Author Topic: 230 brakes - ATE or Girling?  (Read 3793 times)

twistedtree

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230 brakes - ATE or Girling?
« on: September 30, 2012, 20:43:09 »
I've got an early 230SL and am not sure which front brake calipers I currently have, nor which I should put on as replacements.  On one hand I read that the 230's came with Girlings and are smaller than the 250 & 280.  But when I look up replacement calipers with the usual suspects, everyone lists ATE calipers and says they fit all W113 cars.

Can anyone identify what I have in the attached picture?  The round circle is kinda like the Girling symbol, but is missing the fisted "G".

Thanks,

Peter
Peter Hayden
1964 MB 230SL
1970 MB 280SL
2011 BMW 550xi

Tomnistuff

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Re: 230 brakes - ATE or Girling?
« Reply #1 on: September 30, 2012, 23:23:40 »
Peter, those are Girlings.  At least they are Girling equivalents.  ATEs have one piston on each side.  The Girlings have two pistons on the outboard side. 
Tom Kizer
Apparently late 1966 230SL 4-spd manual (Italian Version)
Owned since 1987 and wrapping up a full rotisserie restoration/modernization.
Was: Papyrus White 717G with Turquoise MBtex 112 and Kinderseat
Is: Dark Blue 332G with Dark Blue Leather (5300, I think)

twistedtree

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Re: 230 brakes - ATE or Girling?
« Reply #2 on: September 30, 2012, 23:39:16 »
Thanks, Tom.

So Millers and Bud's both list ATE calipers are suitable for all W113 models and years.  Is this correct, and what are the implications of switching?  RockAuto lists rebuilt Girling's, so I can get them if that's what makes sense.

Thanks,

Peter
Peter Hayden
1964 MB 230SL
1970 MB 280SL
2011 BMW 550xi

w113dude

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Re: 230 brakes - ATE or Girling?
« Reply #3 on: October 01, 2012, 00:06:28 »
Hi Peter,

I don't think it would make any difference if they fit the front end then it should work, How ever I do have a pair of ATE front calipers from a parts car if you need them let me know.

Tomnistuff

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Re: 230 brakes - ATE or Girling?
« Reply #4 on: October 01, 2012, 01:37:33 »
I`m replacing my Girlings with rebuilt Girlings.  Whatever you do, beware.  One of my calipers (driver`s side) is not quite the same casting as the passenger side casting.  I had to trim the backing plate to get the caliper to install correctly.  I suspect that there are "Girlings" and there are clones.  I've probably now got one of each.  I don't know about the ATEs, so you have to get the advice of people who know much more than I about these cars.
Tom Kizer
Apparently late 1966 230SL 4-spd manual (Italian Version)
Owned since 1987 and wrapping up a full rotisserie restoration/modernization.
Was: Papyrus White 717G with Turquoise MBtex 112 and Kinderseat
Is: Dark Blue 332G with Dark Blue Leather (5300, I think)