Rear Brake pipes, to change or not to change

Drmacf

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2018
Messages
99
Reaction score
10
Your Mercedes
2008 MERCEDES C-CLASS C180 KOMPRESSOR SE (MANUAL / PETROL)
Hi Everyone,

I am in a bit of a pickle, with conflicting advise. My car is a 2008 MERCEDES C-CLASS C180 KOMPRESSOR SE (MANUAL / PETROL)
Went to Halfords two weeks ago, done the MOT and was given the all clear. Then the screen showed B1 servicing due so took it to an independent MB specialist. Was seen by some ? Trainee, not the usual senior man, who advised me that the front to rear brake pipes (120£x2)were corroded and needed replacing. Off side front brake pipe corroded (70£) and brake fluid change (45£) also needed. Was given a quote of 450£ for the same, plus vat.
So went to the nearest Halfords (not the one that did my MOT) who had a relook and said yes there is some corrosion but not imminent or end of the world. You can change the rear brake pipes at some point in the near future (advisory) . When asked for a quote they said around 125£ for the rear brake pipes!!!! Also said no charge for brake fluid change.
This is nearly 2-4 times less, is this for real? I can't seem to understand why this 200-400% difference. Could I get some advise on what is the best option? Are Halfords reliable in changing the rear and front brake pipes of a MB?
Your advise or experience in this issue would be much appreciated
Kind Regards

Mel
 

L John

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2013
Messages
2,860
Reaction score
553
Location
UK
Your Mercedes
W204 C350 Petrol Elegance
Mercedes gave me an advisory for the same 3 years ago (slight surface corrosion) and said they needed protection otherwise they would need replacing at the next MOT.
It was in for service and MOT but they wanted another £90 to put copperslip on them.
I declined thinking it would be better to replace next year.
Next MOT was at a local garage, I told them about the pipes and what MB said, and asked for a quote.
He came back and said all done, MOT no problems.
When I asked him about the brake pipes he said they were fine and he put coppaslip on them as it was on the ramp anyway, good condition, no charge.
Bunged him a tenner and not been back to MB dealers since, money grabbing twonks, as if they weren't squeezing enough out of me with their service plan.
Passed 2 more MOTs no problem, 2008 C Class, same year as yours.

MB advisories are a joke.
 

L John

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 24, 2013
Messages
2,860
Reaction score
553
Location
UK
Your Mercedes
W204 C350 Petrol Elegance
P.S.
MB free coffee is a nice touch if you like having a hot drink whilst being bent over.
 

Uncle Benz

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2006
Messages
4,220
Reaction score
3,548
Age
53
Location
West Sussex
Your Mercedes
Mainly Mercedes
W204 C Class are prone to serious rear brake pipe corrosion. To see the worst of it you will need to remove the nearside rear wheelarch liner. I have seen two cars where the rear pipes have completely failed and the result has been dangerous. I don't want to upset anybody with this, but my advice to anyone with MoT advisory for rear brake lines checks thoroughly and doesn't just rely on a rub over with some emery and a bit of grease. In my experience the bit you can see is often not as bad as the bit that is hidden.
 
OP
D

Drmacf

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2018
Messages
99
Reaction score
10
Your Mercedes
2008 MERCEDES C-CLASS C180 KOMPRESSOR SE (MANUAL / PETROL)
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #5
W204 C Class are prone to serious rear brake pipe corrosion. To see the worst of it you will need to remove the nearside rear wheelarch liner. I have seen two cars where the rear pipes have completely failed and the result has been dangerous. I don't want to upset anybody with this, but my advice to anyone with MoT advisory for rear brake lines checks thoroughly and doesn't just rely on a rub over with some emery and a bit of grease. In my experience the bit you can see is often not as bad as the bit that is hidden.

Thank you Uncle Benz,
I am planning in getting the break pipes replaced in the immediate future. What confuses me is why the difference of nearly 300% + between Halfords and an independent MB garage? I would like to choose the cheaper option but are Halfords capable of changing the break pipes of a Mercedes Benz car or is it a job for someone experienced in repaired MB cars? Or in other words is it a complicated job?
Or am I just being overcharged? Given that Halfords is offering free brake fluid while the imdependent dealer 45£
Thanks

Mel
 

bembo449

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 2, 2012
Messages
6,774
Reaction score
3,518
Location
gainsborough , lincolnshire
Your Mercedes
Mercedes Cl500, shitron dispatch
I wouldn't let Halfords anywhere a car of mine , any decent garage can do brake pipes , its a Mercedes not a Ferrari ! So find a decent garage with a good rep and have them done at a price that right pal
 
OP
D

Drmacf

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2018
Messages
99
Reaction score
10
Your Mercedes
2008 MERCEDES C-CLASS C180 KOMPRESSOR SE (MANUAL / PETROL)
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #7
Anyone could kindly recommend a good mechanic/ garage in Birmingham,one who fixes break pipes?
Not necessarily a MB specialist...
 
OP
D

Drmacf

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 20, 2018
Messages
99
Reaction score
10
Your Mercedes
2008 MERCEDES C-CLASS C180 KOMPRESSOR SE (MANUAL / PETROL)
  • Thread Starter
  • Thread starter
  • #8
Or Hull, Lincolnshire?
 

Uncle Benz

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 31, 2006
Messages
4,220
Reaction score
3,548
Age
53
Location
West Sussex
Your Mercedes
Mainly Mercedes
If you let all the fluid out they can be a bugger to bleed, as air can get trapped in the ABS unit. If this happens a Star machine will be required to "agitate" the ABS pump and dislodge the air. It can be avoided by plugging the removed lines whilst working and stopping the fluid all escaping, but a Halfords type establishment is almost bound to make this mistake. Talk through the job with a prospective garage to see if they sound competant
 

EmilysDad

Senior Member
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
12,120
Reaction score
5,664
Location
Bury Lancs
Your Mercedes
ML350
Anyone could kindly recommend a good mechanic/ garage in Birmingham,one who fixes break pipes?
Not necessarily a MB specialist...

They're not break pipes until they're broken .....;) They're brake pipes.
Replacing brake pipes on a MB doesn't require any more expertise than on any other modern car with ABS. And I'm sure that there are many generic diagnostic kits than can cycle the ABS pump than STAR, you can even cycle it with an iCarsoftMBII (or so the online instructions says)
 

EmilysDad

Senior Member
Joined
May 8, 2012
Messages
12,120
Reaction score
5,664
Location
Bury Lancs
Your Mercedes
ML350
If you let all the fluid out they can be a bugger to bleed, as air can get trapped in the ABS unit. If this happens a Star machine will be required to "agitate" the ABS pump and dislodge the air. It can be avoided by plugging the removed lines whilst working and stopping the fluid all escaping, but a Halfords type establishment is almost bound to make this mistake. Talk through the job with a prospective garage to see if they sound competant

A piece of polythene over the brake reservoir & held in place with the cap with be more effective than trying to plug a brake line/pipe.
 


GAD was founded in 2009 where we developed bespoke ECU Remapping software for motorsport clients, moving forward, we have extended to road vehicles for both performance and economy,
contact GAD Tuninghttp://www.GADTuning.co.ukto discuss your requirements.
Top Bottom