ML Brakes

[vutown]

Sorry if this post came out as doubles, but I just didn't see it posted after waiting for 15 minutes. Anyhow, my question was how hard is it to change the brakes on an ML 320? Is it similar to the DIY for the E-class in this forum? Any tips or response would be greatly appreciated. Thanks again!


Happy Driving,
Vu

[Kuan]

I just read a post not too long ago that the ML brakes and brakes in the DIY section are VERY similiar.

Kuan

[J.HIDALGO]

How happy are you wih your ML? Any major problems?

[cerbomark]

Very easy. Take pins from the back off that hold caliper to rotor. The fronts use a star shaped socket and the rears used a standard socket. Take off pads. Unplug front senors from pad.Open calipers fully, put in new pads, etc. The only thing I found was that on the rear pads there is a very slight difference in rights side and left side. I didn t notice at first and could not get caliper back on with pads in wrong place. Before you move the truck while in park pump the brakes until calipers close. E mail me if I can answer any questions for you.

[Kuan]

No major problems. Regular stuff like transfer case and rear windshield wiper noise fixed. In general a good sensible truck with enough comfort features for 500 mile drives.

Kuan

PS: aren't you on the ML mailing list?

[cerbomark]

J.H., To answer your question, I v had a lot of quality problems on both my ML and E. I see alot of postings on this and other web sites about what people see as repairs being too often and too early.

[J.HIDALGO]

Thanks for the replies. However, every time I think of upgrading my 86 300E (which is going up in miles), I hear people talking about the quality issues of the new cars. I do not know if I want to go in that much debt to get a car much newer than my 86 but with questionable comparable quality. I guess I will keep my car a few more years...or may be not...

[vutown]

Thanks for your input. I'll be ordering some brakes thru the FastLane and will probably install them this coming week. Are there any tips/tricks that I should watch out for? (i.e. which types, necessary to replace the brake sensor, stuff like that) Thanks in advance!


Happy Driving,
Vu

[Kuan]

Vu, do you have a #40 torx bit?

Kuan

[vutown]

Aie............no I don't. In my previous times changing brakes, I just tighten the wheels on tight, drive it around for about a few miles, then re-tighten them. Is it THAT important to have it to specs on the torque? Please educate me...........

[Kuan]

Torx, the star type fastener which looks like a hex.

Kuan

[vutown]

Just to give you guys an update, last weekend I changed the front brake pads on an '98 ML 320. Probably the hardest part was to push the pistons back into place before inserting the new brake pads. After all was done, it rides and brakes smooth. No squeaks or noise. Thanks guys!


Happy Driving,
vutown

[Machnumber2]

I used a C-clamp to push my pistons back in place, worked like a charm

[vutown]

Now isn't that a thought. Good idea! However, I was limited on tools, because I was at my gf's house, changing her dad's ML's brakes. They don't have such an array of tools laying around like the rest of us.

I'll keep that in mind the next time I gotta push some pistons back! Thanks!


Happy Driving,
Vu