Manual Clutch Hydraulic Line Replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Ken300D · #1 03-20-2006, 09:45 AM

What have you used as a source for the manual clutch hydraulic line? I'm going to try Phil shortly, and I wonder what other people have done for a line replacement - are these metric lines generally available in the local auto stores?

I am having periodic difficulties with the clutch releasing. This usually happens when the car has been on the road a while. The first time it happened was when the brake fluid got lower than the clutch line level in the reservoir. I have had master cylinder issues and just got that replaced - found out the M/C was leaking into the booster. Good feeling to take care of that.

So, I decided that the clutch slave must be leaking, since the clutch problem first showed up when the fluid level was too low to supply the clutch system from the reservoir. In taking off the clutch slave cylinder, the hydraulic line seized to the fastener and I twisted it and broke off the end.

Now looking for a replacement hydraulic line. Got the whole line out of the car and found it is a two-piece deal, with a flexible hose in the middle. Makes sense, the flex hose absorbs the engine movement relative to the chassis.

I have two alternatives -

1) Replace the whole two-piece system with OEM equivalent parts.

2) Saw off even the remaining tube end, flare it, and use a union to connect in another piece of line. This presumes I can find something to fit in the way of a union and fittings.

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Also, the result when I got the slave cylinder off was no visible sign of a leak. However, the pushrod was quite worn. Comparing it to the new slave cylinder, at least 1/8 to 1/4 inch of the rod is worn away! This may help my clutch issue a bit. Did you apply any grease to the end of the slave cylinder push rod? I would expect you have to be careful with grease in the clutch area.

Any experience on all this?

Ken300D

bgkast · #2 07-23-2006, 04:36 AM

Bump. I need to replace the flexible line on my new 240D. It spurts fluid every time the clutch is depressed.

Ken300D · #3 07-23-2006, 07:15 AM

I should be able to find the part numbers Phil ordered through MB for my car. Mercedes used to supply several different versions of the hydraulic tubing parts that go from the slave cylinder to the master cylinder. As you know by now there are two sections of line. The line from the slave cylinder runs over the top of the transmission and includes a section of flexible hose. Then another section runs into the passenger compartment.

On my car, the metal line seized to the holding nut at the slave cylinder. This resulted in twisting the line off when I had to change the cylinder.

The exact fit line for the US cars does not seem to be available any more. Phil was able to locate the one remaining line MB stocks. It is too short to fit as the other one did - however it can be made to work just fine. You just can't clamp it into place at the engine/transmission junction as the OEM line went. There is a holding slot in the top of the transmission and that's the only place to hold the line now.

Also, the MB parts book indicates a certain plastic clip MUST be purchased with the line. This is to be used at that transmission/engine clamp location. You may find that you can't use it, so either don't order it at the same time or be prepared to send it back (don't open the plastic bag).

Ken300D

bgkast · #4 07-23-2006, 03:36 PM

If you cold find that part # I would appreciate it. Is it possible to replace the half and half file with a aftermarket piece of flexible rubber high pressure hose?

t walgamuth · #5 07-23-2006, 04:28 PM

i have a hard time believing the correct part is not available.

i would use a factory part if it were mine.

unless actually unavailable.

tom w

bgkast · #6 07-23-2006, 08:26 PM

Guess I will try the stealer, and if they don't have it I know of a hydraulic shop in town that should have all I need. I can go for a "bling" braided stainless flex line.