Rear Brake Upgrade

[Malc]

On the subject of brakes what about the rear?

my 230 has aluminium drums and after afew enquiries, just in case they are warped or worn out I found out they are over £1000 each!!! (is this true)
So can I change to a more modern disc setup? I realise that this will involve changes to the plumbing, handbrake etc but I have the time if not the money[:p]
Cheers
MAlc

[rwmastel]

Malc,

There are discussion threads here on replacing the rear axle.  This is what you would want to do, instead of just replacing the brake systems at the ends of the axle.

Rodd
Powell, Ohio, USA
1966 230SL, Euro, Auto, Leather, both  tops
1994 E420

[George Davis]

Alternatively, I understand the sedan drums of the era will fit. They are simple cast iron instead of Alfins, so much cheaper.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[ja17]

Hello Guys,
The axle tube castings on the rear axle are different on the drum and disc brake cars. I am afraid you would have to change the whole rear axle to make a switch from drums to discs. the good news is you should be able to get a complete used disc brake rear end for less than one new drum from Mercedes!

Yes George the drums on a lot of the sedans of the era are the same. You will be surprised to find the exact same aluminum disc brake drums on most 6cyl Mercedes Finback sedans! These same aluminum finned drums first made their appearance on the 190-SL. Aluminum were used on the fronts only on the first several hundred cars,  then aluminum drums were used on all four wheels thereafter. They were also used on many of the  6cyl ponton Mercedes sedans. Some of the less powerful diesel ponton sedans used the iron drums.
The aluminum finned drums are well sought after by 190-SL owners, but there are still a supply of 6cyl Finback sedans around for donors!

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[George Davis]

Yeow, thanks for the brake info, Joe!  Every now and then I am truly impressed by something Mercedes did, and this is one of those times.  And heck, if Mercedes thought enough of it's customers to install what are more-or-less competition grade brake drums, then by Jove, y'all should feel honored and proud to pay whatever it takes to get the genuine articles!

Of course, I would be hunting in wrecking yards... .

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual