Self levelling suspension E300TD 1994

[PRS]

I recently posted on this forum re one of my suspension pipes[the long ones] having been flattened and I believe this is causing me problems, is one of these pipes a "flow" and the other the "return".?
I contacted my local dealer to obtain replacements and he said that he could not order them because there were so many variations and that I should either take the car in, not likely, or the old pipes and they would have some other garage or specialist make them up, out of 6mm/1/4" cunifer, so the question is does anyone know what type of flare is on the ends?? I can then have them made myself, before I remove the old ones.

 

[andy_k]

your dealer is talking rubbish

the computer will throw up the right parts for your car when the chassis number is entered.

If they can't or won't help phone another dealer

I think you'll find the pipes are "double skinned" so it's unlikely anyone can make them up for you.

If you are talking about the pipes that run the length of the car away from (and back to) the pump then yes, one is flow and one is return - well, sort of anyway

Andy

 

[PRS]

Thanks Andy I will try again you are up early/late!!!

 

[andy_k]

no probs - it was a late one - I hate deadlines

 

[Andy Cottrell]

Hi,

Due to a touch of metal worm I had to replace my pipes ( both the "flow" and "return"). The "flare" on the end of the pipe is specific to these hydraulic pipes, ie: it is not a standard brake pipe flare.
The big problem I had was not getting the tool to do the flaring ( Sykes Pickavant Commercial/Industrial type for hydraulic connections), or replacement pipe ends, but finding the " in line connectors" to allow a joint to be made. The pipes on mine appeared to be one piece running across the underneath of the engine bay. Unfortuneately I don't have access to anything other than a jack and some axle stands so the whole thing was quite an evolution.
My replacement pipes are made from 6mm diameter copper. Eventually sourced some connectors from a Commercial Vehicle Parts distributor ( Solent Truck Parts at Fareham, although I appreciate this is a long way from you).

Hope this is some help.

 

[PRS]

Hi Andy, I have an inspection pit so access is no problem, really would like to have parts to hand before I start so it can go straight back together, I know Andy K said the [OEM] pipes are double skinned, but as long as the diameter and the flares and fittings are correct I am sure 6mm cunnifer pipe, that is deemed strong enough for brake pipes, should be OK

 

[Andy Cottrell]

Peter,

I bow to Andy Ks knowledge about the pipes being double skinned, mine didn't appear to be ( but I don't know much about pipes).
Have fitted the 6mm copper pipes and the car has passed its MOT. so I conclude they are fine. The "in line connectors" I used are compression fittings with olives ( similar to that used in household water/heating systems).

I did find that as I removed the "pipe clamps" from the underside of the body that corrosion was evident ( on both pipes) under the rubber mounting blocks.

Good luck.

 

[talbir]

I replaced the pipes on my 560SEC last year and bought OEM ones from the dealer - not only do they have the correct fitments, they also have the bends in all the right places. Moreover, they are not expensive as you may imagine. I think the two pipes, entire length from front to rear, cost less than £70 the set.