Symptoms
Lock indicator stays dark, a lock drops out under load, or one lock works and another doesn't.
The fix, step by step
- Handsome Motors, which has owned more than 200 Gs, says to have the hydraulic system flushed before anything else.
- Check the flex lines; on many W461s the rear locker line is paired with the front brake hose, so replace both.
- Bleed the system and retest.
- If a lock still won't move, rebuild the slave cylinder on that axle and check the indicator switch and its boot.
Tools & part numbers
- Front brake / rear locker flex line 460 420 50 48 (all W460 and many W461)
- slave cylinder rebuild kit 460 350 07 84
- indicator switch boot 601 546 03 35
- brake bleeding kit
Where to buy the parts
Front brake / rear locker hose 460 420 50 48Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Diff-lock slave cylinder rebuild kit (late style)Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Diff-lock switch boot (axle)Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mercedes-Benz G-Class W461 parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.