brake identity - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jerry_W · #1 01-19-2009, 10:11 PM

To start, the 84 is tucked away in it's own salt and snow avoidance shed, which is unheated, unlit and not big enough to work in, so this is NOT a time sensitive question. According to supplier sites, there are three different possibilities for caliper and pad applications for my year/model. The front brakes need new pads and rotors (they squeaked by the last inspection). Is there an easy way to ID them so I get the right ones the first time?

DSlater · #2 01-20-2009, 12:49 AM

My '84 has Ate calipers. You should be able to see the stamp through the wheel with a flashlight. Pretty sure you can use any rotor that will fit the car.

jt20 · #3 01-20-2009, 01:01 AM

the stamp on the ATE calipers is on the backside within the circle of the engine side piston recess.

DSlater · #4 01-20-2009, 01:17 AM

Could swear it says Ate (proper cased like that) in script on mine, visible from outside.

jt20 · #5 01-20-2009, 01:42 AM

Its very possible I never noticed that.. is that on the upper half of the caliper?

I just remember having a difficult time finding it and there was one on the inside.

turbobenz · #6 01-20-2009, 02:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DSlater

Could swear it says Ate (proper cased like that) in script on mine, visible from outside.

That is an ATE caliper for sure

vstech · #7 01-20-2009, 05:20 AM

look at the retaining springs visible in the pad window. if they are flat pieces of steel, they are ate, if they are coiled wire springs, they are bendix.
also, if the retaining pins are held in with a clip, they are bendix, if they are just push in,push out pins, no clip they are ate

Jerry_W · #8 01-20-2009, 08:03 PM

Great, thanx. I will check in daylight. Next question, any preference between ATE or Balo rotors? The prices are so close, that doesn't matter, I would think the ATE may have an edge as they may be OEM, or is this assumption wrong?
I expect to have lots of questions, first Mercedes in 30+ years, and first diesel, so I hope the forum has even more patience.

Jerry_W · #9 01-20-2009, 08:23 PM

(picture attempt)

At last, figured out how to do this. Here is the old girl, before being displaced to storage.

jt20 · #10 01-20-2009, 08:32 PM

I like the headlight doors. What models came with those? Did you paint them?

Jerry_W · #11 01-20-2009, 08:43 PM

That is the way I got it, they could be originally painted, they are smooth, not corrugated like some I have seen. The car is a repaint, but it was a good job, no runs or tape lines, base/clear. The PO even told me the shop name so I could match it up when I repair the &%%$$$@# parking lot ding on the r/r door. The size of the ding, musta been an armoured car....

t walgamuth · #12 01-20-2009, 10:07 PM

The different brands of calipers are completely interchangilbe, and the pads will work with any of the brands as well.

In a 123 the only odd man out is the wagon which has slightly larger diameter pistons but uses the same pads as the sedan.

Further the 123 calipers and pads are a nice upgrade for the 115 and are a bolt on deal.

and the 126 calipers and rotors are a bolt on upgrade for the 123 on the front.

The rear calipers and pads are interchangilbe for the 115, 123 and 126 (excepting the wagon).

vstech · #13 01-21-2009, 09:00 AM

do all the wagons have larger piston calipers or just the turbo models? I have two non turbo wagons, and I've swapped parts from sooooo many vehicles, I'm not sure which came from what...