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On average, the cost of a 2005 Mercedes C320 rear wheel leaking brake fluid inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.
Your brakes are the most important safety system in your vehicle. It’s all too easy to take them for granted, but if they were to fail even once, the results could be catastrophic. Most car brake systems are hydraulic, meaning pressurized fluid is sent through lines from the master cylinder to the calipers and drums to activate the pads/shoes and slow the car down. If the brake fluid is leaking, it’s a sign that something is seriously wrong.
How this system works:
Your brake system is both simple and complex. There are a number of pieces needed to make it work properly, but the underlying concept isn’t that hard to understand. Your master cylinder is the heart of the system: it’s responsible for increasing brake performance (via the brake booster that the master cylinder mounts to) and for holding and sending brake fluid through the system.
In a nutshell, your brake system works like this: You press the brake pedal, which activates the master cylinder. Push the fluid toward the lines and down into the tongs. The fluid pressure forces the calipers to close, squeezing the rotor between the brake pads. This creates drag and friction, which slows the car down.
However, if there is a fluid leak somewhere in the system, it could mean that you won’t have enough fluid for your brakes to work properly.
Common reasons for this to happen:
- Worn brake pads– If you suspect a fluid leak because the level in the reservoir is low, it may be nothing more than worn pads. As the pads wear, more fluid is retained in the system (because the caliper piston stays further away due to reduced pad material).
- Damaged Master Cylinder Reservoir: Over time, the plastic reservoir attached to your master cylinder becomes brittle from exposure to heat. It can eventually crack, allowing brake fluid to leak and run down the rear of the engine.
- Damaged Bleed Valve– Every caliper has a bleed. These valves allow mechanics to bleed air from the lines, but they can become damaged (or can become loose or even become loose after inexperienced servicing).
- Damaged Brake Line– Your car has rubber and steel brake lines that carry fluid to and from the master cylinder. Both types are prone to wear and can be punctured. If this occurs, fluid will constantly leak out of the line.
- Faulty Wheel Cylinder– On drum brakes, one of the most likely culprits is the wheel seal. These will fail over time and from normal wear and tear, eventually leaking brake fluid.
- Failed Piston Seal– The caliper piston is fluid activated and is a moving part, meaning a seal is needed to keep fluid in while allowing the piston to move. If the seal is damaged (cracked or punctured), you will leak brake fluid.
What to expect:
A professional mobile mechanic will come to your home or office to inspect your brake system, including the master cylinder, brake lines, drums, calipers, and other components. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of any necessary repairs.
How it’s done:
The mechanic will inspect all aspects of your vehicle’s brake system, including being able to check trouble codes on the computer if the ABS light is on (triggered by the brake fluid level sensor). The mechanic will trace the leak back to its source and then advise you on the next step necessary to repair the problem.
How important is this service?
Without a functioning braking system, your car cannot be driven legally or safely. Fluid leakage is a cause for concern: if the fluid level drops below a certain level, the brakes won’t work. It is essential that you inspect your brake system during normal maintenance and pay close attention to the fluid level in the reservoir. Any leaks must be immediately inspected and repaired. One of our professional mechanics can inspect, diagnose, and repair your brake fluid leak.
During an oil/fluid leak inspection, a mechanic will identify what type of fluid is leaking from the car and find the source of that leak. An oil or fluid leak can indicate serious problems with your car. Not only are leaks dangerous to drive, but failure to fix them can quickly lead to the need for extensive and expensive repairs.
Your car uses several different types of fluids to operate safely, and you don’t want any of them to leak. Some oil/fluid leaks can put you and other motorists around you in danger. So if you see a leak, don’t drive your car until you’ve identified the problem and talked to a mechanic.
It’s hard to estimate how expensive these repairs can be because any number of parts can cause a leak. It could be something as simple as windshield washer fluid or something as dangerous as transmission fluid, brake fluid, or motor oil. Repairs may cost labor only or may require parts costing thousands of dollars. Only an oil/fluid leak inspection can be sure.
‘s auto insurance shopping app Jerry, will explain the different types of fluids your car uses and how your mechanic will identify the oil/fluid leak with an inspection.
Keep in mind that your location is another factor that determines the final cost of repairs. Areas with a higher cost of living will generally have more expensive auto repair services, especially if there is less local competition. Check out the table below for an estimate of what Mercedes-benz C320 drivers pay in different cities.
The exact cost also varies between different Mercedes-Benz model years. For example, newer vehicle models are typically made from more expensive materials, so late or higher-end models will cost more, especially if your service requires a part replacement. Use the table below to estimate the cost of your own vehicle.
What is an oil/fluid leak inspection?
An oil/fluid leak inspection involves pinpointing exactly what type of fluid is leaking from the car and then finding the exact source of that leak. Once this is done, a mechanic can repair the oil/fluid leak, which may require replacement of hoses or more complicated parts.
If you see an oil or fluid leak from your car, use a flashlight to look at the fluid itself. The color of the fluid can give you a general idea of what might be wrong:
- **Dark brown or blackish **could be motor oil. If it feels slimy, it could be brake fluid. Be sure to wash your hands if you touch any liquid that leaks from your car.
- The light brown could be motor oil. If the car has gone a long time without replacing the transmission fluid, that could be it. It could also be gear lube; if it really stinks, the orange fluid is likely
- antifreeze, transmission fluid, or AC condensation. The
- red or pink fluid will usually be power steering fluid or transmission fluid.
- Green or yellow is almost always antifreeze or coolant.
- The **blue fluid is usually windshield washer fluid, but some Hondas also use blue coolant.
- The clear fluid could be brake fluid or air conditioning condensation. Brake fluid darkens over time, especially after 10,000 miles
How to Perform an Oil/Fluid Leak Inspection
The oil/fluid leak inspection itself is fairly straightforward: Your mechanic will identify what type of fluid is leaking and where, and then you will find out the source of that leak.
This information will tell your mechanic what the next course of action should be. Many fluid leaks are simple repairs where only a tube or hose needs to be replaced. Sometimes a gasket or o-ring may need to be replaced, which can cost up to $300 or more.
More rarely, there may be a serious problem that requires a more complicated repair, costing thousands of dollars. But until your mechanic has performed an inspection for oil/fluid leaks, it’s impossible to list all the parts that might need repair.
Do I need an oil/fluid leak inspection?
The most obvious symptom of an oil/fluid leak is seeing fluid visibly dripping from under your car. If there is an unexpected pool of oil/fluid under your vehicle, it could mean that there is an oil/fluid leak.
The behavior of the car will also give you clues. For example, if your brakes are acting strangely (or poorly) and you see clear or dark fluid, you may have a brake line leak. If there is a red or pink fluid leak and the steering wheel feels sluggish, it could be a power steering leak.
How important is an oil/fluid leak inspection?
An oil/fluid leak can be quite dangerous depending on the type of fluid that is leaking. Brake fluid, motor oil, transmission fluid, coolant… any of these can lead to unsafe driving conditions and extremely expensive repairs after a while.
If you spot an oil or fluid leak under your car, you can try to identify the leak yourself, but definitely leave the more intensive oil/fluid leak inspection and subsequent repairs to a trained and experienced professional.
Finding Affordable Car Insurance
Finding out what kind of fluid is leaking from your car is easy for a professional. But without getting an oil/fluid leak inspection, you can definitely be left wondering.
You know what else involves a lot of guesswork? Finding the right auto insurance when you’re not using the Jerry!
Jerry’s makes it easier than ever to switch auto insurance companies and save hundreds of dollars or more per year on auto insurance, with Jerry’s users saving an average of $879. Just download the app, answer a few questions, and you’ll see 50+ quotes in minutes.
The cost of repairs can vary depending on the Mercedes-Benz you drive, but there’s an easy way to save money for the services you need! Just download Jerry for help lowering your insurance premiums. In less than 45 seconds, Jerry collects all your information from your existing insurer.
Choose from competitive quotes from major insurance companies and Jerry will take care of the rest, underwriting your new policy and helping you cancel your old one upon request.
With an average annual savings of $887, Jerry can help you free up funds for needed repairs to your Mercedes-Benz.
Why does my car lose water?
It can be distressing to see a puddle of water or liquid forming under your vehicle. However, it is not always necessarily indicative of a problem! You may notice puddles of water under your car from time to time, especially during the summer months on Long Island. This is usually because your vehicle’s air conditioning system generates condensation. This is similar to seeing condensation forming on your home’s air conditioning unit, and is usually not a cause for concern. However, if you are unsure or if you feel a liquid other than water forming under your car, be sure to stop by our Mercedes-Benz Service Center in Huntington, NY to have one of our Certified Mercedes-Benz Technicians Benz check it out. look for you.
What is causing my car to leak fluid?
If you’re convinced your vehicle is leaking more than just water, there are other indications that can determine if your car needs repair. Here are some steps to help you determine what exactly is going on in your vehicle.
- Place a sheet of paper under the leak. If the fluid is anything other than water, the color will show up on the pavement. If it’s blue, green, or yellow, it’s probably coolant, not water.
- If more than a small amount of water is coming out of your exhaust, a blown gasket may be causing the coolant to burn along with the fuel. This will result in large amounts of water and white smoke coming out of the tailpipe.
- While coolant is often easy to spot due to its color, you can always check the level to be sure. If it’s low, you’ll want to take your car to our Mercedes-Benz Service Center near Huntington Station, NY as soon as possible.
- The leak may come from a cracked windshield washer fluid reservoir. That can be caused by the use of water in the wiper fluid. The water freezes in the reservoir, expanding and causing the plastic container to crack. You can tell it’s windshield washer fluid by its light blue or light green color. Windshield washer fluid leaks can usually be found on the front tires.
If any of these steps have helped you determine that it’s not A/C condensation, you’ll want to make a service appointment with our Service Department to fix your vehicle’s leak in no time.
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