Brake fluid cleanup? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

fruitcakesa · #1 02-01-2009, 03:16 PM

I finally got around to replacing the leaky clutch MC and the removal and new install went fine and I will attempt to bleed the system later. But that is not the issue.
The MC has been leaking since before I owned it and the PO did nothing to the car except add fluid when it got low. Needless to say brake fluid has been soaking into the floor mat and below for quite a while. Well I pulled up the rug to do a cleanup and discovered that brake fluid has run all the way along the floor to the back seat and caused to paint on the soundproofing to blister and peel and then soaked into the soundproofing and softened and melted it.
I wiped it down as best as I could and sprayed it with degreaser and wiped again but it is soaked into the soundproofing and is pretty much in there.
I really don't want to tear out the soundproofing if I can avoid it so I'm trolling for any and all cleanup and refurb ideas.
Good news is I am finally getting to work on the car and plan I having it on the road by spring.
BTW this is in my 81 4 speed.
Thanks.

jt20 · #2 02-01-2009, 04:20 PM

Are you talking about the soundproofing on the bottom of the mats? Or the tar-like material that is adhered to the body?

fruitcakesa · #3 02-01-2009, 04:44 PM

It is the tarlike substance on the floor.

jt20 · #4 02-01-2009, 05:11 PM

brake fluid is water soluble. Thats great if its in your mats.. you could just rinse them and finish with a wash. But once petroleum products are degraded I don't know if theres any hope in bringing them back.

Any water you use to clean this is not going to penetrate the same as the brake fluid did; and if you leave the brake fluid there it is sure to result in the corrosion of those areas.

And if you have noticed any paint peeling yet... it has to be removed completely and thoroughly cleaned ... IF your intent is to restore this creature to pristine beauty / functionality.

If you are looking for something to neutralize the brake fluid.. alot of water and mild detergent with repeated rinses. (it is not an acid)

fruitcakesa · #5 02-01-2009, 06:00 PM

Yes, I figured the tar stuff is toast and indeed there is some paint peeling.
I guess I will flush things out when I get her rolling again and outside.

charmalu · #6 02-02-2009, 02:05 AM

IsThe molded foam rubber backing glued to the carpet soaked with brake fluid? I don`t know how you would ever get that cleaned up.
I have picked up a few good ones from pick n pull that were in pretty good shape.

The tar mats under the carpet can be bought from MB. Had wife order one a few years ago, about $20.00 then. Peal paper backing off and sticks to the floor.

Brake fluid will definately soften and bubble up the paint and peal it off exposing the metal.
Iam anal about some things, and the interior is one. I would scrape the tar mats out, clean it up and paint the exposed metal. replace the tar mats if available, or use some after mkt insulated material like Dynamat. Then replace the carpets.

I can`t believe some one would let it go like that, AAH, well, on second thought, yeah I can.

All depends how far your heart is into your old MB, and if your are getting ready for the Concourse

.

Charlie

jt20 · #7 02-02-2009, 02:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

The tar mats under the carpet can be bought from MB. Had wife order one a few years ago, about $20.00 then. Peal paper backing off and sticks to the floor.

Charlie

That is very interesting. What does MB call it? Do you have a PN?

charmalu · #8 02-02-2009, 03:51 AM

Your in luck, good thing Iam a pack rat and keep everything.

Now this is for the R/F, bought this in Feb 99. wow, 10 yrs ago.
Part# 123-682-20-01 Insulation, list $21.50 NET $18.70 with Tax $20.06

May not be available any more.

Charlie

fruitcakesa · #9 02-02-2009, 08:35 AM

Charlie: Well I am not looking at Concourse quality but I do plan on reconditioning and keeping the car.
And yes the PO was not at all into taking care of his car. The sad part is he was a wealthy man who was incredibly cheap.

fruitcakesa · #10 03-20-2009, 11:15 AM

I finally bit the bullet and started removing the brake fluid soaked tar soundproofing. What a mess!
Lots of rust underneath.
I got the loosened stuff off but much is still well adhered and though it looks wet it has not deteriorated enough to come off. And the stuck stuff does not seem to have rusted underneath.
So, I Marine cleaned and metal prepped the rusty areas and will POR15 it.
Then I guess I will monitor the other areas and deal with them as necessary.
This kind of damage is more of a PITA than a straight mechanical issue.

sethgold · #11 03-20-2009, 11:20 AM

In other vehicles, I've heard of people using dry ice to freeze the sound matting and then chipping it out.

fruitcakesa · #12 03-20-2009, 12:55 PM

Well, I am taking it one step at a time.
Deal with the obvious , persistent rust and then as inclination or rust paranoia dictates I will proceed with systematic removal of the rest of the stuff.
I am working around the vac lines, wiring , carpet edges and the like
so the piecemeal approach is ok; plus it really is a funky dirty job and it is so springtgime beautiful outside now that I need to take a break go out at regular intervals.
It will get done eventually