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.