UK owner needs new callipers, disks, pads, -where to go?

[wildatheart]

One of my front brake callipers has seized on my 1970 280SL; I gather there are Girling and ATE callipers; will mine be ATE's as it's a late car?

As the whole caboodle (technical term) was smoking yesterday, I reckon I will need new pads and disks, as well as new or rebuilt callipers. Have any UK owners had to get the same parts, in which case, where did you get them? And were the callipers new or exchange? Jacksons, SLS, MB?

Many thanks!

[gnj588d]

I find Mervin at Jacksons very  helpfull and knowledgeable.Good Luck. Mike.

[jameshoward]

Roger Edwards could probably help you also. It may be as simple as getting the P/Ns (search on the site or look in the Wiki) and going to order them from GSF Car Parts or your dealer. I'd compare prices before purchasing. Can't remember what I paid for a caliper; pads should be very cheap and discs not too much either. Shouldn't be too costly.

[glenn]

Rebuild ---Get new O-rings, etc.  You should get an 'exchange' rate at least.  Pistons get cocked in the cylinder or slightly rusted-leaky dust seal, etc.

[wildatheart]

It may be as simple as getting the P/Ns (search on the site or look in the Wiki)

Sorry to be thick here guys... but which site and which Wiki please?

[stickandrudderman]

Discs and pads should come direct from any MB dealer without problem.
Don't bother trying to o/haul your calpiers; they can be exchanged very cheaply. Contact me with your requirements.
Are you sure you need calipers? Quite often it's the hoses or the master cylinder that give the impression of a seized caliper.

[jameshoward]

Sorry to be thick here guys... but which site and which Wiki please?

This site (see SEARCH function) and the Wiki on this site: http://www.sl113.org/wiki/Main/HomePage (also referred to as the Tech manual).

FYI, I've just seen front pads on fleabay for about £25 whilst browsing. All the parts are easy to get. (Unless you want a brake balancing valve to change your axle from drums to discs - like hens teeth and I'm still looking!!)

[glenn]

As said above---check the rubber flex hose for flow thru it.

[stickandrudderman]

I can drive your car and tell you if it's got genuine pads in it or not.
Always fit genuine pads; they're not expensive and are without doubt the most safety critical part of your car.
Never mind all this stuff aout "genuine pads but in a different box". How do you know? Just because they were made by the same manufacrurer (Jurid or Textar or whatever) doesn't guarantee you the correct composition.

[wildatheart]

Thanks for the tips guys; I had my calipers refurbished at http://www.biggred.co.uk/ and I am happy with the result. I specified an electroplate finish (which added a week, totalling 2), so my (vain?) hope is that it won't flake off after a few months like paint would. Cost: £ 140.00 incl postage. Got new discs and pads from Jacksons, and fitted it all today. Result.