Why do i need a brake fluid change?

Mercedes recommended interval for replacing brake fluid is every 2 years or 20,000 miles, whichever comes first.

However we test your brake fluid, checking when it was last changed every service and advise accordingly.

The brake system in a Mercedes-Benz consists of an interconnected array of components which operate with precision, speed and often extreme force over a wide range of operating temperatures and environmental conditions.  From the brake calipers at each wheel, to under bonnet components such as the master cylinder and pump for Antilock Brake System (ABS) and Electronic Stability Control (ESP), the brake system contains complex parts that rely on brake fluid to perform their hydraulic tasks.

What will happen if i dont change my brake fluid?

Brake fluid is highly hygroscopic which means it tends to absorb moisture with age.  This moisture consequentially creates corrosion within internal brake components and decreases the boiling point of the brake fluid, thereby reducing braking effectiveness, so in layman’s terms over a long period of time your brake pedal will feel less sharp and more spongier so performing an emergency stop may not be pleasant experience not to mention driving down the steep hills of Cornwall or any other UK holiday destinations that you maybe traveling to.

Whats involved in a brake fluid change

Each different garage may have there own method but here is ours.

• Remove all 4 wheels.
• Remove old fluid from from brake fluid reservoir and fill with fresh fluid.
• Connect Brake fluid pressure bleeder to the reservoir.
• Open and bleed brake fluid from each brake caliper bleed nipple in the correct sequence until all old fluid is flushed out.
• Check for any leaks after brake bleed has been performed.
• Dissconnect brake bleeder and ensure the brake fluid level is correct.
• Clean hubs and apply an anti-seize lubricant onto the wheel hub.
• Refit all 4 wheels and torque to manufactures setting.
• Carry out 4 mile road test.

We remove all 4 wheels not only to ensure we don’t get any brake fluid on them but also to make sure your wheels aren’t stuck/seized onto the hub this making a puncture/spare wheel change on the side of the road slightly less stressful than it already is, all the wheels are also torqued to manufactures settings to make sure your wheels aren’t to tight or loose for that matter.

We always bleed more fluid than the systems holds to ensure all of the old fluid is out of the system

for example if a typical Mercedes system holds 0.8ltr we will bleed 1.5ltrs through.