I need to install new brake rotors on my 85 300D becuase of pulsating in the brake pedal. My assumption is that the original rotors are warped. I ordered a set of Zimmerman vented and drilled rotors. Will the calipers that are on there now with the original brake rotors fit on the new vented ones?

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Were they sold as a fit for an 85 300D? If so, the calipers should fit. I'd pull a wheel and measure to be sure.

If they were listed for an 85 300SD, they will fit the wheel but your calipers will not fit.

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Charles
1983 300D, bought new, 215k+ miles, donated to Purple Hearts veterans charity but I have parts for sale: http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=296386

Vented rotors are typically three times thicker than nonvented ones.

Hmmm. I was not thorough enough in my research. If I go with the vented rotors, I will need to purchase new calipers as well. Anything else? Will the calipers and rotors mount on the 300D axles OK?

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85 300D 75K Anthracite Grey 0-60 in 13 seconds **For Sale**
84 300D 333K Black (The Velveteen Rabbit) 0-60 in 14 seconds
00 Toyota Sienna 208K (Sold)
15 Subaru Outback 43K
11 Subaru Outback 67K
98 Ford Taurus 100K (Gertie - Was Grandma's - drove it to church and shopping - really) Daughter's car now.
30 Model A Ford 2 Door Sedan (Sold) 0-60 in . . . Never reached 60

You will need the matching backplates as well.

Read this thread:

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=215825&highlight=zimmerman

Thanks. These replys have been extremely helpful.

This changeover will cost much more than I expected. I may just reorder the standard rotors and make this job a lot simpler and less expensive.

The question also arises - if I only change the front rotors (to the more effective vented rotors) and not the rear, do I create an imbalance in braking that can create a safely problem, like the rear end spinning around if I have to make a sudden stop on a curve.

__________________
85 300D 75K Anthracite Grey 0-60 in 13 seconds **For Sale**
84 300D 333K Black (The Velveteen Rabbit) 0-60 in 14 seconds
00 Toyota Sienna 208K (Sold)
15 Subaru Outback 43K
11 Subaru Outback 67K
98 Ford Taurus 100K (Gertie - Was Grandma's - drove it to church and shopping - really) Daughter's car now.
30 Model A Ford 2 Door Sedan (Sold) 0-60 in . . . Never reached 60

There is already a major imbalance in the effectiveness of the front and rear brakes.

The first gen w126 (81-85) brakes, calipers and "shields" are a direct swap with no issues and they are vented. GenII (86-91) rotors are bigger but still a direct swap but will not clear the stock wheels so you'll need 15 inch wheels. Goto a pick and pull and get either one. I did after a few brake fluid boiling issues and would never go back.
BTW this is front only, and that's all that's needed.

If you order calipers and rotors for a 1985 300SD, you will get vented rotors and they will fit with no alterations at all. The 14" wheels will still fit and you don't need ANY other parts to do this upgrade.

Here's the thread with pics of when I did this upgrade.
http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?t=219520

You only need to order the front calipers and rotors as the rears are EXACTLY the same on w123's and 1st generation w126's.

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Chad
2006 Nissan Pathfinder LE
1998 Acura 3.0 CL
OBK#44
"Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work." - Aristotle (384-322 B.C.)

SOLD
1985 300TD - Red Dragon
1986 300SDL - Coda
1991 - 300TE
1995 - E320
1985 300CD - Gladys

I believe that the first gen vented rotors will give better braking in terms of not fading and brake fluid not boiling, but not shorter stops as the calipers are the same size. GenII may give shorter stopping distance and better resistance to fade and less fluid boiling issues.

You should stick with it. All in it was about $1k. I did wheel bearings, 560SEC brake backing plates, the works. New plastic clips, 560 brake indicator wires, everything.

I was about to put those nickel plated rotors on, but I sold my car. I gave them to my friend because no one would buy them. He has a sweet 560SEC.

Anyway, the breaking performance was amazing and saved me a couple times...so if I can save getting into a crash, the upgrade was worth the money in my opinion.

I sounds like a nice upgrade but comparing $1K to about $60 to $80 for replacement stock rotors is a big difference. I can think of other ways to spend the difference.

I was at the auto parts store yesterday picking up a few things and asked if they have the rotors I need. To my surprise, they can get them in a day. I asked what brand they are and where they are made, as I am real leary about anything from China. I was told that the brand is Wearever. The clerk didn't know where they were made but looked on the box of some parts on the shelf and it said made in USA or Mexico. Does anyone know anything about Wearever?

__________________
85 300D 75K Anthracite Grey 0-60 in 13 seconds **For Sale**
84 300D 333K Black (The Velveteen Rabbit) 0-60 in 14 seconds
00 Toyota Sienna 208K (Sold)
15 Subaru Outback 43K
11 Subaru Outback 67K
98 Ford Taurus 100K (Gertie - Was Grandma's - drove it to church and shopping - really) Daughter's car now.
30 Model A Ford 2 Door Sedan (Sold) 0-60 in . . . Never reached 60

maybe they meant to spell it WHEREVER....they are made whereever...haha. And they warp whenever...

I like Zimmermann and ate power discs. Yeah 1k is a lot to spend, but if you want vented discs, bite the bullet.

I like new pads with new rotors, and if they are solid and fairly cheap, why not?

I think you are right. I just read a review of Wearever and it was pretty bad. I'll give Phil a call and order something that is made of quality metal and machined correctly.

__________________
85 300D 75K Anthracite Grey 0-60 in 13 seconds **For Sale**
84 300D 333K Black (The Velveteen Rabbit) 0-60 in 14 seconds
00 Toyota Sienna 208K (Sold)
15 Subaru Outback 43K
11 Subaru Outback 67K
98 Ford Taurus 100K (Gertie - Was Grandma's - drove it to church and shopping - really) Daughter's car now.
30 Model A Ford 2 Door Sedan (Sold) 0-60 in . . . Never reached 60