1983 240D - Rubber hose from brake fluid reservoir to clutch master
 

As the title says, I'm looking for info/source on the rubber hose from brake fluid reservoir to clutch master in a 1983 240D. This is the hose that goes through the firewall. Mine is in very poor shape.

My car's been in project mode for over two years now, but I should be done with the bodywork (finally) within the next few weeks. This is one of the mechanical items I'll need to tackle. What kind of hose will I need for this? (anything special?) Thanks.

Pull the old hose off. Measure the inside diameter. This hose isn't under pressure, so pretty much any hose of the right ID and length will do the job.

Up to now, that was plan "B". I didn't know if I needed any special hose for brake fluid. Thanks for the input.

I used blue silicone braided brake hose that I had left over from the VW restoration project. It's a tight fit on both ends, but it's a nice fit in the end. Anyone that deals in air cooled VW stuff should have it.

you can still get the OEM hose which is sort of a weird jointed rubber lined plastic thing, looks more like one of those snakelights vs a hose.

I did this, IMO there is zero value to buying this part from MB. any brake fluid rated hose in the right diameter will do the job better.

HOWEVER that little plastic elbow that joins the hose to the master cylinder inside is i think NLA, so dont break it like i did, or youll be cobbling something at the plumbing supply counter

That cuts to the core of my original question - what kind of hose is rated for brake fluid, and/or where can I get such hose?

Again, this is what I used: Flexible Brake Hose, Braided, 7mm ID, Per Foot - JBugs.com

I know nothing of this vendor. And it's not Pelican so a bit rude to post here. But, it's not something they carry, since they only cover the water cooled VW stuff.

It's brake hose, so I'm sure it's rated for brake fluid.

I used one longer piece, all the way from the resevior to the clutch master cylinder. I have no idea why Mercedes used a splice in the factory hose as it goes through the firewall, I didn't see where it was necessary.

Thanks a bunch. Bookmarked - I'll order some in the near future.

you can go to a parker store and get some flexible hydraulic hose. not sure if it was the pushlok stuff, but a hydraulic shop will have hose that can handle brake fluid applications

If its not leaking I would be hesitant to replace it. In my experience the hoses put on the 123 Mercedes from the factory are just about impossible to wear out.

Just don't use fuel hose... I took that advice from someone here and it started to sweat, and the fluid in the system was DARK BROWN and I had to flush it all

Parker - I had to look that one up. I'd never heard of them - making a mental note of them - thanks. Not a bad idea, but the closest one is 20 miles, I'm not in a rush, and I'm kind of lazy. I'll probably order some online.


That's the thing, it was/is leaking. On the project car, and my parts car, the end of the hose by the master cylinder reservoir was dried out, cracking, frayed, and leaking. For now, I have it braced up with a few zip ties, which is OK for getting in and out of the garage, but not what I would consider a permanent solution. I actually do need to replace this before I drive the car.

A-ha! This is exactly what I thought might be a problem! Good thing I asked before I used fuel hose. Granted, I would have used higher-strength fuel injection hose, but I figured there might be something special for brake fluid.


Thanks for the input, everyone. Very helpful stuff. :)

I agree with JB3, any Hydraulic Shop should have the hose you need.

When I did my 4-spd swap on the 85, I bought the hose at NAPA. I bought a piece longer than I needed, pushed it through the grommet and onto the MC. Then bolted the MC to the peddle assy. had my Wife pull the hose back as I lifted the MC into position. I think the hose I used is blue braded.

Charlie