Mercedes-Benz ML550 Brake fluid is black or brown Inspection at your home or office.

Our certified mobile mechanics come to you 7 days a week between 7 AM and 9 PM.

Estimate price near me

Service Location

Customer Ratings

(25)

How A Diagnostic Works

Instantly book a certified mobile mechanic to come to you

Mechanic diagnoses the problem and quotes necessary repairs

Your vehicle is ready to go

Fair, upfront & transparent pricing for all services

Our certified mobile mechanics can come to you now.

Customer Ratings

(25)

Brake fluid is black or brown Inspection Service

How much does a Brake fluid is black or brown Inspection cost?

On average, the cost for a Mercedes-Benz ML550 Brake fluid is black or brown Inspection is $95 with $0 for parts and $95 for labor. Prices may vary depending on your location.

CarServiceEstimateShop/Dealer Price
2008 Mercedes-Benz ML550V8-5.5LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$114.99Shop/Dealer Price$132.49 - $145.62
2010 Mercedes-Benz ML550V8-5.5LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2013 Mercedes-Benz ML550V8-4.7L TurboService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$105.01 - $112.52
2014 Mercedes-Benz ML550V8-4.7L TurboService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$104.99 - $112.48
2009 Mercedes-Benz ML550V8-5.5LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.55 - $125.72
2011 Mercedes-Benz ML550V8-5.5LService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$94.99Shop/Dealer Price$112.52 - $125.67
2015 Mercedes-Benz ML550V8-4.7L TurboService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$109.87 - $117.28
2012 Mercedes-Benz ML550V8-4.7L TurboService typeBrake fluid is black or brown InspectionEstimate$99.99Shop/Dealer Price$110.24 - $117.94
Show example Mercedes-Benz ML550 Brake fluid is black or brown Inspection prices

Your car requires several different fluids in order to operate. Engine oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid and coolant are all essential. Another important one is brake fluid. Like other fluids, your brake fluid will deteriorate over time and eventually need to be replaced with a brake system flush. If you’ve noticed that your brake fluid appears black or brown, it’s well past time for a service.

How this system works:

Your brakes are operated by fluid pressure. The master cylinder and brake booster work to create pressure, which is then directed to the moving parts of the system (the calipers and shoe actuators). In a normal system, the brake fluid is clear or very light gold in color. This is true whether your car requires DOT 3, 4 or 5 brake fluid.

Brake fluid is held in the master cylinder reservoir, but it is also stored in the brake lines that run from the master cylinder to each wheel. You have two types of brake lines – steel and rubber. Over time and through normal use, brake fluid becomes contaminated. This happens on all vehicles, even brand new ones.

It requires only a couple of years for the fluid to build up enough contaminants that the color begins to change. It will darken over time, changing from clear/golden to a darker gold. In severe situations, your brake fluid may appear to be brown, or even black (think used engine oil).

It’s important that your brake fluid is changed regularly, before it turns brown or black. Very dark colors indicate that your fluid has collected a significant amount of contamination, and might have absorbed moisture, as well. This reduces the system’s ability to build pressure, which compromises your braking performance. You may have noticed that your brake pedal feels softer, or spongy. In serious situations, you may have to pump the pedal a couple of times for it to work properly.

Common reasons for this to happen:

  • Normal Aging Gone to the Extreme: The most common reason that brake fluid appears brown or black is that normal aging has gone unchecked (you haven’t had the fluid changed in too long). Contaminants collect in the fluid, darkening the color and reducing its ability to work.

  • Moisture Contamination: Brake fluid can absorb moisture from the surrounding air. This generally occurs by rubber brake lines allowing moisture to seep in. When moisture accumulates in brake fluid, it causes problems in a couple of ways. Water has a much lower boiling point than brake fluid, and can reach very high temperatures at the calipers and drums. This causes the water to flash boil into steam, causing the brake fluid to darken, but also creating air in the lines. This can cause a soft pedal, or even cause you to have to pump the brake pedal to get the system to work properly.

  • Deteriorating Rubber Lines: The rubber brake lines on your car will eventually deteriorate and need to be replaced. Brake fluid is also corrosive, and while the lines are designed to withstand that corrosion, they’ll eventually begin to break down. Microscopic pieces of rubber and chemicals leaching out of the lines into the fluid will also cause it to darken.

  • Normal Heating: Brake fluid is heated by contact with the calipers, and this heat creates a chemical change in the fluid, adding to the darkening created by moisture and other types of contamination.

What to expect:

A top-rated mobile mechanic will come to your home or office and visually inspect your brake fluid’s condition, the master cylinder and the rest of the system to determine if the problem is simply due to normal age and wear/tear. The mechanic will then provide a detailed inspection report that includes the scope and cost of the necessary repairs.

How it's done:

The mechanic will inspect the master cylinder, lines and other brake system components. The mechanic will also determine how long it has been since your brake fluid was last changed, and may need to perform a brake fluid flush to remove the contaminated, old fluid and replace it with fresh, clean fluid.

How important is this service?

Brake fluid darkens as it ages – it’s natural, and due to normal contamination that occurs in all brake systems. However, it must be changed regularly, or you risk reduced braking performance and the deterioration or damage of other brake system components. One of our professional mechanics can inspect your system, change your fluid, and ensure that you enjoy the safety you deserve on the road.

Fast and easy service at your home or office

Backed by 12-month, 12.000-mile guarantee


Meet some of our expert Mercedes-Benz mechanics

Real customer reviews from Mercedes-Benz owners like you.

Excellent Rating

(25)

Rating Summary
23
2
0
0
0
23
2
0
0
0

Ostus

8 years of experience
70 reviews
Ostus
8 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz ML550 V8-5.5L - Tail Light Lens Replacement (Passenger Side) - Decatur, Georgia
Ostus was very professional. He completed the work quickly and efficiently. He answered all my questions. I was extremely pleased with this service.

Patrick

15 years of experience
406 reviews
Patrick
15 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz ML550 V8-5.5L - Oil Change - Richmond, Virginia
Islam was punctual, friendly, and professional. He completely his work in a timely fashion. This was my initial service doing business with you and because of the excellent service received from Islam, it won't be my last.

Ben

41 years of experience
1458 reviews
Ben
41 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz ML550 V8-5.5L - Power steering fluid is brown or black - Houston, Texas
Ben showed up ready to work about 20 minutes before the appointment and greeted us with a big smile. It was a big surprise to see another military person coming to help a military person. He turned out to be the best mechanic I've had to work on my ML550. Thank you Marine for coming to help the Army again. Thank you very much and God Bless!

Chris

22 years of experience
2266 reviews
Chris
22 years of experience
Mercedes-Benz ML550 V8-5.5L - Car Thermostat Replacement - Dana Point, California
Actually showed up early which was awesome. Performed the service on time and clean. Thanks Chris

Excellent Rating

(25)

Rating Summary
23
2
0
0
0
23
2
0
0
0
Number of Mercedes-Benz ML550 services completed
275+
services done by our mechanics
TOTAL NUMBER OF EXPERT Mercedes-Benz MECHANICS
1100+
experts on our platform

Recent articles & questions

5 Essential Things to Know About Vehicle Covers
Whether Whether you are driving a car, truck or SUV, a vehicle cover is critical to ensure that your vehicle is safe from the elements and maintains that just-off-the-lot look. Leaving your car or truck out in the rain can...
How Long Do Exhaust Supports Last?
You You are likely aware of the fact that the exhaust system of your car is located under it. It needs to stay perfectly in place in order to work as it’s meant to. The exhaust supports are what make...
10 Best Stores to Buy Auto Parts in Louisville, Kentucky
Automotive technicians rely on auto parts stores to add and replace car parts. The best auto parts shop in Louisville is NAPA Auto Parts.

Car shakes and stutters during acceleration - 2001 Toyota Echo

As I was reading this I was thinking spark plugs, but you said there was a couple CENTIMETERS of translucent yellow oil? I can't even imagine what must be happening inside the engine to completely cover spark plugs. I would...

I drove the car fast, and then the Service Advance Trac came on. Then I drove the car slow for about 10 min and the message disappeared.

Hi there. The Advance Trac may have came on for a dirty wheel speed sensor. You could have driven through a puddle or on a bumpy road that caused debris to fall onto the sensor causing it to be tripped...

Does my 2009 volkswagen jetta Wolfsburg edition 2.0t have a digital speedometer ?

The best way to determine if your vehicle has a digital speedometer is to check in the owner's manual. The owner's manual will tell you how to operate all functions of the vehicle as long as they are equipped with...

How can we help?

Our service team is available 7 days a week, Monday - Friday from 6 AM to 5 PM PST, Saturday - Sunday 7 AM - 4 PM PST.

1 (844) 997-3624 · hi@yourmechanic.com