SBC brake bleeding

[MTUpower]

I have the code to replace my hydro brake accumulator in my 2005 e320cdi. I bought the part from our forum owners site; my indie says that after replacement the bleeding is very difficult and perhaps may be a dealer only option. Advice? How to do this?

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by MTUpower

I have the code to replace my hydro brake accumulator in my 2005 e320cdi. I bought the part from our forum owners site; my indie says that after replacement the bleeding is very difficult and perhaps may be a dealer only option. Advice? How to do this?

I have viewed a couple youtube videos about this because I need to do it as well next week (replacing SBC module). I believe this job can be done without Xentry, but am still researching. All of the videos show being hooked to a computer. If you find out before me, please advise!

[shertex]

I know that my indie is able to do this....did indicate that it's challenging, though.

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by shertex

I know that my indie is able to do this....did indicate that it's challenging, though.

I would like to do it myself, so I don't have to have the car towed to the shop AND pay for the bleeding. My neighborhood shop is able to do the job, but they are as expensive as the dealer.

[chronometers]

If you have had work done at a dealership in recent past (2 years I believe), they will cover tow to the dealership. You can call MB roadside assistance and see if you qualify.

The brake bleed is about $150 at most dealerships and sometimes there are service coupons available. I have my SBC brake bleeds done at dealership because of the added complexity and I then qualify for roadside assistance and tows if I am on the road.

I do not think the cost is that bad either.....I had my last one done for about $110 with tax after using a spend $200 and get $100 off coupon.

The service manager let me make up the difference to get to $200 by adding parts to the bill....I bought a bunch of MB anti-freeze which I need to change this year and it was free.

I look at brake fluid for SBC equipped cars as something that is good for a dealership to do...you kill tow birds (SBC and qualify toward roadside assistance and towing). I think if an MB dealer does the flushes every two years, you may have more leverage for help if the SBC pump fails too.

[jay_bob]

MB cancelled the free roadside assist if you get serviced policy a couple years ago.

Now only applies if you buy new or CPO from dealer for as long as you own it.

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by chronometers

If you have had work done at a dealership in recent past (2 years I believe), they will cover tow to the dealership. You can call MB roadside assistance and see if you qualify.

The brake bleed is about $150 at most dealerships and sometimes there are service coupons available. I have my SBC brake bleeds done at dealership because of the added complexity and I then qualify for roadside assistance and tows if I am on the road.

I do not think the cost is that bad either.....I had my last one done for about $110 with tax after using a spend $200 and get $100 off coupon.

The service manager let me make up the difference to get to $200 by adding parts to the bill....I bought a bunch of MB anti-freeze which I need to change this year and it was free.

I look at brake fluid for SBC equipped cars as something that is good for a dealership to do...you kill tow birds (SBC and qualify toward roadside assistance and towing). I think if an MB dealer does the flushes every two years, you may have more leverage for help if the SBC pump fails too.

I have only owned this car for less than a year, and have never darkened the door of a Mercedes-Benz Service Center. The closest dealer to me is 40+ miles. I could call and see what the price is, and if they will tow it as part of the deal....Rich.

[Paulwho]

Link to the current roadside assistance rules
Mercedes-Benz Roadside Assistance - Eligibility and Coverage

[jay_bob]

Wow that is even more restrictive now.
Only until your warranty runs out unless you are grandfathered from pre 2011.

I remember back in the day when it was any MB with no restrictions.

[bsmuwk]

you need a pressure bleeder and a high end scanner (SO Verus, Autel, or MB DAS) to activate the sbc bleed cycle. from there, whatever scanner you're using will have you follow a bleed procedure. this is not difficult by any means, but you need the equipment. fluid shoots out of the bleeders, so whatever you're using to catch the fluid should be very well attached!

i usually charge $130 for the service.

[ROLLGUY]

Originally Posted by bsmuwk

you need a pressure bleeder and a high end scanner (SO Verus, Autel, or MB DAS) to activate the sbc bleed cycle. from there, whatever scanner you're using will have you follow a bleed procedure. this is not difficult by any means, but you need the equipment. fluid shoots out of the bleeders, so whatever you're using to catch the fluid should be very well attached!

i usually charge $130 for the service.

I figured I would need at least a pressure bleeder, that is no problem. The high end scanner is a problem for me. I am sure my local Euro guy can do it, but a towing is involved and he is not cheap. I wanted to avoid that if at all possible.

[Maggio]

Originally Posted by ROLLGUY

I figured I would need at least a pressure bleeder, that is no problem. The high end scanner is a problem for me. I am sure my local Euro guy can do it, but a towing is involved and he is not cheap. I wanted to avoid that if at all possible.

You could try the procedure in Mercedes doc AR42.10-P-0009T. It is called Bleed Brake System Without Star Diagnosis. I have a Xentry clone so I have never tried this.

Mercedes Benz Workshop Manuals > E 320 4MATIC Sedan (211.082) V6-3.2L (112.954) (2004) > Brakes and Traction Control > Brake Bleeding > System Information > Service and Repair > AR42.10-P-0009T Bleed Brake System Without Star Diagnosis

When I replaced my SBC reservoir last weekend, the bleed procedure was a little different and I was also able to do other things like check for air in the brake system when I was done.