1997 E300D Front brake replacment question

[jmbeam]

Does anyone on this board have any detailed instructions in replacing the front brakes on my 1997 E300D?

Currently the brakes shudder and one rotor does not seem to be contacting the pads because they are rusty. Anyone know what the cause may be? I really would like to get these done before my 1400 mile round trip for a family reunion.

Is there any special tools or parts that I need to do this job? Thanks again

[Rick Miley]

Here's the DIY article for pad replacement.

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124BrakePads


But from the symptoms you describe it sounds like you might be looking at caliper replacement because of a stuck piston. No special tools required for these brakes - they're remarkably simple.

[Jeremy5848]

Originally Posted by Rick Miley

No special tools required for these brakes - they're remarkably simple.

X2 -- I did my '96 E300D a couple of years ago and it was so simple a job I don't even remember doing it. OTOH, if you have a damaged caliper, you will be looking at a larger, more expensive job. You should also mic the rotor and replace it if it is getting too thin.

One tip that needs mentioning more often is that you must compress the pistons back into the calipers to make room for the (thicker) new pads. This displaces some of the brake fluid, which must go somewhere. You can either open the bleed port at that caliper or have someone watch the reservoir and turkey baster out some fluid before it overtops the reservoir and makes a paint-eating mess.

Jeremy