brake cover plates missing?

[bpossel]

This weekend I started to replace the brake discs and pads.  On all 4 of my brake calipers, there are no cover plates in front on the brake pads (on the calipers).  Should there be cover plates on the front and back?

I am also having to do the caliper repair kits on the rears.  Does anyone have any advise on doing this?  Anything to do, not do....

Thanks!
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320

[jeffc280sl]

Hi Bob,

There is supposed to be a rectangular cover plate on the caliper which snaps in place to conceal the outer edge of the brake pads and rotor.  Sorry I don't know anything about the rebuild kit.

Jeff C.
1970 280SL 4-speed

[ja17]

Hello Bob,
Mercedes discontinued using these plates at some point. I do not know if it was before or after the end of W113 production.

They found that they served no important purpose. In fact they actually hindered air flow and cooling of the brake calipers and rotors. Later Mercedes cars used the same caliper/rotor configuration and never had these covers.

Also I do not recall ever seeing them on rear calipers? coments?

Joe Alexander
Blacklick, Ohio

[bpossel]

When I removed the rear brakes calipers, I noticed that there is a high side and a low side to the pistons.  On my calipers, one of the pistons had the high side up, and the other piston (same caliper) had the high side down.  Reading the BBB, it says to have the high side of the piston down, this reduces brake noise.

Does anyone have any opinion or comment on this?  Both pistons the same direction (down) ... or ... alternate, one up and one down?

I just want to do it right and only do it one time.

Thanks all!
Bob

bpossel
Memphis, TN.
1971 280SL
1997 E320