Early this week I had a chance to examine the calipers. My pads were rattling and I discovered that the bolts were not very tight, allowing the floating part to move. This is what I saw:

Driver’s side: The rubber boots around the sliding pins were torn and detached on one end. The pins had some slippery fluid/lubricant on them. Pins slid freely in and out.

Passenger side: One rubber boot was intact and there was the squishy feel of fluid as I moved the pin back and forth. The other pin’s boot was torn, but not detached.

After adding shims, replacing pads and properly tightening the caliper bolts, the shudder is gone, my braking is smooth, and no undue pedal pressure is required. I assume the loose bolts caused one or more pins to stick.

However, because three rubber boots were damaged and had leaked most of the fluid within them, should I still go ahead and replace the calipers?

Also, disregard my remark about clamping the brake hose. I see now that they are non-compressible.

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2008 E350 4matic / Black/Anthracite

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Gone but not Forgotten:
2001 E430 4matic, 206,xxx miles, Black/Charcoal
1995 E320, 252,xxx miles, Black/Grey
1989 260E, 223,00 miles, Black/Black