SL/R230: DIY brake fluid change?
07-06-2012, 02:38 PM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
DIY brake fluid change?
Hello
I have recently acquired a 2003 SL500, and I am going to change the pads and rotors in the next month or so (2 mm left on fronts, 3 mm on rears). It is a weekend car for me, so it isn't urgent, but it would be good to get it done. I have read a lot on this and other forums about the job, and after pulling off the wheels it looks straightforward, or even less complicated than in, say, a Ford.
MB recommends a brake fluid change every 2 years, and I have no idea when the last one was done (the car has only 53,000 miles on it, but only 2200 came in the last 3 years - lots of garage time). After reading about 50 threads on bleeding the brakes on cars with SBC, I have some questions.
1. I have read conflicting reports about being able/not being able to do a DIY brake fluid change without Star Diagnosis. Have any of you changed the fluid by just unplugging the electrical connection to the SBC, hooked up a power bleeder with DOT 4+ and let 'er rip?
2. Is it straightforward to tell when the new fluid is through the lines and into the bleeder if you use amber DOT 4+, or do they make blue (or any other color) DOT 4+?
3. Is there anything else I should be aware of before attempting this? I've never had a "brake by wire" car before, but I've done the brakes in other domestic cars before.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
John
I have recently acquired a 2003 SL500, and I am going to change the pads and rotors in the next month or so (2 mm left on fronts, 3 mm on rears). It is a weekend car for me, so it isn't urgent, but it would be good to get it done. I have read a lot on this and other forums about the job, and after pulling off the wheels it looks straightforward, or even less complicated than in, say, a Ford.
MB recommends a brake fluid change every 2 years, and I have no idea when the last one was done (the car has only 53,000 miles on it, but only 2200 came in the last 3 years - lots of garage time). After reading about 50 threads on bleeding the brakes on cars with SBC, I have some questions.
1. I have read conflicting reports about being able/not being able to do a DIY brake fluid change without Star Diagnosis. Have any of you changed the fluid by just unplugging the electrical connection to the SBC, hooked up a power bleeder with DOT 4+ and let 'er rip?
2. Is it straightforward to tell when the new fluid is through the lines and into the bleeder if you use amber DOT 4+, or do they make blue (or any other color) DOT 4+?
3. Is there anything else I should be aware of before attempting this? I've never had a "brake by wire" car before, but I've done the brakes in other domestic cars before.
Thanks in advance for the advice.
John
