New Member

[n/a]

Hi I just joined the site, I own a 69 280SL, I have not been driving it for about 8 years due to fuel line bursting I did not want to have it towed and be at the mercy of a dealer anyway found a local mercedes mechanic who came to my home & fixed it. Great! Then I had him do tune up, fuel filter and now complete brake job....this was really hard he almost gave up a few times but my PROBLEM is one of the lines to the right rear wheel is faulty. I drove it and it smoked and smelt bad HELP  Any suggestions would be appreciated.
The car is in Boston and I live most of the time in the UK & FL (I previously lived in Boston).  Thanks]

[hands_aus]

Given the fact that the car was sitting for 8 years, I think all the brake hoses need to be replaced.
The rubber inside the hoses swells and blocks the fluid supply.

What did you mean by 'complete brake job'?

Also this site has a good search function so have a look for more information about this in the archives.

Bob Smith (Brisbane,Australia)
RHD,1967 early 250 SL, auto

[ctaylor738]

Agree - the hoses should all be replaced.  Sometimes they will allow fluid to flow to the caliper, but not allow it to return and the brake "sticks."  But this can also be caused by corrosion in the caliper that does not allow the pistons to move. If the hose is disconnected and the brake still sticks, then you need a rebuilt caliper.



Chuck Taylor
1970 280SL #14076
Falls Church VA

[dldubois]

I'd agree also.  I've had two 280s and both had the same thing happen.   I ended up replacing the rubber brake lines which are relatively inexpensive.   There are 2 front and 2 rear.  I'd order and replace all 4 and start there.



Dana DuBois

1969 280sl
Corinth, TX

[glennard]

Hi, I'm in Boston at 617 947 6399.  Have a '64 230SL and a '69 280SE.  Have had 'all' the problems.

[Raymond]

Find out what "smoked and smelt bad".  Shortly after getting my car 3 years ago, I was driving home at night.  I thought I felt something funny as I left a traffic light.  Several non-stop miles later when I pulled into my driveway, I noticed smoke and smell.  The left rear caliper had stuck and when I looked I could easily see the red glow comming off the disc.  

If you have burned the disc badly, you will be due for a new one and you should bite the bullet and replace both calipers.  As someone else here said, "Starting is important, stopping is essential."

Ray
'68 280SL 4-spd Coupe