is a Brake Flush necessary
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Newbie
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 10
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From: Columbia, SC
2015 S550 RWD
is a Brake Flush necessary
Sorry if this has been asked but I couldn't find it on search. This is my first MB and I've only had it since February. I'm trying to decide between two indy's on who is going to get my service business for my 06 E320 CDI. Both have 20+ years experience on MB service.
I gave them the codes for my D service at 39K. Tranny flush and brake flush are what I need them to do. One of them commented that he didn't understand why MB required the brake flush. He said there are two schools of thought on this and every time he did it at the two year interval the fluid was clean and it didn't need to be flushed. He swears that it is just another way for MB to take our money.
Thoughts?
I gave them the codes for my D service at 39K. Tranny flush and brake flush are what I need them to do. One of them commented that he didn't understand why MB required the brake flush. He said there are two schools of thought on this and every time he did it at the two year interval the fluid was clean and it didn't need to be flushed. He swears that it is just another way for MB to take our money.
Thoughts?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2009
Posts: 5,113
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From: Southwest USA
Another round of ICE
Sorry if this has been asked but I couldn't find it on search. This is my first MB and I've only had it since February. I'm trying to decide between two indy's on who is going to get my service business for my 06 E320 CDI. Both have 20+ years experience on MB service.
I gave them the codes for my D service at 39K. Tranny flush and brake flush are what I need them to do. One of them commented that he didn't understand why MB required the brake flush. He said there are two schools of thought on this and every time he did it at the two year interval the fluid was clean and it didn't need to be flushed. He swears that it is just another way for MB to take our money.
Thoughts?
I gave them the codes for my D service at 39K. Tranny flush and brake flush are what I need them to do. One of them commented that he didn't understand why MB required the brake flush. He said there are two schools of thought on this and every time he did it at the two year interval the fluid was clean and it didn't need to be flushed. He swears that it is just another way for MB to take our money.
Thoughts?
Junior Member
Joined: Jul 2010
Posts: 29
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04 E320 4M Wagon
I wouldn't call him cynical.
It is more of arrogance due to ignorance. He thinks he is the smartest cookie and sees conspiracy everywhere.
i wonder what is his "school of thought". Never change brake fluid on all cars? Or wait for it to get "dirty"?
It is more of arrogance due to ignorance. He thinks he is the smartest cookie and sees conspiracy everywhere.
i wonder what is his "school of thought". Never change brake fluid on all cars? Or wait for it to get "dirty"?
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 36
Likes: 1
From: B. C. Canada
2005 E320 CDI
You might take experience from me. Not sure what materials or why compared to NA vehicles; My experience has been as a MB owner continuously since 1970 through 5 different models and doubting the 2 year recommend on brake fluid service. I was determined to follow my experience with NA vehicles and change fluid only after 5 years or after a failure which I'd never had..
The result is, that I've replaced three clutch slave cylinders, and 2 master cylinders. The problem may have been made worse by living on the Pacific Coast.In the last 10 years since complying to the recommends I've lost no brake fluid associated components.
I also noted that there are shops sleeving brake hydraulic cylinders with Stainless sleeves in an attempt to avoid these troubles.
It seems that European cars have very pure iron cylinders and are truly susceptible to hygroscopic damage, whether master or slave.
I've been there and experienced the damage.
I accept the recommendation and now the Indie, as do the dealers, use a moisture testing device, to monitor for contamination and recommend a change out. They're reluctant to do a flush simply on time due to the nasty nature of brake fluids.
My experience.
The result is, that I've replaced three clutch slave cylinders, and 2 master cylinders. The problem may have been made worse by living on the Pacific Coast.In the last 10 years since complying to the recommends I've lost no brake fluid associated components.
I also noted that there are shops sleeving brake hydraulic cylinders with Stainless sleeves in an attempt to avoid these troubles.
It seems that European cars have very pure iron cylinders and are truly susceptible to hygroscopic damage, whether master or slave.
I've been there and experienced the damage.
I accept the recommendation and now the Indie, as do the dealers, use a moisture testing device, to monitor for contamination and recommend a change out. They're reluctant to do a flush simply on time due to the nasty nature of brake fluids.
My experience.
Last edited by doxland; Nov 6, 2011 at 04:35 PM. Reason: spelling
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 1,339
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From: Gulf Coast but not Florida
GLK350, SL63 AMG
Conventional brake fluid is hydroscopic/hydrophilic/whatever it attracts water hence the need for regular renewals.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 308
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From: Maryland
03 Eclass, 03 BMW 06 Porsche Cayman S, 03 Harley Davidson "bored & stroked"
That is correct, and that would be DOT 5 which is not compatible with ABS systems. DOT 4 and 3 do absorb water. When the fluid is new you can almost not see the fluid in the resevoir, and it gets darker as it absorbs water...
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Joined: Dec 2008
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From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
Flushing brake changing every 2 years ??? you guys must be very very very rich or what ? Its recommended to change every 5 years as same as Tranny oil and coolant flush. Then at 100k do it again + plugs and belts Done ! the rest, don't replace if not broken.
Junior Member
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 27
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From: OKC, Ok
06 w211 cdi, 05 slk350, R1200GS
Here is another thought: Both of my MB's are garaged in a climate controled atmosphere & rarely see rain or any other bad weather.
I monitor the brake fluid by color, . . .as long as it remains clear & doesn't start turning yellow or brown, I don't se a need to flush at 2 year intervals. I do (however) believe 5 or 6 years would probably be appropriate, at least for my usage.
I monitor the brake fluid by color, . . .as long as it remains clear & doesn't start turning yellow or brown, I don't se a need to flush at 2 year intervals. I do (however) believe 5 or 6 years would probably be appropriate, at least for my usage.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 4,411
Likes: 69
From: Socal, Chino
E55 2006 / CLS55 / S450 / Jag XKR2011
Here is another thought: Both of my MB's are garaged in a climate controled atmosphere & rarely see rain or any other bad weather.
I monitor the brake fluid by color, . . .as long as it remains clear & doesn't start turning yellow or brown, I don't se a need to flush at 2 year intervals. I do (however) believe 5 or 6 years would probably be appropriate, at least for my usage.
I monitor the brake fluid by color, . . .as long as it remains clear & doesn't start turning yellow or brown, I don't se a need to flush at 2 year intervals. I do (however) believe 5 or 6 years would probably be appropriate, at least for my usage.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 3,254
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From: Louisiana
03 E500 and Corvette
Yes Yes Yes change brake fluid on SBC every 2 yr due to the system is open to the air on the vent and is hydorphyllic. Be sure to use the correct DOT 4+ fluid, I buy if from MB direct to be sure it is the right stuff for the SBC. Cheap insurance. If you don't do it you are really asking for trouble on the SBC system.
