Rears are much easier.

You can use a nail to drive the pins out.

A screwdriver to retract the pistons.

The pistons won't have rotated.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

Thank you kind sir. How do you know the pins are back in correctly? Hhow do they stay in?

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David
1986 300E Anthracite + ECodes + MB Mileage Award

They have a section on their heads that's like a roll pin. It compresses as it's driven into hole and therefore holds. Knock them in till the won't go any farther, i.e. bottom.

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Kent Christensen
Albuquerque
'07 GL320CDI, '10 CL550. '01 Porsche Boxster
Two BMW motorcycles

Super. Thanks!

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David
1986 300E Anthracite + ECodes + MB Mileage Award

The screwdriver idea is not the best. It can damage the edge of the rotor. I use a pair of channel locks for compressing the piston. The teeth are smooth - not sharp - and gripping the top surface of the piston and a part of the caliper, the piston can be easily retracted without any damage.

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Don't Chrome them; polish them

In the tool kit is a cylindrical bar with a flat spoon-like end. I don't know what it is called, or what its purpose is, but I use it to effortlessly push back my calipers.

Just did my rear brakes today: As someone already stated, they are easier and faster to do than the fronts, partly because you have more room to work.

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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

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Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black

Dear Mr. Silver, where do you get such a tool? -- Thanks ...

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David
1986 300E Anthracite + ECodes + MB Mileage Award

It's part of the Mercedes tool kit -- at least it has been with my cars. Do you have the tool set wrapped in the burgundy fabric?

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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

------------------------------------
Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black

About pushing the pistons back.

I keep a very thin brake pad (that I replaced a long time ago) and always put that on the piston before pushing it back using either a C clamp or large Channellock pliers. The pad spreads the load so the piston won't be scored.

About driving the pins back. After using a hammer drive them flush with the caliper, use a drift or nail and drive it more so the ends of the pins are kind of recessed into the caliper. You need to lie on the ground perpendicular to the car to do this. Keep the pins tight.

no I have not noticed this tool in my tool kit. Do yo have a pic of it by any chance?

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David
1986 300E Anthracite + ECodes + MB Mileage Award