Brake Fluid - Capacity?

[mdsalemi]

Getting ready to completely change the brake fluid...this is a 4-wheel disk ATE 280SL.
How much brake fluid do I need? Can't seem to find that capacity anywhere, and in the past I always had it done, rather than myself. Thus, I don't know how much fluid I will need to have on hand.
My plan is to use ATE DOT4 fluid.

[kampala]

I don't know the capacity --- others I'm sure will know ---  but ---- Last time I replaced the brake fluid on the 250sl (ATE, 4 wheel discs) --- I bought a 32oz (.9 liter) bottle of brake fluid.  It was enough to get "clear" brake fluid flowing from each brake bleeder, fill up reservoir to Max and have a few ounces spare in the bottle.


Note:  this is with the original reservoir.

[wwheeler]

I did a complete brake job on my W111 2 or 3 years ago. New reservoir, brake lines and cylinders, so totally dry. I used the ATE blue (now outlawed of course) in the 1L can. I used about 2/3s of the can with bleeding. So 1L should be plenty. Pretty much the same as posted earlier.

[jameshoward]

Yep. Usual advise applies on letting it settle for a day or so beforehand for a really good pedal. You should have enough left over to do the clutch, Michael.

[A Dalton]

 Brake system total capacity is dependent on pad thickness [ wear].
That is why there are min/max indicator marks on the res. and why one has to top off the res. as pads wear.

A system with new pads takes a lot less fluid than one with worn pads  .The amount of fluid in each caliper cavity when  at resting  position ,determined by pad thickness, times 8, can result in a sizable difference in Total Capacity .

 

[jameshoward]

A good point. My pads and discs were new throughout. I had a lot left over!

[Naj ✝︎]

Brake system total capacity is dependent on pad thickness [ wear].
That is why there are min/max indicator marks on the res. and why one has to top off the res. as pads wear.

A system with new pads takes a lot less fluid than one with worn pads  .The amount of fluid in each caliper cavity when  at resting  position ,determined by pad thickness, times 8, can result in a sizable difference in Total Capacity .

 

Hey, nice to see you back!!

naj