised by the manufacturer frequently encounter this problem. Doctor Benz holds all the necessary certificates and authorisations to commission such units, so this type of repair can be carried out without visiting an official dealer.
Price Table
| Service | Price, from |
|---|---|
| Transmission diagnostics | €50 |
| Transfer box oil change | €40 |
| Rear differential oil change | €30 |
| Gearbox oil and filter change | €100 |