Please pray for us

March 9, 2011 | 2ndDivisionVet

[2ndDivisionVet]

As some of you know, we've both been having some health issues. My leg is frequently infected from diabetic wounds on my feet. I can't afford to lose my leg because there's no one else who can help my wife who had a stroke last year. Now my ancient car's brakes are giving out, which will make it almost impossible for us to get to the doctor, pharmacy, hospital and store. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes and don't forget JimRob as well. Thanks in advance.

[Errant]

Wouldn’t that be the master cylinder or booster?

It's a good bet that it's the master cylinder. Not a dificult job on an American car. Anti-Skid might be an issue if you see wires going to it. Otherwise, get a rebuilt one and bleed it on the bench before installing and then at the line connections after installing.

Youtube is a great knowledge source for any DIY.

[rapture-me]

It would probably be a good idea to let everyone know what part of the country that you are in. If you are in Central Texas, I can help with your brakes. However, if someone knew that you were in their area, they may be more inclined to help. Keep Praying!!!

[2ndDivisionVet]

Oh. I’m in Biloxi. There’s talk that her company will transfer her to D/FW in the near future, which is another reason the car is needed.

[Errant]

How To Replace A Master Cylinder

[ConservativeChris]

Lord help heal 2ndDivisionVet and his wife, give him Your strength and empower him with knowledge, and give him help, direction and insight on his car.

And watch over and heal JimRob as well, help both he and 2nDivisionVet keep their original parts. Enlighten their doctors with insight on their problems, so that they may heal them.

We pray for this in Jesus name, Amen.

[manic4organic]

God bless y’all. I enjoy your posts. Isn’t there a friend, a church member or family member who works on cars? My guy does brakes for $20 if I supply the parts but we’re in Texas. Reach out and I bet someone will help.

[truthkeeper]

This forum is generous and their prayers are always a great comfort.
If anyone would also be interested in assisting this disabled American veteran and fellow FReeper in getting his car repaired, please send me a private email and I'll forward details.
Thanks for your kindness.

[2ndDivisionVet]

I don’t change my own oil. Not mechanical in any sense of the word. Wish I was, but what can you do? Dispatching a vehicle in the Army took everything I had, yet I could write up a report for the president or a general like falling off a log. Just don’t have that talent.

[Abby4116]

You and your wife remain in my prayers.

[fso301]

It’s a 1984 M-B 300D turbo diesel.

As an example, Advanced Auto carries master cylinders for your '84 300D. Prices range from $50 - $145.

Here's a master cylinder for $50

Here's one for $70

Here's one for $144.69

Here are all three side by side for your `84 300SD

There are tons of How to Bench Bleed a master cylinder videos on YouTube. Because of the age and rarity of your car, be careful to make sure the part store is selling you the correct master cylinder. Buy the part, visually compare it to make sure it is the correct part before removing the old one. You can turn the old one in after you've finished for the core discount.

[Errant]

:)

That's ok... We all have our talents. It's not an expensive repair and any small (less expensive) trust worthy shop should be able to acomphish in less than an hour.

Too bad you're not still at Polk. ;)

[Mygirlsmom]

Thank you for your service. May God Bless you and your wife, and provide assistance and healing.

[The Cajun]

Never did work on a Mercedes-Benz and have no experience with its' brake system (Ford, Chevy and Dodge experience), but the symptoms sound like the trouble I had with my wife's El Camino (no loss of fluid, pads in good shape). Turned out to be the master cylinder, (NAPA replacement master cylinder was nearly the same price as the parts to rebuild old one) and an easy fix I did myself. Most time consuming part was bleeding air out of system after repair (very important).
Don't know how cheap and easy it would be with a Mercedes (guessing not that cheap).

[fieldmarshaldj]

Prayers for you all.

[Cvengr]

God Bless, SemperFi, Prayers’ out.

[Prokopton]

Prayers for healing, comfort and strength for you and your wife.

[fso301]

I don’t change my own oil. Not mechanical in any sense of the word.

If you were 1,300 miles closer to me, I'd do the job for you. I'm not familiar with you vehicle but I've never seen a master cylinder that you couldn't replace by just lifting the hood. Since you probably don't have anti-lock braking, replacing the cylinder is even easier.

When a person is in genuine need and they let their need be known, someone will show up to help.

Once you've replaced the cylinder, go ahead and have the brakes bled. You should be bleeding the brakes every two years.

[fso301]

Master Cylinder Replacement M-B 300DT turbo diesel

1. To remove brake master cylinder, use a turkey baster or similar implement to remove the fluid from reservoir
2. Discard old brake fluid in suitable container
3. Disengage any electrical connections from master cylinder
4. Using a flare nut wrench, disengage the fluid lines. Be sure to use a rag to catch any spilled fluid when you disengage the fluid lines.
5. Loosen the master cylinder-to-brake-booster nuts
6. Remove master cylinder from engine compartment
7. Installation is the reverse of removal. Make sure to replace the O-ring between the master cylinder and the power brake booster because this must be absolutely sealed. Torque the nuts to 12-15 ft.lbs. Fill both chambers completely with fresh, clean correct DOT grade brake fluid for your car and bleed the brakes. Mercedes-Benz uses ATE Blue. Otherwise, use fluid meeting or exceeding SAE J 1703B. Any auto part store should be able to tell you which fluid to use.

Let me know if you need anything else.

[kabumpo]

Concerned about your diabetes. Is it 1 or 2?
How long have you had it? I rely on your postings every day.
Prayers for you.

[The Cajun]

Sounds as easy as a Ford, GM or Dodge. Figured Mercedes-Benz would have a different *twist* on it, but they don't.