Leaking Brake line? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

ragtopper · #1 10-11-2007, 05:34 PM

Brake Fluid leaking onto Driver Side front wheel. Complete brake job 1 yr ago, but I don't think he replaced hoses.
Tough job to replace hoses?
Any valuable insight appreciated.

Ragtopper
82 380SL

ScottinSoCal · #2 10-11-2007, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragtopper

Brake Fluid leaking onto Driver Side front wheel. Complete brake job 1 yr ago, but I don't think he replaced hoses.
Tough job to replace hoses?

Hoses are pretty easy, but I'd be surprised if it was a leaking hose and you haven't noticed any pulling during braking. The only tough part is keeping the brake fluid off the calipers as you twist them around getting the old lines off and new lines on.

Does the car pull to the passenger side when you brake?

Roncallo · #3 10-11-2007, 11:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ScottinSoCal

Hoses are pretty easy, but I'd be surprised if it was a leaking hose and you haven't noticed any pulling during braking. The only tough part is keeping the brake fluid off the calipers as you twist them around getting the old lines off and new lines on.

Does the car pull to the passenger side when you brake?

This is a 1 hour job for both sides. Disconnect the chassi side of the hose first then remove it from the caliper. To install connect the hose to the calliper first then the chassi.

John Roncallop

JPMOSE · #4 10-12-2007, 12:43 PM

Have you checked the caliper for a broken seal? This is much more common....something I experienced on my 560SL.

ragtopper · #5 10-12-2007, 02:06 PM

Have not noticed car pulling to one side when braking.
I will check caliper seal - is this also an easy fix?
Thanks to all.

Ragtopper
82 380SL

ScottinSoCal · #6 10-12-2007, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ragtopper

Have not noticed car pulling to one side when braking.
I will check caliper seal - is this also an easy fix?

The easiest fix is to replace the caliper with a quality rebuilt, but it is possible to rebuild the caliper itself. I haven't done it, however, since the cost for a new caliper for my 78 was only $60 each. I figured by the time I'd paid for the rebuild kit, taken the caliper off, figured out what needed to be replaced, put it back together and then remounted it on the car I'd have spent at least twice that in cash and frustration.

The piston seal on one of my rear calipers went and I replaced both, just to be sure.

Roncallo · #7 10-12-2007, 07:38 PM

I agree with ScottinSoCal, even though he dosent like black cars or interiors. Overhauling a 4 piston caliper is a PIA. I do them myself as a sort of love hate thing. I just cant help myself. But taking them apart usually requires a grease gun to hydraulically force the pistons out. The first piston is easy. The next three require creative sealing.

John Roncallo

nobby · #8 10-16-2007, 03:39 AM

I have done both..taken the calipers apart and replaced the hoses. Neither is hard to do. It seems the price of calipers is cheap in the US...in fact only $15 more than a rebuild kit. Thats the direction that would be easiest and less time consuming.
Don't forget that you will have to bleed the system when you are done.