Self Levelling Pipes

[vidfletch]

Hi!

Nearly all my self levelling pipes are corroded so I want to replace them all. I have a 1988 230TE. Is it possible to get these made up or do I have no choice but to get them from a dealer. Eurocarparts or GSF don't do them but surely someone does them. Are they special pipes or should any hydraulic pipe specialist be able to make them up?

I would have thought someone does them as it would be odd if only the dealer supplies them for a 16 year old car.

Thanks

Vidfletch

 

[landover]

You can have them made up...Or buy a lenth of pipe and a flaring tool and do them yourself . Takes minutes to make them......................

 

[vidfletch]

Great! Do you know what size they are? Someone told me they were double skinned or is that porkies?

Vidfletch

 

[Barnie]

Hi
It is my experience that most Garages that specialise in M O T testing or preparation will be able to replace all your pipes for you,
They will need the car so that they can remove each pipe, form another to that same shape & then replace it with the new one.
Regards Barnie

 

[TimN]

Something is telling me that they are 6mm. They are also steel so you will need a suitable flairing tool. Ones for brake systems will not do. It might take minutes to make if you have the equiment but feeding the pipes over the rear subframe when you can only reach it with your finger tips is a right pain. Chances are your pipes are either corroded where they clip onto the floor pan or bend into the self levelling valve. Consider using an appropriate flexible rubber hose and banjo bolt at the valve to save alot of bother.

MB will offer you about 4 different pipes before they get the right one and with the modern culture of charging for incorrectly supplied parts I wouldn't bother. I might have the part number somewhere but I think that they may be discontinued probably because most people are doing what you are considering.

 

[Geoff_Slade]

I've had brake pipes made up by my father (ex-mechanic) for another car (OK then it was a Nissan Sunny!!). He was in his mid 70s when he did it but boy does he know his stuff. Anyway he had some pipe that he'd bought years ago that was a copper/steel combination guaranteed not to corrode. Apparently not much more expensive than plain tube (so why the hell don't the car manufacturers fit it as standard and save all the hassle of what can be a really time consuming job). For the job I needed doing I was quoted a discounted price of almost £800 by the main dealer because - although the parts cost peanuts - removing the old ones (you've got to do this carefully cos they're your template for the new ones) and bending and fitting the new ones takes ages. So if you're doing it yourself or getting someone else to do it get it done with non-corroding tube and at least you won't have the hassle ever again. I think the tube was made by the "Yorkshire" company. they also make radiator valves and small bore tube for central heating systems (Yorkshire is their name as well as their location!!!). If I can find any more details I'll let you know.

 

[nasher]

Try a google search for "brake pipes" + "Flat Cap" + "Whippets"

 

[Geoff_Slade]

nasher we'll have less of that young man! I tried a brake pipe search after looking on the Yorkshire Imperial site but they only do plumbing stuff now and a nice line in headgear and fast dogs! Anyway try www.automec.co.uk. They sell ready made sets in copper or copper/nickel guaranteed not to corrode plus all the fittings.

 

[landover]

Try a google search for "brake pipes" + "Flat Cap" + "Whippets :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

[nasher]

It was a joke about the "yorkshire" thing. Can you leave the foul language to the playground

 

[vidfletch]

Funny

Well it was my original question and I thought it was funny! LOL! Calm down everyone! Thanks for all the info!

 

[landover]

It was a joke about the "yorkshire" thing. Can you leave the foul language to the playground

Nice pics nasher Is that a nashermobil at the end......TRY this link www.skiphire.com

 

[nasher]

It's funny, you could be my Mother in law. the grey fintail's been on her drive for over a year and she threatens to have it towed away every time I see her.

 

[paulcallender]

If you're giving away your fintail, I'll have it!

 

[gregit]

Does that plate really say 'sod oof' ?(wheres my glasses) :roll:

 

[simon j paynter]

i did the ones on my first 300TE 4 matic myself can't remember the pipe dia, it was probably 6 mm tho. we have a Sykes Pikavant flaring kit in our workshop ( about £140) Some motor factors will do it if you take the old pipes in. Copper is quite ok you dont have to use steel, the pipes are not double skinned but if you use the correct flaring tools it looks as if they are because the tool rolls the flare over to make a half mushroom half donut shape
Simon

 

[Barnie]

Hi
If I remember correctly the Yorkshire Imperial Metals product is a copper alloy & is or was known as "Kunnifer" & was garanteed to outlast the life of the vehicle.
Barnie

 

[dieseldes]

Copper is not OK!! pure copper pipe case hardens and where it vibrates will break cleanly off. Had that pleasure on a Volvo 122s where the brakes pipes had been replaced in the past with copper. made stopping a real challange!! Replaced them with Kunifer.

Remember the pressure these suspension pipes are under it is better to use the proper mercedes replacement parts, they are one-piece steel and come complete with ends. I have recently replaced mine
They are 6mm o/d steel.

Des

 

[andy_k]

the pipes are about £12 each from the dealers and yes they have an insert so "normal" brake pipes aren't suitable - neither will home made ones.

If your dealer can't find the part numbers drop me a line I have them on a receipt from when I replaced mine.

Andy

 

[vidfletch]

Right! I am confused now!

Why can't cupro-nickel type pipes be used? I understand pure copper pipes being no good but surely if cupro-nickel have been fitted and used they should be ok.

I know I can get the pipes from Mercedes but I find it hard to believe nobody else can supply them. Whats the big deal about the insert? What is it and why is it needed? Surely there is an opportunity out there for someone to make some money by supplying suitable pipes. After all its not as though its an uncommon problem!

Vidfletch