Brake Pad Replacement

[n/a]

I think it's time for me to replace brake pads. Any hints? Tips? Special tools? I have yet to study the BBB, but expect there to be at least one special MB widget I'll need to work around. What does a set of pads cost? Use MB parts or aftermarket? Thanks.

Shawn Rock
Philly, PA USA
1968 280 SL 4 speed

[Gerhard]

Hi Shawn,

Replaced my brakepads today, it's quite easy. Took me about 30mins. No special tools needed.
Original brakepads here in europe are about $30 so no need to go for aftermarket. There is a pretty good description for a W124 on the following page.

http://www.mercedesshop.com/e_class_brakejob.htm

You can skip a few steps like the sensors, you will see the difference once you start on the W113


Gerhard
1965 230SL

[George Davis]

Shawn, as Gerhard says, it's pretty straightforward...usually.  In some cases the pads are a very tight fit in the calipers.  The ones I took out were so tight I had to use a hammer and punch to get some of them out.  The new pads (aftermarket, I believe) were also tight and had to be filed to fit.  If they don't slip in easily, either get others or file them so they just slip in without being forced.

George Davis
'69 280 SL Euro manual

[graphic66]

I replaced my front brakes, including rotors and wheel bearings. It was very easy however I had a lot of brake squeel and one time a caliper locked for a moment. I had read that you need to file the new pads to make them fit loosly and lubricate the edges, so I pulled the pads back out and filed the metal edges until they slide in and out effortlesly and put silver anti sieze compuond carefully on the edges. Now the brakes work perfect without any squeel ever. I also changed all of the brake fluid and replaced it with DOT grade 5 and have had no problems. The brake fluid should be changed every 5 years and is a good idea as it also keeps the bleeder screws free. I always spray my brake lines and bleeder screws with muscle grease and it keeps them clean and corrosion free.

[rwmastel]

Don't forget to check the rubber parts on the calipers.  It might be worth while to take the pistons out of the calipers an replace the rubber seal rings in the cylinders and the rubber boots on the out side.  The rubber flexible brake lines don't cost much either.

Rodd
1966 230SL Euro
1994 E420