Brake System Flush

[TBGeoff]

A quick search of available postings seems to indicate that a conventional 'pump-the-pedal' or pressure bleed is insufficient during system flushes on vehicles with brake induced traction control such as a '99 ML 320. Some postings describe a bleeding problem with ABSs as well.

Can anyone explain and, perhaps, suggest a method which would allow a DIYer to perform a thorough flush on this vehicle without connection to diagnostic equipment (which, I assume, actuates applicable solenoids, etc)?

Thanks in advance.

[Ron in SC]

I use the Motive Products Power Brake Bleeder. It's about $40. and available from lots of sources.

I've also done it the old fashioned way with my wife to pump the pedal. So long as you keep the reservior toped with fluid you shouldn't have any problems. I just like the Motive Bleeder cause it's easier, quicker and I don't have to bother my wife for help.

[Peter Fearing]

I plan to flush/replace the brake fluid in my C280 (7yrs old) when I get to 200,000 miles. Lets face it, with such low maintenace requierments called for on most current MB's changing the brake, trans, power steering , rear end,cooling system fluids are all presented to allow dealers to generate some revenue. It really is'nt necessary. These cars were made to run hard and long so there is no need to treat them like a Chevy or Ford. PS my ride works flawlessly.

[Gilly]

changing the brake, trans, power steering , rear end,cooling system fluids are all presented to allow dealers to generate some revenue.

Presented by whom?

MB recommends brake fluid flushes every 2 years and coolant changes (up until recently, with the W211 chassis) every 3 years.
MB does include these on the Maintenance Commitment plan I'll point out also.

Any dealer presenting a "need" to have diff fluid changed, ATF changed, or power steering oil changed, as periodic and uncovered maintenance, is falsifying the facts.

Brake fluid absorbs moisture from the atmosphere. After it does this long enough, it reduces the boiling point of the fluid, and under hard braking it can cause braking problem. Most other manufacturers don't have a recommendation for flushing brake fluid though, and you don't really hear about Chevies and Fords boiling brake fluid or anything, so maybe MB is extra-conservative with this recommendation, but it IS recommended.

Gilly

[Tom Hock]

I believe another reason to change the brake fluid, in addition to the boiling point being lowered when moisture is absorbed over a few years, is this absorbed moisture could also cause rust in the master cylinder and wheel calipers. This causes the brakes to drag if the caliper pistons don't fully release due to corrosion.

[BenzBob]

These days with the complicated and expensive Antilock Braking Systems (ABS), I look at flushing the brake fluid every two(2) years as cheap insurance. When you start looking at the costs involved in replacing/refreshing the ABS system, wheel cylinders and master brake cylinder and the inconvience in doing these repairs, I would much rather spend the $70 they charge for this biannual service.

When Mercedes is willing to pay out for this service under their maintenance warranty, it demonstrates that there must be a very good reason for doing it.

Brake Fluid and Coolant Flushes are something that I believe requires "due dilligence," especially if you bought your Mercedes for what it is intended --- a long life.

I don't remember who coined the phrase, but I will repeat it here:

You can drive a car or you can drive a Benz, a car for a few years --- a Benz for a lifetime.

Benz's are made to last a looooong time, however, not without preventive maintenance and I still have difficulty in believing the new Benz's will last with their prescribed extended maintenance intervals.

[ML320]

Originally posted by DUTCH
My 1984 280GE recommended a yearly flush..

My '73 450 SE and '81 500 SEL (first ABS) also should be flushed yearly, perferably in spring, according to their original maintenance manuals, a bit excessive for my taste. They are now on a once every 3-5 year cycle, and both drive close to new.... Just spent a day in the mountains with the 450SE. Die Kiste fährt wie ein geölter Blitz!!!

[benzthere]

I just flushed the brake fluid on my '98 E320. I used a Motive brake bleeder for the first time and it worked great.

I was suprised at how dirty the fluid had become. Follow the maintence schedule. Fluid is relatively cheap.

[tabo]

changing your brake fluid every 200k is not a good idea.. its not worth to save the couple $$$.. things to avoid is air or water in the brakelines.. An oil change cost even more than a brake fluid change.. all you need is the 1 litre bottle from MB!!!