I just replaced the rear pads, rotors, and one caliper/hose on the rear of my 300SD. The pads were about $25; the rotors $25 each; and, the caliper and hose another $145. The time to complete is a couple of hours, if you know (more or less) what you're doing. (I obviously DON'T KNOW WHAT I'M DOING, BECAUSE ONE OF THE BRAKES IS STILL SCRAPING).

The GROANING could be low fluid in the power steering reservoir. The level should be about 3/8" from overflowing. The 300SD is known to groan unless the fluid is kept topped up. Mine sure does make noise when the level is low.

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Jeff Naumann
Torrance, California
1972 220D 138k miles (sold)
1982 300SD 263k miles
1989 BMW 750iL 183k miles
1993 Dodge D250 Cummins 5.9 202k Miles