300E rotors and calipers, OEM or aftermarket?

I need new calipers on the left rear wheel of my 300E (just figured that out a few minutes ago).

The last time I changed my brakes, the mechanic told me that it was difficult getting the brake pads into the caliper, but that (the caliper) should last me a while longer.

Tonight, I noticed a slugishness in the rear and smelled something akin to burning rubber. When I attempted to accelerate, I felt the rear sway a little. I inflated one of my rear tires, but when I arrived home, I noticed that my left rear wheel was very hot, while the right rear wheel was significantly cooler.

1. Should I purchase OEM caliper's or are there other reputable after market replacements at a reasonable price?

2. Is it advisable to resurface MB rotors if need be. If this is not possible, are there any good after market replacements.

3. What is the deal with cross drilled rotors?

Thank you.

[This message has been edited by Larry (edited 08-27-1999).]

[Benzmac]

I only recommend the good stuff for brakes!! We sell these parts in partshop!! Fill out a request and send it in and we will send you back the part #'s. In the fast lane we have the disks or rotors already there!

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Benzmac:
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM




[This message has been edited by Benzmac (edited 08-27-1999).]

stuck brake pads, or brake pads very hard to slide into the caliper?? A very common condition, especially on 190's and 300E's (W210 and W124 chassis). 99% of the time a stuck pad is just that, very rarely is the piston siezed. I often have to unbolt the caliper and then pound out the pads. I use a flat file and then a 3-sided file to get into the corners, then the pads will slide easilyinto the caliper. If the piston is siezed, do your yourself a favor and buy OEM parts. I often remove aftermarket brake parts because the customer cannot put up with the brake squeal anymore....

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[mbdoc]

There aren't really any aftermarket calipers for the car, only "rebuilders". Stay away from 'Rebuilt' brake componets unless you know the person that does the rebuilding & trust them w/your life!!
If the brakes did overheat as described then replace the rubber brake hoses & flush the brake fluid as well as the rotor(disc). you might find that the parking shoes are also damaged. NEVER put off brake work!! Stopping is the most important thing that your car does.

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MERCEDES BENZ MASTER GUILD TECHNICIAN
ASE MASTER TECHNICIAN
27 YEARS DEALER M.B. TECH
190E 2.3 ITS RACECAR

[lkchris]

One would think proper application of anti-squeal lubricant (initial and maintenance) to the edges of the pads would prevent pads from sticking in calipers, but I live in the desert SW where we have no corrosion, so ... . Anyway, Stahlwille has a really neat (German of course) brush for cleaning calipers--p/n 12373 -- that's even listed in the Mercedes section of their catalog. See http://www.baumtools.com/ .

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Kent Christensen
'88 300E (wife's)