Brake trouble 1980 300SD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

elbarto83 · #1 07-12-2007, 07:25 PM

Sorry I don't know anything about Mercedes, but I need some help with my brakes. 1980 Mercedes Benz 300SD Turbo Diesel.

They brakes don't respond for the first 3 or 4 inches of push. The brake pedal is in line with the gas pedal by the time it does any braking. I haven't done anything to the brakes for about the last 8500 miles, and just recently replaced the front brake pads.

It's been progressively getting worse the last 6000 miles or so. Any ideas? How much longer can I go on with this problem before it becomes a big issue?

Thank you!

pawoSD · #2 07-12-2007, 07:35 PM

Potential Problems:

-Master Cylinder failing
-Brake Hoses old and swelling when braking, causing the pedal to have to be pushed far down for braking
-Rear brakes not working or leaking line, meaning the pedal will travel down till the front brakes kick in.

I am betting its either the hoses, master cylinder, or air in the lines.

If you live in a place where rust is a problem, check the brake hard lines (metal ones under the car) leading to the rear brakes, they can rust through and leak.

elbarto83 · #3 07-12-2007, 07:50 PM

So should I be concerned or can i keep driving like this for another 7500 miles or so?

pawoSD · #4 07-12-2007, 07:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by elbarto83

So should I be concerned or can i keep driving like this for another 7500 miles or so?

I'd get it fixed/solved very shortly, brakes are not a thing to mess around with. At the very least, take a look at the hoses and lines to see if anything looks worn or is leaking. Why would you need to drive another 7500 miles that way? Fix it now and enjoy it working properly for many many miles to come.

Check the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir under the hood. If one of the two segments (or both) are low or empty, then you most certainly are leaking fluid somewhere.