Here is another example of an expensive, cheap repair...
The 2008 Mercedes CLC 180 needs new rear metal brake pipes.
It will fail the next MOT and having had a good look they are very pitted.
The parts are less than £50 the pair.
Fitting.....
Take a deep breath.... 9.5 hours labour!!
Plus replacement exhaust system and other bits...
Why?
First remove the exhaust, which after 10 years is sufficiently corroded that it will not survive. Discover that the cat is integral with the down pipe and so will also have to be replaced.
Next remove all the under tray, followed by the prop shaft.
Remove the rear suspension springs and shocks.
Remove the drive shafts.
Now, disconnect the rear hydraulics plus ABS connections, then unbolt and lower the rear sub frame, complete with differential, etc.
Now remove the brake pipes and replace with new .
Reverse the diss-assembly procedure.
This is the future: what would have been a simple job made insanely difficult.
I have asked two independent MB specialists and my local "all models" garage. None of them want the job. Why? Special Tools needed and often problems re-fitting the rear subframe.
The car is worth £3500 and this job will cost £1500 + VAT!!!!!
But I'll do it as whilst the dealer will give me £3500 for the CLC I'd have to buy a new car and I need a new car like a hole in the head.
And I like the CLC.
