Brake Bleeding Question
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
Brake Bleeding Question
Can the brake system be bled the "normal" way (power bleeder hooked up to brake reservoir, for example)? Or does one HAVE to use STAR? Or do we only need STAR if we mess up and introduce air into the system? Sorry for the likely simply question, but in googling, I'm getting mixed answers.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2015
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
Perfect, thank you! I have a MityVac 7201 (8qt.) and have tried using that (vacuum, right on the bleeder screw) on other vehicles. But I always seem to get air bubbles - which I assume is air leaking in around the MityVac's rubber fitting that snaps onto the bleeder screw. But it made me nervous that somehow air was getting into the brake system... although logically I know that's not the case. Maybe I just need to trust logic! On the other hand, a pressure bleeder would be a little faster since I wouldn't have to keep monitoring the brake reservoir.
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
Yeah, get a pressure cap for the reservoir.
Suction out the old fluid (empty the reservoir). Put in fresh fluid. Put on the pressure cap. Very low pressure is plenty. It's so easy it seems weird.
Using 1/2" ID tubing, I made a doohickey to moisture test the fluid coming out of the caliper.
The furthest caliper will about drain the reservoir, so you have to refill it before going on to the next.
Suction out the old fluid (empty the reservoir). Put in fresh fluid. Put on the pressure cap. Very low pressure is plenty. It's so easy it seems weird.
Using 1/2" ID tubing, I made a doohickey to moisture test the fluid coming out of the caliper.
The furthest caliper will about drain the reservoir, so you have to refill it before going on to the next.
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From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
Yes, you can pressure bleed. Usually, that means that you won't be swapping the fluid that is inside the ABS pump, but it's so minimal that it's not an issue.
The reservoir cap is standard issue Ate so any pressure bleeder for a BMW or most other euro car will work.
The reservoir cap is standard issue Ate so any pressure bleeder for a BMW or most other euro car will work.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
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From: Allentown, PA
'08 GL 320 CDI
Yup - that's what I'm gonna do. In fact... just ordered the power bleeder right now. I've actually had a Motive power bleeder for about 10 years - but I bought it to convert it to a marine gearcase filler. Got nice, internally valved fittings so there's no mess when I disconnect, too (fittings automatically close when disconnected).
Side note... did you cut the concrete floor so that lift fits flush into it? You're sick! ...and I'm jealous!
Side note... did you cut the concrete floor so that lift fits flush into it? You're sick! ...and I'm jealous!
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Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
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From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
"Side note... did you cut the concrete floor so that lift fits flush into it? You're sick! ...and I'm jealous! "
Yes, that's exactly what I did. Even though the lift is very low profile and designed to just bolt to the floor, the race car didn't really clear it, so I cut the concrete and poured a 12" deep footer to hold the weight, and then poured recessed boxes to hold the lift.
Yes, that's exactly what I did. Even though the lift is very low profile and designed to just bolt to the floor, the race car didn't really clear it, so I cut the concrete and poured a 12" deep footer to hold the weight, and then poured recessed boxes to hold the lift.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,777
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
"Side note... did you cut the concrete floor so that lift fits flush into it? You're sick! ...and I'm jealous! "
Yes, that's exactly what I did. Even though the lift is very low profile and designed to just bolt to the floor, the race car didn't really clear it, so I cut the concrete and poured a 12" deep footer to hold the weight, and then poured recessed boxes to hold the lift.
Yes, that's exactly what I did. Even though the lift is very low profile and designed to just bolt to the floor, the race car didn't really clear it, so I cut the concrete and poured a 12" deep footer to hold the weight, and then poured recessed boxes to hold the lift.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
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From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
I'm not familiar with residential construction in California, but I've never seen a post tensioned residential slab on the east coast. I've done a ton of construction, including being on the PMO on the 5th tallest building in Manhattan, and PT slabs are not super common due to engineering complexity vs benefits. Which is a long way of saying that this is just a re-bar slab. I poured 5,000 PSI concrete 12" thick underneath which was total overkill, but then again, I already had the concrete truck in the driveway so may as well make it bomb-proof.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
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From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
I'm not familiar with residential construction in California, but I've never seen a post tensioned residential slab on the east coast. I've done a ton of construction, including being on the PMO on the 5th tallest building in Manhattan, and PT slabs are not super common due to engineering complexity vs benefits. Which is a long way of saying that this is just a re-bar slab. I poured 5,000 PSI concrete 12" thick underneath which was total overkill, but then again, I already had the concrete truck in the driveway so may as well make it bomb-proof.
12" thick. Hm, I've been getting concerned about Antifa here in Commiefornia. You sound like the guy to hire to build a pillbox machine gun nest.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2013
Posts: 437
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From: Espoo, Finland
2012 GL 350
Slab on grade is common around here, so I think the strength of the slab with respect to the rim, and for seismic strength, is more important.
12" thick. Hm, I've been getting concerned about Antifa here in Commiefornia. You sound like the guy to hire to build a pillbox machine gun nest.
12" thick. Hm, I've been getting concerned about Antifa here in Commiefornia. You sound like the guy to hire to build a pillbox machine gun nest.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 2,777
Likes: 641
From: Emmett, ID, USA
2007 GL450
