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

777funk · #1 09-05-2008, 12:59 PM

I just took my 84's calipers apart for rebuild and man it's a wonder they still worked the seals were shot.

I ended up swapping my $28 rebuild kit (ATE from O'Reilly) for a new caliper at $48.

The rebuild seemed like it'd be easy but they supplied me with the wrong kit. Anyways, the other brakes will follow soon. I'm sure they're all shot.

But... bottom line... it's not safe to be driving with 20+ year old calipers. Seals wear out. It's not worth getting killed over $28 for a rebuild kit or $50 for new calipers.

Fix or replace those old calipers!

tangofox007 · #2 09-05-2008, 01:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 777funk

I ended up swapping my $28 rebuild kit (ATE from O'Reilly) for a new caliper at $48.

You may think you got new calipers for $48. But it's highly improbable.

777funk · #3 09-05-2008, 01:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tangofox007

You may think you got new calipers for $48. But it's highly improbable.

Rebuilt... sorry that's what I meant.

Hatterasguy · #4 09-05-2008, 01:38 PM

I need new front discs and since the front calipers are original I'll order some rebuilds from Phil at the same time.

The seals get old and crack, but as long as the pads wear evenly and they don't pull they are good.

Old cars are tough, lots of things need replacing.

argus445 · #5 09-07-2008, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hatterasguy

Old cars are tough, lots of things need replacing.

I so agree if i replaced everything that should be replaced in a 20 yr old car it would cost about as much as a new one i'm betting.

Hatterasguy · #6 09-07-2008, 06:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by argus445

I so agree if i replaced everything that should be replaced in a 20 yr old car it would cost about as much as a new one i'm betting.

No, about as much as a new Camry I am finding out. You still save 4/5's the cost of a new S class.

wildbore2000 · #7 09-05-2008, 01:17 PM

I concur. One of my rear calipers locked up on me and started smoking, not long after I bought it. Luckly I had just pulled in the driveway when it happened and got it cooled down quick. I replaced both rear ones and when I replaced them it was a wonder that they had ever worked with how they looked. The lines were dry rotted as well.

... and that price does seem really low for new ones. I think mine were about $68 each after the core trade-in.

winmutt · #8 09-05-2008, 01:45 PM

This topic is titled incorrectly.

Everyone with a W123 should upgrade to the W126 vented brakes. Everyone with 15" wheels should upgrade to the 2nd gen W126 brakes.

TylerH860 · #9 09-05-2008, 01:52 PM

I had one that was sticking, so I opted to replace both calipers in the front of Ol' Turbo for safety.

H-townbenzoboy · #10 09-05-2008, 01:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by winmutt

This topic is titled incorrectly.

Everyone with 15" wheels should upgrade to the 2nd gen W126 brakes.

Are the rears on the 2nd gen W126s different than the W123?

winmutt · #11 09-05-2008, 02:22 PM

Just the front, and what a world of difference it is. The 1st gens are probably not much more different than the stock W123, just no warping and better mountain driving. The 2nd gens are larger rotors and and pistons. 15-25% better? All I know is it will be the first thing I do on any future W123s. The R107 has a 4 pot caliper as well that will fit. $$$.

Chad300tdt · #12 09-05-2008, 07:40 PM

I replaced all 4 calipers (upgraded to 1st gen w126 fronts), all new hoses, pads and new master cylinder since mine was leaking.

Shorebilly · #13 09-06-2008, 04:50 AM

I replaced my brake hoses on the 300D, with stainless braided hoses from Goodridge, and overhauled all 4 calipers.

The hoses looked like they could use replacement, and when I disassembled the calipers I had a piston stuck on each of my rear brakes......

The car stops way better now.....

I would highly recommend to anyone with a W123 to at least overhaul the calipers, if you haven't done so already.......please note that all W123's do not have the same calipers, you need to ID them before ordering the proper rebuild kits......

SB

1983/300CD · #14 09-06-2008, 08:10 AM

First thing to do as soon as I find an affordable set of 15" bundts.

JimmyL · #15 09-06-2008, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 1983/300CD

First thing to do as soon as I find an affordable set of 15" bundts.

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....