I was working on the front brakes and once complete I went in the car and pumped the brakes to expand the calipers. A couple of pumps and suddenly the pedal went to the floor. That was a sick feeling. This is a 2000 SL2. Looked under the car and the lines going to the rear brakes where wet for several feet with fluid and one or both burst and brake fluid was dripping fast. I'm really sad.
In my younger days I would have been up to the challenge and likely changed the lines myself. But now I just don't feel like diving into it. I payed $4700 for it in 2005 and have driven it for over 17 years now. I've come too far and retired to have my 22.5 year old car malfunction and get us into a crash. It's given us a long history of dependable driving. But last year the fuel pump went out and then the ignition control module and coil packs. Plus it needs tires before winter. It's to the point where what's next? We only have been driving it in town in recent years because we just don't trust it for long distances. Or getting too far from home.
Looking at the brake lines it looks like a pretty big job. And all the clips and screws holding the lines to the frame and brackets are pretty much deteriorated and unrecognizable from rust. I live in the upper Midwest so there's the salt in winter. Plus it would be much better to do this with a lift which I don't have. And it probably would be prudent to change all the hydraulics while I'm at it. Well maybe not the master cylinder. Even the front lines look quite rusty.
Has anyone out there replaced all the hydraulics on one of these? And if so would you ever do it again, LOL?
