nobrakes69

Hey guys, I own an 02 ML500 which unfortunately has a major issue in that the brake line under the front drivers side has rusted through. When I depress the brakes the fluid sprays out, rendering the brakes useless.

I spoke to the dealership and they told me that I would most likely have to replace both lines since there is probably rust elsewhere, and to replace the lines it would be a major job where they would have to bend the lines to fit the vehicle which would run me upwards of $3k.

My question is, is there any other way I can go about resolving this issue? Has anyone here had this issue with their vehicle and gone a different route than changing both lines entirely? The vehicle is at 165k miles and is in otherwise good shape. I appreciate any advice you guys can throw my way.

Maj. Dundee

Go to a dealership and order these two brake lines (approx. $85 ea.) and have a repair shop install them. Simply disconnect them at each end and maneuver them out.

1stChendeng

This typically happens from not doing your maintenance on the brake system. Either having the fluid replaced or doing it yourself if you are capable of doing this procedure. Moisture builds up in the fluid overtime The quick fix buy the two front lines. Replace and bleed your system. You can pickup a pneumatic bleeding tools at harbor freight. The tool runs off an air compressor creates a vacuum with a ventui. Whether its front or rear bleeding would still be the same

Maj. Dundee

The information that you are supplying is incorrect. It has nothing to do with fluid replacement.

The real problem is because the lines sit in plastic brackets (69-71-74 in above diagram) which collect water and snow which freezes over resulting in corrosion.