SBC Pump Question

[jupiter2step]

As someone who is new to MB, I have to say I am very impressed with the SBC - braking power is incredible, and the 'SBC Hold' function very handy in traffic. Don't mind the fact it can be a little noisy.

One thing that concerns me a little is the fact that the pump is apparently limited to a certain number of "pushes" and after that will need to be replaced which I gather is a rather costly affair.

So my questions are thus:

1. Is it true all pumps will need replaced sooner or later? My car is 6+ yrs old and pushing 100k on the clock - do you think it will have had a new pump already or - if not - how long until it will need one?

2. Would MB replace my pump as a goodwill gesture in the event of failure? I have read some threads where this seems to happen. However, given the age and mileage of my car perhaps that's unlikely.

3. Would any such goodwill gesture be dependent on me keeping the full MB service history? Car is now due a service and I am struggling with the dilemma of whether to continue with MB or go indy to save a few quid?

 

[bostonmj]

Hi there,

Only yesterday I had my SBC pump changed and MB picked up the bill for its replacement. My car was having its front struts changed and an SBC update at the same time. It was during this work that the garage noted that the pump needed changing however, I did pick up the tab for new hoses etc which had all siezed.

Martyn

 

[Dryce]

1. Is it true all pumps will need replaced sooner or later? My car is 6+ yrs old and pushing 100k on the clock - do you think it will have had a new pump already or - if not - how long until it will need one?

The pump expires after a given number of actuations.

Just how quickly you reach this is dependent on how the car is driven. Presumably frequent use in an urban environment day in day out will cause the pump to expire rather more quickly than somebody who drives with minimal brake use and mainly on motorways.

2. Would MB replace my pump as a goodwill gesture in the event of failure? I have read some threads where this seems to happen. However, given the age and mileage of my car perhaps that's unlikely.

The story appears to be that the pumps do get replaced under goodwill.

That means that it is effectively at MB's discretion so that could change.

In the US the SBC pumps are warranted for 10 years.

3. Would any such goodwill gesture be dependent on me keeping the full MB service history? Car is now due a service and I am struggling with the dilemma of whether to continue with MB or go indy to save a few quid?

The story on this so far appears to be - no it isn't. As long as you can demonstrate the car has been serviced properly it shouldn't matter whether or not it is by a MB dealer. So FSH as oppposed to FMBSH.

 

[jupiter2step]

Thanks very helpful

 

[prprandall51]

Somewhere on this forum there was mention of an 8 year limit on SBC pump replacement in the UK.

 

[Justin1600]

To my knowledge all SBC pumps are being changed for free at the moment. The service threshold is checked when the vehicle comes into the main dealer for a Service.
If Service Brake Visit Workshop comes up on the dash then it will did a new SBC pump