Wodeshed

Hey guys,

Now that I've got the transmission flush done on my fairly high mileage 2005 CLK 320, it's time for my next preventive maintenance; a brake fluid flush.

I'm planning to pick up a Motive products bleeder, and I think I'm clear that Dot 5 is wrong for this car, Dot 3 isn't good enough, and Dot 4+ doesn't really exist. It seems like Pentosin Dot 4 is the preferred fluid, but they make two types: Super Dot 4 and Dot 4 LV. Does anyone have any guidance on the choice of which of those I ought to use?

Thanks...

Wodeshed

Maybe I've just answered my own question by going to the Pentosin site: http://www.pentosin.net/f_brakefluid.asp Looks like the Super Dot 4 is the recommended product for Mercedes, and the LV might be a choice in a cold climate. I'm in Florida, so the choice is clear.

tw2

I used Motul RBF600 as do a few other members- it is cheap, high performing and readily available. Otherwise quite a few people use ATE superblue but I could not find it over here. Yes Dot 5 is a silicon (incompatible fluid) used in older systems. Dot 4 is the one to go for and yes mercedes made up 4+. Also Dot 5.1. http://www.fitzhughmedia.com/MBF/brfluid.html

Rudeney

ATE Superblue is no longer. Thanks to our government officials who can't understand that color has nothing to do with function, we now can only use "golden" or "clear" colored brake fluids in the US.

tw2

I found the article on that.... pretty funny and disappointing.

Rudeney

So, to put this into perspective, the reason brake fluid can't be blue (or any other color besides clear/yellowish) is because the people who inspect vehicles for safety and road-worthiness can't be bothered to check brake fluid by anything other than color. If it were blue, it might be that the owner had put window washer in there. So, I feel safer (NOT!) Actually, I am just happy to live in one of those "back-assward" places that don't do vehicle inspections.

Wodeshed

Rodney- Another question for you. Is there any consideration given to the ABS system in the brake bleeding process? In some other threads I see people talking about having to cycle the ABS.

Rudeney

Nothing special for the ABS, but the "one-man bleeders" that rely on a vacuum at the wheels are very difficult to use. It can be done that way, but the best way to do it is have an assistant press the brake pedal.

Wodeshed

I'm going to use the Motive pressure bleeder, which attaches at the reservoir and pressurizes through the lines. Haven't used it before, but it looks like a lot of people swear by it. If that doesn't work, the wife will be pressed into duty on the brake pedal.