Sprinter 3500 DIY rear brake job
 

I mostly hang out in Diesel Discussion. I usually post there, but a friend asked me to work on his Sprinter chassis motor home, so I figured I would post here. The rear brakes were down to the sensors. New parts (Zimmerman) were procured, and I did the job today. After removing the rear dual wheels, I loosened the bolts (19mm) holding the rotor and wheel mounting flange. I then removed the caliper bolts (15mm) and mounting bracket bolts (24mm). I removed the sensor wire so the caliper could hang out of the way. A little hammering on the rotor loosened it enough to be able to remove it and the flange.

Part 2
 

I then slid on the new rotor and wheel bolt flange, and tightened the bolts. The caliper bracket went on next. I used a C clamp to compress the pistons into their bores. The pads went next, and then the caliper was installed. The kit came with new parts, so I used them (bolts, pad guides etc.). Next the wear sensor got inserted in the slot, and plugged into the connector.

Part 3
 

I then torqued the flange/rotor bolts and installed the wheels. It took about an hour per side, not working hard or fast. It is one of the easiest brake jobs I have ever done!

Were parts cost in line or AMG outrageous?

You hammered on the rotor to remove it. I forget. Does it not have a threaded hole where you insert a bolt and by screwing in the bolt, you loosen the rotor?

Not that I could tell. The rotor is sandwiched between the hub and the wheel bolt flange. The rotor goes on easy, but the flange is a press fit. The bolts pull it in when tightened.

Actually not. The Zimmerman (Made in Germany) complete kit (Rotors, Pads, Sensors, Hardware) was about $200 delivered.

Not bad at all. That is good to hear.

Also, the fact that the axles do not have to be removed to replace the rotors (the need to remove the axle is common on older full floating axles) is a bonus.

AMG = Additional Money Gone :D

That is what I realized when I recently priced out a new electric radiator cooling fan for an 01 ML55:eek:. At least it ain't NLA yet.

AMG = Additional Monstrous Grunt :D


Nice write up on the sprinter brakes, good to see they are neither expensive or difficult to work on. I've been debating acquiring one of the sprinter RVs.....would probably be a pre-OM642/pre 2008 though.

Thanks for the write up, I was on here for years with a 1987 300D and now I'm back with a 2010 3500 Sprinter with a Class A MH on it. I just tore the front brakes apart to inspect, measure and to clean and re-lube the slide pins. Still have plenty of pad and rotor left. Slide pins were not frozen and all caliper pistons move freely. Will be doing the same in the rear. After that I'm doing a complete power flush. Trying to remedy what I feel is a low pedal. I know the Sprinter is known for a lot of pedal travel, more than most vehicles, but I feel mine is excessive as the brake pedal goes far enough down that your foot can press the accelerator at the same time. Folks on the Sprintersource recommended slide pins first then a power flush/bleed, AFAIK the system has never been opened.

Not a lot of DIY activity on the NCV3 Sprinters, seems most of the Sprinter DIY's own T1Ns.