W126 300SDL Sticky Caliper Brake Job

[Father Of Giants]

I want to run through the to do list with you guys for my own future reference (and to see if you all could point out a missing procedure I may have overlooked). But I reckon these are the things that need to be done to get rid of a sticky caliper with a lip on the rotor: replace pads and rotors, clean and relubricate the caliper pins, clean out cylinder bore of any debris and rust, apply dot 4 fluid to cylinder bore and the brake piston itself...then re install, apply anti seize in appropriate areas, replace brake hose (It's brittle), bleed brakes...and finally, a test drive to see if it stops sticking.


I have Bendix calipers, but I actually noticed that the pins are too short for the calipers so now I'm interested in finding some actual Bendix pins instead. If the pins are too short will that cause problems for the caliper?

Moreover, I have been searching around and can't find any Bendix pins other than a guy from Wales in the U.K....who does not ship to the states. Where can I get some pins?
I looked up this diagram of the brakes and was also wondering if the part labeled 26, is the pin I need? It's referred to as a 'dowel pin', part # 0009917360.
Finally, how can I push out the pistons without pressurized air?

[snapped_bolt]

000-991-73-60-64 is the number you need.


Cheers

snapped_bolt

[Father Of Giants]

Will I destroy/need new caliper seals if I push the brake pistons out with compressed air?

[Dan Stokes]

I had a buddy years ago who had an Opel Manta with sticky calipers. He was a competent mechanic but short on time and money so about once a year he and I would use a big C-clamp and "catch" the puck so it didn't pop out of the bore. We'd work it in and out a few times and all would be good for year or so. Nowadays you can get rebuilt calipers cheaply enough that it might not be worth messing with this technique - but you COULD.

Dan

[Carpenterman]

What Dan said. Spend the $70 for a rebuilt caliper.

I've had a few stuck calipers over the years and have never had a satisfactory experience trying to resurrect them. Usually the piston is corroded and there is little can be done to adequately polish them.

[Father Of Giants]

Yeah you guys are right. Honestly, after looking at similar threads here on Peach Parts I'm seriously considering just going to NAPA and ordering a pair of Bendix or ATEs.

I've been scouring about 5 other threads on this topic, and many people agree that getting a rebuilt caliper is the way to go. You CAN rebuild them, but with the affordability and ease of installation of rebuilt ones...it may not be worth it.

Plus I cannot find any front Bendix caliper repair kits at all. So I think I would have had to go this route anyways.

[rreeuuvveenn]

FYI,
Just replaced the front calipers in my SDL,

Autozone had Bendix calipers with the right pins and springs,

$52, + core,

had even Mercedes sign on it,

works so far,

[Father Of Giants]

Core? What is that?

[Hogweed]

Originally Posted by Father Of Giants

Core? What is that?

your old (rebuildable) calipers in return

[Father Of Giants]

Originally Posted by Hogweed

your old (rebuildable) calipers in return

How long does it take to exchange, what if my calipers are not rebuildable?

[Hogweed]

Originally Posted by Father Of Giants

How long does it take to exchange, what if my calipers are not rebuildable?

if you take yours in when you purchase the "new" ones you are charged the price without the core charge. if you need to do the job first (i.e. no spare car) then you get the core charge refunded when you take your old ones back in.

i doubt they check them too thoroughly to see if they are rebuildable but if they weren't and they do you likely would have to eat the core charge (probably $10-12 per side i'm guessing)

[rreeuuvveenn]

Originally Posted by Hogweed

if you take yours in when you purchase the "new" ones you are charged the price without the core charge. if you need to do the job first (i.e. no spare car) then you get the core charge refunded when you take your old ones back in.

i doubt they check them too thoroughly to see if they are rebuildable but if they weren't and they do you likely would have to eat the core charge (probably $10-12 per side i'm guessing)

core $52, caliper $52.99 + tex,

You give them back the old caliper in the box of the rebuild caliper,

not always you get a Bendix caliper with the Mercedes emblem on it!!!!!!!!!!

[rreeuuvveenn]

Originally Posted by Father Of Giants

How long does it take to exchange, what if my calipers are not rebuildable?

They did check my calipers,

I did in one day,( took a ride in the local bus!!!!!!)

[rreeuuvveenn]

They give a new spring and two pine,in the box

[chasinthesun]

My suggestion is with the replacement caliper followed by the flex hose that connects to it ,worry free for another 5 yrs as long as its driven.Once you park it everthing that metal begins the stages of decay.Alot of people in the rv community do a correct prevention and that is if its outside to cover the wheel ,less moisture that gets to it the better.If your buying a used vehicle with a short term of yard sitting its good to go ahead and give a close inspection of the brakes by peering in at the caliper ,if its a rusty mess negotiate a $300 brake job and tell them thats diy with a sandwich and coke.