400E Calipers on 260E/300E No direct 'Bolt on' Help! - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 06-24-2002, 11:26 AM

Well.............I thought I had read enough previous forums about upgrading the 124 brakes with 400E Calipers & Rotors. I have completed the 400E front caliper and rotor installation on my 260E and the right front rotor is now rubbing on the lower control arm! hummm? The car is driveable but I thought (read) this application was 'bolt on' It sure doesn't seem to be.

Any thoughts or suggestions would be appreciated.

Potomac Pat · #2 06-24-2002, 01:16 PM

Can't imagine that it would be rubbing when you drive. Especially on a (W124) application as your is. On a (W124) application it should be a direct "bolt-on." Now on a (W201) application the backing plate should have to be trimmed to accomodate the larger caliper. Maybe there is a bent control arm or something else that you are missing, b/c I put a set of these calipers on my parents 89 300E w/o any problem. Other than free parts & labor

ke6dcj · #3 06-24-2002, 03:06 PM

My mechanic said they are NOT bolt-on. You have to change the hubs.

:-) neil

Potomac Pat · #4 06-24-2002, 03:42 PM

Well, I say I doubt it very seriously! I slapped a set of 4-piston calipers from a 400E which are the same calipers as a 300CE on my parents 124.030 (W124) of the 89 vintage w/o any problems what so ever. I put a set on my 16vlv which has the same calipers/bearings, etc..... as a 300E and I have not had any problems at all. Go figure !!!!

yhliem · #5 06-24-2002, 04:52 PM

i find it odd that only the right side is rubbing. if there were a compatibility issue, you'd most likely be having problems on BOTH sides. Double check all the part numbers. and double check the assembly on the right side.

ke6dcj · #6 06-24-2002, 05:10 PM

I just checked the MB fiche and a 1989 260E and 1989 300CE share the same caliper, different steering knuckle.

A 1992 400E has entirely different calipers and steering knuckles for both the 260E and 300CE.

Again, I would change out the steering knuckles or the entire hub assembly from the same year 400E.

:-) neil
1988 360TE AMG
1993 500E

PS: in order to upgrade from wagon calipers to 1993 500E calipers, I had to install 400E steering knuckles/hub assembly.

Speedtek · #7 06-24-2002, 08:07 PM

The 260E is different than the 300E Hub Assy.

#8 06-24-2002, 09:21 PM

I did forget to mention that it only rubs when thew car is turned hard to the left. Not normal driving , just when parking or when jockeying around. **The 260E is differeent from the 300E?** I have a difficult time beliving this. 2Phast put this same equipment on his 190E 2.6 without any issues. The front ends are the same, (hubs) I think. By the way, this is a 1988 260E, not 1989.

Thanks for all you input.

Speedtek · #9 06-25-2002, 04:45 AM

2phast's car is a W201 Body (190e).

Yours is a W124 Body style (260e, 300e, 400e, 500e, E320, E420, & E500).

yhliem · #10 06-25-2002, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Speedtek
2phast's car is a W201 Body (190e).

Yours is a W124 Body style (260e, 300e, 400e, 500e, E320, E420, & E500).

W201 190E 2.3-16, 2.5-16 and 2.6 all use W124 300E front brakes. I think the rears may also be grafted on from a 300E. In any case, most brake mods that 2phast has pulled off should be valid for a W124

yhliem · #11 06-25-2002, 11:09 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by mrbrokerman
I did forget to mention that it only rubs when thew car is turned hard to the left. Not normal driving , just when parking or when jockeying around. **The 260E is differeent from the 300E?** I have a difficult time beliving this. 2Phast put this same equipment on his 190E 2.6 without any issues. The front ends are the same, (hubs) I think. By the way, this is a 1988 260E, not 1989.

Thanks for all you input.

you will probably need to adjust your steering stops then

Potomac Pat · #12 06-25-2002, 11:46 AM

Quote:

"**the 260E is different than the 300E**"

Actually, the (W201) 1984 - 1993 & the (W124) 1986-1995 share the same hub assembly through each specific chassis.

yhliem · #13 06-25-2002, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Potomac Pat

Actually, the (W201) 1984 - 1993 & the (W124) 1986-1995 share the same hub assembly through each specific chassis.

Pat,

I think (not 100% sure) that the 500E/E500 is the exception to that. I vaguely recall reading somewhere that they used R129 hubs.