Upgrading w123 with 1st generation w126 brakes - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Chad300tdt · #1 04-15-2008, 09:36 AM

I just upgraded my wagon with first generation w126 rotors and calipers. I used a 1985 300SD to search for parts.

The only difference between w123 and 1st gen. w126 brakes is the front rotors are vented and thicker on the w126 and I think the caliper has a shorter piston. The rear calipers and rotors are exactly the same.

This upgrade is only for the benefit of the vented rotors and no different than a caliper and rotor R&R. I replaced the hoses and my front wheel bearings at the same time. There is no additional stopping power ... just more time to use it.

I used this write-up to help me. Thanks rhodes2010, it was helpful

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How To Replace Front Rotor W123

Before:

After:

DeliveryValve · #2 04-15-2008, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

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After:

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Beautiful job! Keep us informed on the long term results.

Chad300tdt · #3 04-15-2008, 10:35 AM

Thanks

I'll let everyone know how it holds up. I plan to tow a trailer which is what prompted the upgrade to vented rotors.

Jordan G · #4 04-15-2008, 10:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Thanks

I'll let everyone know how it holds up. I plan to tow a trailer which is what prompted the upgrade to vented rotors.

To lancaster?

The new set-up does look pretty - nice job. I won't be posting my before and after shots of the 240d - ol' arlene is camera shy.

Chad300tdt · #5 04-15-2008, 10:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jordan G

To lancaster?

t walgamuth · #6 04-15-2008, 10:43 AM

That is a good idea. I had trouble with the heavier 300td wanting to warp rotors so a vented rotor is good with the extra weight, IMHO.

Tom W

Chad300tdt · #7 04-15-2008, 10:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

That is a good idea. I had trouble with the heavier 300td wanting to warp rotors so a vented rotor is good with the extra weight, IMHO.

Tom W

Your previous posts on this topic helped me decide to do this upgrade.

Dee8go,

I was considering painting the calipers, but they look so pretty the way they are. They will most likely be all black with brake dust in a week anyway.

Dee8go · #8 04-15-2008, 10:45 AM

Chad, you should paint your calipers red or something bright while you're at it. That would look pretty cool.

lietuviai · #9 04-15-2008, 11:00 AM

I saw new brake lines there too. Looks nice.

Chad300tdt · #10 04-15-2008, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lietuviai

I saw new brake lines there too. Looks nice.

Thanks. The fittings that were attached to the wheel well were tough even with two wrenches. I ended up breaking a piece off the plastic sensor cable clip. It still works fine, and it was the worst thing that happened through the whole job.

I am glad I decided to get two 3/8" drifts for the old race removal. Each hub destroyed all the clean edges on one drift. I imagine one 1/2" drift might give enough edge for all four races if you plan carefully.

charmalu · #11 04-15-2008, 01:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Thanks. The fittings that were attached to the wheel well were tough even with two wrenches. I ended up breaking a piece off the plastic sensor cable clip. It still works fine, and it was the worst thing that happened through the whole job.

I am glad I decided to get two 3/8" drifts for the old race removal. Each hub destroyed all the clean edges on one drift. I imagine one 1/2" drift might give enough edge for all four races if you plan carefully.

I had the same problem with my drift. the race is hardened steel and the drift is softer metal and chip easy. had to use the grinder a few times.

Thanks for the good write up this is something else for me to do, can`t let you big guys get ahead of me

.

Charlie ☺

Chad300tdt · #12 04-15-2008, 01:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by charmalu

I had the same problem with my drift. the race is hardened steel and the drift is softer metal and chip easy. had to use the grinder a few times.

Thanks for the good write up this is something else for me to do, can`t let you big guys get ahead of me

.

Charlie ☺

Thanks Charlie ... I'll try grinding the drift next time. I have a bench grinder, but figured it would make the drift even softer or brittle.

mobetta · #13 04-15-2008, 04:07 PM

nice- I wish I had known about the simple bolt on upgrade last fall when I did calipers and rotors. but I havent had issues yet. next time around, maybe.

and dont worry about caliper paint- if (when, in your case

)you actually drive your car, they will be black in no time......

The drift-I would cut it w/ a hacksaw. or I would actually use my portable bandsaw. faster than a hacksaw

charmalu · #14 04-16-2008, 01:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chad300tdt

Thanks Charlie ... I'll try grinding the drift next time. I have a bench grinder, but figured it would make the drift even softer or brittle.

I used my hand held 4inch grinder, It`s my Harbor Freight super duper $18.00 grinder

. I just layed it on my work bench and put a new edge on the punch. not sure if it changed the softness any, but still chiped some.
I was more focused on getting the race out than whether I was degrading the drift. They don`t cost that much anyway. and quicker than a hack saw.
A chop saw would work too, but then I would have to spend $50.00 at HF to chop my $3.00 drift

.

the second generation Rotors are larger? then what, go to 15 or 16 inch wheels?
Iam still stuck in a 14 inch time warp

.

Charlie ☺