Rear Brake Pads 300E - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

d2bernhard · #1 04-17-2009, 01:50 PM

Hello,

I need to replace my rear brake pads on my 1986 300E W124. Rotors have been checked and are good. I have done the front pads without too much trouble. The service literature shows special tools and pullers for the rears and the pins that need to be driven out. Are the rear brake pads much harder than the fronts?

Thanks!

lkchris · #2 04-17-2009, 04:13 PM

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.

d2bernhard · #3 04-17-2009, 04:22 PM

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

lkchris · #4 04-17-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2bernhard

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

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.

d2bernhard · #5 04-17-2009, 04:42 PM

Super. Thanks!

280EZRider · #6 04-17-2009, 11:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lkchris

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.

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.

EricSilver · #7 04-18-2009, 03:15 PM

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.

d2bernhard · #8 04-18-2009, 04:18 PM

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

EricSilver · #9 04-18-2009, 07:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2bernhard

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

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?

loubapache · #10 04-18-2009, 08:47 PM

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.

d2bernhard · #11 04-19-2009, 01:23 AM

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

EricSilver · #12 04-19-2009, 08:18 AM

That's it -- dead center.

pawoSD · #13 04-19-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by EricSilver

That's it -- dead center.

I'm missing most of the tools out of our W124 tool kit....no sign of that spoon-like tool in the center.....how much does a new tool set from the dealer cost?

d2bernhard · #14 04-19-2009, 12:51 PM

Over 8 M-Bs 1971 250C through to W124 I have never seen that tool in the tool kit!

EricSilver · #15 04-19-2009, 12:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by d2bernhard

Over 8 M-Bs 1971 250C through to W124 I have never seen that tool in the tool kit!

I Googled Tool Kits and was surprised to also not see it! I saw straight bars without the spoon end, and U-Shaped, but not that one. I should also note it was from the toolkit for my 89 260E.

I seem to have the "anomaly" car; unheard of tools; unheard of technical glitches....