W123 Bendix caliper rebuild parts
 

I have seen the rebuild kits around for w123 Bendix calipers, at least for the front. Has anyone rebuilt these, and know if the front and rear rebuild kits are the same? Also, is anyone aware if the pistons are the same F/R, and if they are available? Ive seen a lot of ATE rebuild kits with 38mm pistons, but not Bendix.

Thanks!

I don't think front and rear are the same. l Don't know if kits are same....could be.

Reasonable cost sources for the brake caliper kits? I have noticed some retailers are very high in cost.

They are charging a premium and have been for Mercedes rebuilt calipers in Canada. We can buy from America but shipping is really punitive.

Rebuiid kits are reasonable to get mailed to here.

I’ve seen rebuild kits in the $14-25 range but front only and no replacement pistons. This my concern If I start down the path of a rebuild and the piston is corroded or scored, then what?

Seems the ATE pistons are available.

I can’t imagine the Bendix pistons in MB calipers are that different than any other caliper made by Bendix back then, or perhaps even today

I never completely rebuilt my caliper, just a reseal.

My rear caliper was leaking the piston, used a rust converter and brass brush to clean up the piston and bore. However my rust was light and I was lucky to have no scoring.

Caliper Overhauling
 

Be aware that not all calipers are the same ~ my 300TD's front calipers were supposed to have steel pistons and came to me with phenolic pistons that failed and leaked in a year or so .

Caution!___with brake calipers.
 

I am repairing the rear brakes on my '83TD and discovered, after removing the calipers, that I have two different size pistons. Years ago I replaced the left Ate caliper because of dragging. Everything seemed fine except I did notice a slight pull to the left when braking, which I just ignored because it was not so bad. Today I have the calipers off and the right is 38mm and the left is 42mm. I have been driving it like this for bout 5 years. The calipers seem to be the same in every respect except for the piston size. I learned something today! Always a good idea to do the same brake repair to both sides whether it needs it or not, just to keep the action even.

Thanks!!!

That’s the exact lead I was looking for!

For others’ awareness, the catalog is here:

https://www.frenkit.es/files/2019/03/allkits-4.pdf

And rear Bendix kits are part number 238928.

I've found it not worth the effort to rebuild these days. Remanned lifetime calipers are available locally and have lasted for years although it may take a couple to find a good set. I buy locally so that returns are easy without shipping costs.

Rebuilding used to be SOP but that was when money was tighter and parts were more expensive. It only takes one issue with the caliper to cause it to be trouble and possibly not buildable and require more time to find and order the complete caliper anyway. I used to cut my own wood to heat with but the chain saw hasn't run in 20 years or so. Times change.

Looks like this Kit comes with the O-rings so that you can take apart the caliper.

I don't know if this site works but I used this companies kits on my Mercedes and Chevy Van. No Pistons come with the kits.
I also have used their Brake Pads and their Rotors on another Chevy.

Anyway I get the part number from the catalog and then go looking for a price.
Centric Brake Parts Catalog
https://centricparts.centriccatalog.com/