The Brembo package says to use brake cleaner to clean the rotor prior to installation. Question, should I use Permatex Threadlocker Blue on the caliper bolts? Also, the Brembo box says to clean the hub of any rust then install the rotor and check the runout using a dial caliper. I have this type of dial caliper, can I use it to check run out?

https://www.napaonline.com/napa/en/p/SER3754/SER3754

Use the brake cleaner on the rotors. Use a wire brush, preferably a wire wheel and drill, on the hub to get the rust off. Then use a light coat of grease on the hub to keep the rust off and to keep the rotor from rusting on the hub in the future. This trick works amazing. I even apply a very thin coat of white lithium grease to the hat of the rotor to keep it from rusting. It works amazing, just dont get any on the part of the rotor where the pads rest.

__________________

1990 190E 3.0L

OK, I lightly coated the rotor hub with white lithium grease inside and out being careful not to get it on the braking surface. I also used Mercedes Benz brake pad grease on the sides of the pads, the back of the pads and the holes in the pads where the pins install. I then coated the pins with mercedes benz brake pad grease. I'm having trouble reinstalling the brake pad anti-rattle spring. Any ideas on how to reinstall it properly?

Sounds like you have uncoated rotors - follow Frank's and Brembo's advice to remove the light oil film.

You need a dial indicator to check run-out. Not a dial caliper

Lot's of links on net on how to use and you can buy a cheap and adequate one at HF. You also need the magnetic base that they sell separately.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6SbWB2CNqio

__________________
Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

If you buy high quality rotors you shouldn't need to check the run out with a dial indicator. Out of the box they should be true and straight. If they are not, return them immediately and buy genuine MB rotors.

Typically you get what you pay for. You cannot purchase a MB vehicle for the cost of a VW.

__________________
Fred Hoelzle

Hopefully the Brembos he has are of good quality.

__________________

1990 190E 3.0L

They should be! Besides, run out is not only to do with rotor quality. It is also affected by installation. Cleaning up the hub surfaces, properly torqueing stud bolts, wheel bearings, etc.

Shops don't often check runout, but it is so cheap and easy to do, why not!

__________________
Graham
85 300D,72 350SL, 98 E320, Outback 2.5

I've removed the top and bottom pins, how do I remove the retainer spring itself? I noticed a small bolt that appears to be holding the horizontal middle section of the spring on the left side of the caliper (see photo).

Also, you can see the bolt on the left at 1:30 on this video. Do I need to loosen that bolt?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9vbJX1MLrWY

Attached Thumbnails

 

"How do I remove front disc retainer springs?" That is the pad retainer.

It is stuck between the pads, because the pads are completely worn out, and the tops of the backing plates have been forced against the retainer spring by the pistons, which are stuck in the caliper bores, preventing their retraction.
Get a prying tool under the spring, use excessive force, and pop it out.