Thankfully though right next to a gas station. Three hours and one hefty towing bill later, my Benz and I are finally home. She's in the garage, and I'm waiting for payday to get the new slave cylinder. One that note, how difficult is it to replace one? I wouldn't think it'd be too hard...

But on another note: I bought a small bottle of DOT3 brake fluid there at the station to help troubleshoot (It's all they carried). Now I've been told to use ONLY DOT4, although I don't see any specifications in the Owner's manual or Haynes manual for this. As I understand, though, the specifications changed in the mid/late 80's to the current DOT standard. Thoughts on this?

I should really start posting pictures...where's my camera...

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- 1979 W123 240D 4-speed, 390k miles

Very easy to replace. Very hard to bleed. Do some searching here for hundreds of tales of woe and intrigue.

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80 300SD (129k mi) 82 240D stick (193k mi)77 240D auto - stick to be (153k mi) 85 380SL (145k mi) 89 BMW 535i 82 Diesel Rabbit Pickup (374k mi) 91 Jetta IDI Diesel (155k mi) 81 VW Rabbit Convertible Diesel 70 Triumph Spitfire Mk III (63kmi)66 Triumph TR4a IRS (90k mi)67 Ford F-100 (??)

Hard to replace and easy to bleed, atleast on the 5 and 6 cylinder engines...

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http://superturbodiesel.com/images/sig.04.10.jpg
1995 E420 Schwarz
1995 E300 Weiss
#1987 300D Sturmmachine
#1991 300D Nearly Perfect
#1994 E320 Cabriolet
#1995 E320 Touring
#1985 300D Sedan
OBK #42

Compared to the 240D replacing the slave on the 617 is a real pain.

Below is a post by "Beagle" concerning slave bleeding.

"Fill the slave before you install it and you don't need to bleed at all!

The method of pressure bleeding from the front brake caliper is most unsatisfactory for a number of reasons:

a) You are filling the clutch system with dirty fluid from the caliper.

b) As the front of the slave is inclined upwards on level ground (much worse on ramps) an air bubble is trapped at the front of the cyl. not purged when bleeding and can remain there giving a soft low pedal.

c) The whole procedure is a time consuming P.I.T.A. and completely unnecessary.

There is a much easier and quicker way to R & R and bleed the slave cyl.

1) Remove clutch feed pipe from brake M/C and drain reservoir. Replace feed pipe and refill to max with new fluid.

2) Remove pipe from slave cyl. and cap the pipe end with one of the bleed nipple rubber cups.

3) Undo bolts and remove slave.

To re-insall:

1)Thoroughly bench-bleed the slave leaving the push rod fully extended. Ensure all bubbles are out and fluid is filled level with the top of the pipe connection.

2) Remove the rubber cup and let at least an eggcup full of fluid drain down to replace old fluid in clutch M/C and then tighten pipe connection. Don’t pump the pedal!.

3)As the piston is pushed back in as you bolt the slave back on any air still in the pipe is pushed back up and through the M/C. Let it stand at least 15 mins before pumping pedal slowly.

4) Top up the reservoir and you’re done! "

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"

Thanks for the replies, guys! One other question: Does FTE make good parts? I noticed Fastlane sells the FTE aftermarket slave cylinder. Or should I go with ate?

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- 1979 W123 240D 4-speed, 390k miles

Trust me when I say this.....use DOT 5 silcone fluid in your clutch and never replace a slave again...

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Did you just pass my 740 at 200 kmh in a 300SD?????

1978 300SD 'Phil' - 1,315,853 Miles And Counting - 1, 317,885 as of 12/27/2012 - 1,333,000 as of 05/10/2013, 1,337,850 as of July 15, 2013, 1,339,000 as of August 13, 2013



100,000 miles since June 2005 Overhaul - Sold January 25th, 2014 After 1,344,246 Miles & 20 Years of Ownership

I have always used FTE, never a problem

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1985 Euro 240D 5 spd 140K
1979 240D 5 spd, 40K on engine rebuild
1994 Dodge/Cummins, 5 spd, 121K
1964 Allice Chalmers D15 tractor
2014 Kubota L3800 tractor
1964 VW bug

"Lifes too short to drive a boring car"