Brake pad replacement - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Marks88 · #1 12-27-2002, 09:36 PM

A little help please. I purchased Textar front and rear brake pads from Fastlane. The rear pads were a snap to replace. However, the front sets were a problem. The vehicle is a '83 300 CD. The problem being the pads are too thick to fit. I have pushed the caliper piston all the way in. The pad seems to be about .063" too thick. Has anyone had this problem with Textar pads before? In my attempt to compress the piston into the bore, a circular metel "shim"came off the caliper piston. Is this a MB shim? And, is it required to be replaced? I can pickup MB pads from the local dealer. I just really don't want to pay that price.
Thanks for your advise in advance.

Marks88

ck42 · #2 12-27-2002, 09:58 PM

Had trouble with PBR pads I installed in the front a couple weeks back.

One of them absolutely woudn't fit. I ended using an electric hand sander and shaving off about 1/16". The others were tight but at least fit.

Not sure what piece you're talking about with the shim tho....can't help ya there.

dc88168 · #3 12-28-2002, 01:05 AM

When I replaced my front brake pads with the Textar 6 months ago, I also sanded off about 1/16".

David

__________________
1985 300D Turbo

engatwork · #4 12-28-2002, 08:12 AM

I have actually run them without the shim for a few days then gone back and installed it when the clearance allowed.

#5 12-28-2002, 08:44 AM

I have always used Pagid pads with no problem in fit. I think what you are calling a shim is really the heat shield on the front calipers. My rears don't have them and the new caliper I just installed on the front didn't have them either. Don't know if they are required.

ck42 · #6 12-28-2002, 11:26 AM

If the shim is something that fits BETWEEN the pad and the piston, then my brakes didn't have them to begin with when I changed out the pads.

Chris
'85 300SD

Marks88 · #7 12-28-2002, 04:33 PM

Guys,

Thanks for all the info on the pads. Just finished installing them and took it for a test drive. The brakes feel strong and there is much more pedal than before. I took ck42's advise and got out the finishing sander and took off just enough to get the pads to fit. I had to take off the right front caliper to get the heat sheild back into place. Thanks again for the help.

Marks88