W210 Metal brake pipe replacement - hidden problems?

[brandwooddixon]

Well my trusty steed (E430 1998 ) has failed her MOT.
Apparently her front brake pipes (not hoses) require replacing due to corrosion.

I'm not entirely sure why this wasn't picked up when during the dealer service 2500 miles (4 weeks) ago, but there you go.

I had the MOT performed by a garage local to where I'm working at the moment. They're quoting 4 hours minimum to replace them.

My questions are:
1) Does 4 hours sound about right?
2) Are there any complications that I should know about before handing this over to a non-mercedes specialised garage?

 

[kth286]

General garages do not normally have very much knowledge about Mercedes so be very careful.

Are thy planning to make up a length of tube and fit the couplers both ends or will they have an account at Merc dealer (unlikely) and get the genuine replacement which can be obtained in two/three days.

Do they have the specialist tools to remove and replace any suspension components (very specialised spring compressor needed). etc etc.

In other words you are NOT doing yourself any favours by getting a general garage to do the work.

Take it to a Merc specialist - probably no more expensive - loan car etc.

Where you working/living ?????????

 

[brandwooddixon]

I'm currently working in Aylesbury, although I live in Wolverhampton ( a nice 200 mile round trip).
My current MOT runs out on the 13th March. So I have a few days grace.
I notice on Yell that there's a Mercedes independant in Aylesbury:
Independent Mercedes Specialist
134, Aylesbury Rd
Wendover
Aylesbury
Buckinghamshire
HP22 6AD

A chap called Chris Gray.

I note from the MOT failure document that the failure point is
"001 (both front to rear) brake pipe excessively corroded"

They've quoted me £255+VAT and on speaking to the receptionist I would think that they would be making the pipes up as they go "it's all copper pipe".

I may give Chris Gray a call unless anyone warns me off him.

 

[vijilants]

Sounds like a lot of money to replace a brake pipe.

 

[brandwooddixon]

Reading the failure note, it's both of the pipes which run to the rear of the car. I've checked around and general concensus is that it takes about 4 hours to replace them and rebleed the system.

 

[television]

So at £50 per hour thats well under MB prices at £110 sounds OK to me

 

[panason1c]

So at £50 per hour thats well under MB prices at £110 sounds OK to me

I agree, the price doesn't sound too bad to me either.....and any competent garage can replace brake pipes, it doesn't have to be a MB garage (unless you want to pay £100+ per hour labour).

 

[Dec]

I had one side replaced (corrosion) a while back by MB main dealer for about £250, the had to replace the flexible rubber hose section also as it had “broken on removal” brake fluid also replaced. All copper pipe, made up as the went along.

Dec

 

[brandwooddixon]

Thanks for the replies.

I had a chat with Chris Gray - the specialist that I found in Aylesbury. He admitted that demand is so great at the moment that he's having to turn away work (a good sign I think). He talked about the system and said without prompting that it would take about 4 hours.

Certainly I came away with a good feeling about approaching him again.
He also pointed out that the corrosion of pipes is a very subjective thing and one tester may pass what another may not.

So I've booked it in for next week. Just have to see if they'll waive the partial restest fee.

Oh here's the link for the Chris Gray:
http://sitebuilder.yell.com/sb/show.do?id=SB0001901130000050

 

[panason1c]

Sometimes helps a positive outcome for the mot if you use wire-wool to clean off any superficial corrosion.......it's worked for me in the past (-:

 

[Richard Moakes]

Sometimes helps a positive outcome for the mot if you use wire-wool to clean off any superficial corrosion.......it's worked for me in the past (-:

Follow that up with some waxoyl sprayed on the lines and they will pass it with no problems.

My 1989 W124 is still on it's original brake lines using that method, and I feel safe, the original corrosion was only surface rust.

 

[television]

Follow that up with some waxoyl sprayed on the lines and they will pass it with no problems.

My 1989 W124 is still on it's original brake lines using that method, and I feel safe, the original corrosion was only surface rust.

Me too,I will go along with that 100% and have done it.

 

[LNM]

Wish I'd read this on Saturday, W124 has just been failed on three corroded brake lines.

A**e biscuits.

http://www.carparts-direct.co.uk/brake_pipe_flaring_kit.cfm

Thoughts ?

 

[brandwooddixon]

Only thing missing is a mandrel to help you bend the pipe. You can fit pipe without one, but be careful about trying to bend it too tightly. If you kink it then that will create a week point, which may leak!

I've done the job, a long time ago (Escort MkII ) and it should be possible but fair weather and some ramps are a must.

 

[meanie]

This part no (121 429 01 34) may be of some use-it is a pipe joining union as used near the front on later 124's.You can use them to split the pipe into managable lengths by the rear subframe,which makes it easier to install the new pipes without damaging them as you try to get them up & in.They use the standard M10 unions.Even with the advantage of a 2 post ramp this is much easier.Just take care not to site them on a securing clip.

 

[robs-mbz]

Replacing the brake pipes on a W210 is no different than on any other car, the problem is one of restricted access, the one that runs over the top of the rear subframe is VERY difficult to get at without first dropping the subframe. For the price that you have been quoted I would guess that the mechanic will re-route the new pipes, not a problem in itself, but make sure it has been properly clipped into place and is not vunerable to damage. The pipes in the engine bay are also difficult to replace for the same reason. I used pipe unions as mentioned above to replace just the corroded ends of the pipes, not Mercedes unions but 3/16" compression couplings from an American company called Swagelok, they are Aerospace quality Stainless Steel and will take pressure of several thousand PSI, but they are quite expensive!

http://www.swagelok.com/search/product_detail.aspx?part=SS-300-6