THANKS - Calipers Upside Down (65 - 220SEb)
 

Hello, I've acquired a new Mercedes to my fleet - a 1965 220SEb. The car is a CA car and has not been on the street for 10 years. The previous owner must have had a money problem (too much) and spent many hours having parts replaced in the shop as I've a stack of records from a California shop. The car is very clean and looks like it's going to be a fun one to own.

The brakes were the first issue that needed help. The pedal went to the floor with no resistance. I pulled the front calipers off and found them stuck. I learned from a friend that a little air will fix stuck calipers easily. There was rust rings present that convinced me to replace both calipers. While doing this. I put the calipers back on and started the bleading process but no fluid came out. I was convinced the master cylinder was bad so I replaced that. Guess what, still nothing. I found that all four rubber hoses were plugged. I replaced these and had good shots of fluid at the brakes. I blead the brakes again and the pedal still went to the floor. HM.... I turned to the Forum and which saved the day!!!!!

There was a small thread that I found that mentioned the fact that the calipers may be on the wrong sides (upside down). I checked and sure enough, they were on the wrong side. When installing, I never paid attention to which side went where. I assumed if it fit it was correct. I re-blead the brakes and they work GREAT.

Thanks you for solving a problem that could have been a LONG PROCESS, even at a brake shop. Happy to have such great help!!! Mike. :)

Yes, you have to make sure the bleed screw is on top. On our cars, the brake hose goes to an internediate pipe fitting on the splash sheild. The master cylinder is cast iron and can be rebuilt.