M-Class (W163) Produced 1998-2005: ML 230, ML 320, ML 350, ML 400 CDI, ML 430, ML 500, ML 270 CDI

Anybody had to replace brake lines from ABS to rear axle?

Old Sep 17, 2021 | 09:07 AM
  #1  
Cdrew83942's Avatar
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1998 ML320
Anybody had to replace brake lines from ABS to rear axle?

I’m looking for anyone who has had to replace their steel brake lines from the ABS to the rear axle. A price point would be helpful.

Also I would be I interested to know if anyone has re-routed the brake lines when replacing them so as to avoid having to take off body panels, or if they found a shop that would route the lines like OEM for a reasonable price.
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Old Sep 18, 2021 | 05:48 AM
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2002 ML 320 & 2006 ML500
You have two choices, buy the entire rear brake lines from M/B and install the entire lines as is or cut off the areas that need replacing.

The bleeding of the entire system is very tedious and must be done correctly or else you will have braking problems because of air bubbles in the lines.


Attached Files
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R&I Brake Lines #1.pdf (104.6 KB, 194 views)
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R&I Brake Lines #2.pdf (54.6 KB, 154 views)
File Type: pdf
R&I Brake Lines #3.pdf (109.0 KB, 196 views)
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Old Sep 18, 2021 | 08:07 AM
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SL600 r230, SL600 r129, SL500 r230, ML320, C280 Sport, R170 450SL, 190e 2.3 16V (2)
Are they rusted ask the way?

On mine, the lines were rusted at the points where they passed over the body mounts.
I bought some 3/16 cupro-nickle brake line, a bubble flair tool off ebay, and some metric fittings. I cut the lines below the driver's foot well, disconnected st the unions right above the rear axle. I pulled the lines out, shaped the new lines with the easily bendable cupro-nickel lines, slid them into place, connected them. Then used a pressure bleeder (harbor freight) and bled the lines.
The entire job was maybe 4 hours.
I was dreading doing the job, but it really was easy.
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Old Sep 18, 2021 | 09:51 AM
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@waybomb

did you have to remove any body panels? That’s partly why the dealer quotes so much.
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Old Sep 18, 2021 | 09:59 AM
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SL600 r230, SL600 r129, SL500 r230, ML320, C280 Sport, R170 450SL, 190e 2.3 16V (2)
No body panels removed. There are two plastic shields under the brake lines. That's it.
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Old Sep 18, 2021 | 10:00 AM
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SL600 r230, SL600 r129, SL500 r230, ML320, C280 Sport, R170 450SL, 190e 2.3 16V (2)
The parts and the tools and brake.fluid to do this was about 150 bucks.
2003 ml350

Last edited by waybomb; Sep 19, 2021 at 08:18 AM.
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Old Jul 9, 2022 | 05:24 PM
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2002 Cl500
No body panels removed cause you have to lift the whole body up to replace hahaha
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