Update - done and done. Perfect working brakes now.

Had to break down and purchase a rear caliper for my 1988 300SEL today. Removed the hose and the caliper was still sticking, so we assumed the caliper was bad. Within 2000 miles it had already eaten up the new brake pads we had installed! We already had the new hose, so went ahead and installed it as well.

This evening me and my dad tried bleeding the brakes, starting at that wheel (right rear), but the pedal will not pump up at all. Also when the screw is turned, nothing will come out but air. No fluid at all. We tried it about 30 times. Reservior is staying full too. No fluid coming out. I dont think the master cylinder is bad, because the brakes were working fine before, other than that RR sticking some. We had just decided to replace that hose, as someone said the hose may have swelled up, but even when removed, it was still sticking.

Anyone know what is going on? Is there a special way to bleed brakes on a W126? We have never done brakes on a W126 (other than new pads before), so we are clueless as to what is going on.

Thanks for any information!

I did a search and confused now. Read something about needing a bleeder? Also, there appears to be no fluid in the back of the reservior. I read that is for the back brakes?? How do you get fluid in there?

Apparently Mercedes brakes are not like your typical American or Japanese car.

Yes, a power bleeder is the easiest and quickest way to bleed the brake fluid.

You simply have to pour additional fluid into the reservoir in order to fill the rear half.

Thanks. That may be why we were only getting air then, because the rear was empty.

... but is it possible bleed w/o a bleeder? Out of all of the brakes we have done before, we have never needed a bleeder when replacing the calipers. I dont have one.

Yes you can bleed these without a power bleeder. Just like any other vehicle... pump and pump via the pedal.

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I'm not a doctor, but I'll have a look.

'85 300SD 245k
'87 300SDL 251k
'90 300SEL 326k

Six others from BMW, GM, and Ford.

Liberty will not descend to a people; a people must raise themselves to liberty.[/IMG]

That can do damage to an older master cylinder though.....I always try to avoid doing it that way. I bought a power bleeder years ago, it is very helpful.

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-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Even though it's full, slowly pour more fluid in!

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Current cars:
2000 ML55 AMG, 174k miles
2003 C240 T-Modell, 202k miles
1995 S320, 207k Miles