Listers,

Our host used to market a rear brake caliper that is no longer available. They don't mention who the manufacturer was, only that rebuild kits are NLA.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/1234200683.htm?pn=123-420-06-83-MBZ&bc=c&SVSVSI=2371

They also list an Ate/Teves caliper for half the price of what they were selling the original for.
https://www.pelicanparts.com/More_Info/1234200683.htm?pn=123-420-06-83-M4&bc=c&SVSVSI=2371

What's the story here? Does anyone know if the caliper pistons are the same diameter? Are there any compatibility issues that one needs to know about?

Last, did Ate calipers ever come from the factory on the rear of a W123? I'm thinking that perhaps they used only Girling or Bendix. I have a '84 which might have Girling rear calipers on it. FWIW, I already have Ate replacement calipers on the front.

Thanks!

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- Neil
'83 W123 (Ol' Yeller)
'82 HP 34C

1) W123 wagon [TE/TD] rear calipers have 42mm pistons. All other 107/114/115/116/123/126 rear calipers have 38mm pistons.

2) Ate, Bendix, & Girling calipers were used in mixed production across most of the model lines, and are interchangeable within piston diameters and brake hose connections.

3) "Mercedes-Benz Original" calipers are from one of the three manufacturers, re-boxed, and doubled in price.

Frank said it best.
If I were you, I’d just get some remanufactured calipers for $40-ish a side and install them. I’ve installed many, and have had zero problems.

Thanks Frank! Very helpful.

__________________
- Neil
'83 W123 (Ol' Yeller)
'82 HP 34C

Thanks! Where do you buy yours from?

__________________
- Neil
'83 W123 (Ol' Yeller)
'82 HP 34C

Let’s just say… it rhymes with Garts Peek.

__________________
- Neil
'83 W123 (Ol' Yeller)
'82 HP 34C

I have not looked in a long time, but Centric Bake parts used to have rebuild kits for Mercedes. I have Centric kits in the Mercedes and my Chevrolets.

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84 300D, 82 Volvo 244Gl Diesel

Frenkit caliper parts are the ones I’ve used. Looks like 238928 is the model for all three brands with the 38mm piston.






The piston does need to be in a specific orientation relative to the caliper. The FSM highlights that requirement.

__________________
Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (116k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
2008 ML320 CDI (199k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (267k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K), 1985 300D (233K), 1993 300D 2.5T (338k), 1993 300SD (291k)

After taking well over three months to get the correct rear calipers for my late 300TD I saved all the spare calipers and tried to give them away to rebuilders who claimed they couldn't get cores or others here, NOT ONE wanted them so out into the scrap bin they all went, some were still in VGC working with no leaks .

__________________
-Nate
1982 240D 408,XXX miles
Ignorance is the mother of suspicion and fear is the father

I did then what I knew how to do ~ now that I know better I do better

I probably would have taken some if I knew.

__________________
Current Diesels:
1981 240D (73K)
1982 300CD (169k)
1985 190D (169k)
1991 350SD (116k)
1991 350SD (206k)
1991 300D (228k)
2008 ML320 CDI (199k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (442k)
1996 Dodge Ram CTD (267k)

Past Diesels:
1983 300D (228K), 1985 300D (233K), 1993 300D 2.5T (338k), 1993 300SD (291k)