Everyone driving old MB's should buy rebuilt Calipers - Page 2 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

H-townbenzoboy · #1 09-06-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

FYI, there is no such thing as "affordable" 15" Bundts. There aren't even many "expensive" 15" Bundts.

I'm hoping to one day walk into LKQ, and find a junked 450SEL 6.9 with 15 in bundts. I'll be like "aww, what a waste of a rare car, but, (GASP), 15in bundts! Thank you Lord for this waste!"

They don't even have to be in excellent condition, "good" will satisfy me.

warmblood58 · #2 03-13-2010, 06:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyL

FYI, there is no such thing as "affordable" 15" Bundts. There aren't even many "expensive" 15" Bundts.

I have rebuilt calipers on the back of the '85 wagon from O'Reilly's and was very happy with the price, and continue to be very happy with the quality and operation. I will always get my rebuilt calipers from them from here on out, and there brake lines were reasonable too....

How do I locate O'Reilly's? Not sure who/where this source is -thanks!

Carpenterman · #3 03-13-2010, 08:45 PM

Since this topic is open, I'll put in my two cents. I am in the middle of rebuilding the rear ATE calipers on my wagon. Turns out the seals failed on both sides and the inside pistons were stuck on both calipers. I had a devil of a time with the first one. I had to use PB blaster and air pressure, while tapping the back and sides of the caliper with a hammer. Finally came out. It seems that when the dust cap fails, moisture slightly rusts the inside of the bore in front of the O ring. I was able to remove the discoloration with 800 wet and dry. I did not break the caliper halves.

I also learned the hard way that it is much easier to put the new dust cap on the piston while it is out. It will twist and not seat correctly in the tight space for your fingers if you try it when the piston is in. I had to use the back of a dental pick to get it seated correctly. Took a long time.

Now I'm really stuck getting the piston out of the second caliper. Nothing is working. I'm going to let it soak overnight but I see a rebuilt caliper in my future.

I was trying to save money, yes, but I also wanted the satisfaction. About half good, I reckon.

Eskimo · #4 03-13-2010, 09:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by warmblood58

How do I locate O'Reilly's? Not sure who/where this source is -thanks!

http://www.oreillyauto.com

There's a "Store Locator" link on that page if you're looking for a store near you.

TnBob · #5 03-13-2010, 11:15 PM

My local O'Reillys is a POS and a real time waster. Ive had no problems with Advanced or even Autozone for basic parts.

Jeremy5848 · #6 09-06-2008, 12:44 PM

Does this (rebuild or replace) philosophy also apply to W124 and other later-than-W123 cars? I suspect that my '87 has all-original brake hardware (other than the pads and perhaps rotors).

pawoSD · #7 09-06-2008, 01:04 PM

Our $750 project 300SD just had all new rotors/pads/ATE calipers put on right before we got it.

iwrock · #8 09-07-2008, 03:53 AM

Brakes are overrated....

Just kick it down a gear, and slow down!

(Actually, I did 500E brakes on the wagon, and I have to say, its definitely worth it in terms of safety to keep your brakes in shape.)

t walgamuth · #9 09-07-2008, 06:50 AM

These benz calipers are amazingly high quality. I have quite a few that are near 30 years old and still going. I just keep flushing the fluid from time to time and keep on driving. If they aren't leaking I don't even think about them.

I have had only one that comes to mind that has ever failed completely on me and it was my fault for letting the pad get too worn.

They normally fail by sticking and I go to my big drawer and pull out another used one, check it to be sure its not stuck, clean it up and go.

In all these years and 30 mostly pretty old benzes I think maybe I have actually bought only one or two rebuilt calipers.

I recently replaced a caliper on my 83 240/300 a couple of weeks ago thinking it had been leaking and halfway through the job realized I was looking at the residue from the lube from the failed cv that I replaced a month or so ago. I went ahead and replaced it with a used on from my drawer that I checked carefully before installing, since I was too far along to stop at that point.

Tom W

tobybul · #10 09-07-2008, 09:20 AM

Am not sure if this is a fair observation but do Bendix calipers fail sooner than ATE? However, I found that I could have an ATE on one side and Bendix on the other and seems to work fine (I replaced the frozen Bendix with a used ATE).

I believe that the northern climate along with salted roads affect these calipers in some way.

shingleback · #11 09-06-2008, 06:12 PM

Just as important as the calipers are the brake hoses. They are natural rubber and rot after 20+ years! If you're not replacing them with SS, at least buy new rubber ones; it could be a lifesaver.

vstech · #12 09-06-2008, 06:39 PM

don't skimp and change JUST the calipers. if you are going all out, go ahead and change that old Master cylinder. odds are good that it will fail soon too..... simple swap out. when the system is already open!