W203 - Bleeding Brakes

[Merc220cdi]

Any advice on how to bleed the brakes on 03 plate C Class. I've looked through a number of threads which indicate that 'special tools' may be required because of the ABS / EPS. Can this job be done simply with a one-way bleed nipple valve and pumping the brake pedal whilst maintaining the level in the master cyllinder? Is there a recommended requence, i.e. back first then front left / right? Appreciate any advise before I end up having to replace a major part and payign the garage to do the job I shouldn't have started.

 

[television]

Nothing special at all needed, and you can do it on your own with a one way valve allow 4 pumps front and 8 pumps rear.

Always start with the wheel furthest away and work towards the nearest.

Welcome to the forum

 

[Juddian]

Many years ago i bought a Gunsons 'eazibleed' (check spelling) kit, which uses pressure usually from a wheel at about 15psi to pressure bleed the system, also using a remote bottle to keep the master cylinder full.

It makes the job very easy and a true one man job, works a treat on MB's.

The various caps supplied don't always fit some Japanese/Korean cars, but if you forsee staying with German cars it could be a worthwhile investment.

 

[Merc220cdi]

Thanks. Just noted that the master cylinder cap refers to DOT4+, I was about to use DOT4. Anyone tell me what the difference might be?

 

[television]

I know of no such thing as dot4+ I think it means that you can use dot5 if you wish to

 

[dava]

I know of no such thing as dot4+ I think it means that you can use dot5 if you wish to

We use Worth dot4+ and they say it is higher spec than dot 5 which we used to use, not sure I agree, but here it is;

http://motobriomotorcycleclothing.com/ShowProductDetails.cfm?Cat=138&Product=606

 

[television]

We use Worth dot4+ and they say it is higher spec than dot 5 which we used to use, not sure I agree, but here it is;

http://motobriomotorcycleclothing.com/ShowProductDetails.cfm?Cat=138&Product=606

Thanks,, I have not even heard of 4+ and I did a search too

 

[dava]

Thanks,, I have not even heard of 4+ and I did a search too

We need high spec stuff and this is what came tops, like I said we used to use dot 5, (fully synthetic stuff)which is hard to get and wurth came up with this, seams to work. Worth pointing out MB only use dot 4 even on the fast stuff.

 

[lulu]

Err, careful guys, DOT 5 is completely different to DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 and doesn't mix.
DOT 5.1 will mix with DOT 4 and I presume DOT 4+ means you can use either DOT 4 or DOT 5.1.

But whatever you do, don't use DOT 5 unless it explicitly says so.

 

[Shug]

Yup - Dot 5 is silicone based and will eat seals on braking systems not designed for it. Confusingly, DOT 5.1 isn't and is compatible with DOT 4 systems. DOT4+ usually applies to products with a higher boil temp, like Castrol Super DOT4.

 

[popuptoaster]

In my experiance it goes much faster and is gauranteed to work if you do it the old two person way and have the bleed nipple open as they slowly push the pedal down and close it as they lift it up, have the fluid going down a clear pipe into a jam jar so you can see when all the bubbles are out of it, no frantic pumping required and it should work first time and still be quicker than any of the home auto bleed systems.

 

[Shug]

When you have a willing assistant

I've used the easibleed on other cars (even to bleed tricky coolant systems, with the tyre down at 5psi or so) and it works a treat if you can't get someone to come out and sit in a cold car at this time of year

 

[popuptoaster]

When you have a willing assistant

I've used the easibleed on other cars (even to bleed tricky coolant systems, with the tyre down at 5psi or so) and it works a treat if you can't get someone to come out and sit in a cold car at this time of year

That why you have kids, to hold tools and torches and work the brake pedal.