190e 16v front backing plates scrape the rotors on turns
 

Hi all:
Can someone help me with this? I installed bigger 1992 400E brakes on my 1987 190E 2.3-16v with all new rotors and pads. The calipers were all in great shape. Now, on sharp turns, the ball joints push the backing plates into the rotors. Did I do something wrong? I also installed the correct 400E backing plates so I know I'm fine there.

I just don't want to take everything apart for no reason so pelase let me know what I should do. Straighten or cut the backing plates? Replace suspension bushings?

Thanks in advance.

Do a search on 190revolution.com. There's a lot of young-kid garbage on that site, but if you look long enough, there really is good info there, specific to 16V cars. I seem to recall reading about modifying the backing plate when doing this swap.

If not that, then jack up the front of the car on good jack stands and the jack, and have someone turn the steering wheel lock-to-lock. I bet the backing plate is being forced into the rotor as it contacts a suspension part. If that's what it is, get the die grinder out and cut out the plate just enough to clear.

If the wheels turn, and the brakes engage and disengage, then I doubt you did anything wrong.

I am a member of 190rev but I received no good responses there when I posted about this problem. The brakes work correctly and so does the steering, so I guess I'm going to have to just grind the backing plates a bit. Do you think I need to take everything apart to get enough room to grind? Thanks for the advice.

are you sure the wheel bearings are tight?

if loose enough this could happen, i think.

this is a long shot but i thought it might be worth mentioning.

tom w

Wheel bearings are indeed tight, they were repacked a little while ago.

I would take a small die grinder with cut off wheel and cut out what you can, and then go in with a dremel tool. I wouldn't take it apart.

Is the plate hitting the lower arm as you turn the steering, pushing the plate into the rotor?

Thanks for the help. It seems like the ball joint area is pushing the backing plate into the rotor while I turn.