water in brake fluid

[sdhir]

How can you tell if there is water in the brake fluid? I asked the mechanic at a mercedes repair shop to flush the brake fluid in my 1999 e430 - he says he would flush it (cost $90) if he finds presence of any water in the fluid.

[Duke2.6]

There are test strips that you dip in the fluid, which can detect excess moisture and other contaminents. Ninety bucks seems like a lot for a brake fluid flush, but I do my own and have never paid a shop to do it. With pressure bleeding it shouldn't take more than 30 minutes including setup time.

Duke

[csnow]

If it has not been flushed within the past 2 years, assume there is water in it.

[sdhir]

I would love to attempt the pressure bleeding myself but I have never done it before.
Can anyone do some e-handholding?
Thanks!
Sandy

[DanielW]

I have been OK doing my 87 300E and 95 S420 using the Motive Power-Bleeder unit purchased ? either at Fastlane (here) or was it Performance Products, can't recall. It is fairly easy to do, but does require the max pressure. My tank will pump up to about 30 psi. Just open one wheel at a time and let it "bleed" out until you are sure you are getting new clean fluid. Close that bleed screw, re-pressurize the tank (checking that you still have enough new fluid in the pump up tank) then proceed to the next wheel. Keep everything really clean and use brand new fluid everytime.

DanielW

[sdhir]

Can you start with any wheel or is there a spcial sequence that one has to follow?
Also, do you have to lift the vehicle, one wheel at a time?
Thanks!
Sandy

[manny]

Originally Posted by sdhir

Can you start with any wheel or is there a spcial sequence that one has to follow?
Sandy

You normally start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder.
So, the correct sequence is:
Right rear,
Left rear,
Right front,
Left front.
You can do it one wheel at a time.