Wrong Caliper Binding on Rotor Hub ATE 123 1980

[rhodes2010]

A Remanufactured ATE caliper is binding on the center hub and the rotor will not spin.

I have checked the part numbers for these and from 1978 through 1983
they all call for the same part number at the local auto parts store.
I know these are the same as my 300SD because I have interchanged parts
before.

But when I installed it, and had a hard time getting the two bolts holding caliper to spindle. Got finished and the rotor will not turn and it is binding.
I loosened the caliper thinking there would be some play and adjustment,
there is not. I could grind the inside edge of the caliper to get the needed room.
Maybe a mm or two. But before I do, has anyone had this happen before
and can you tell me what you eventually did ?

I have never had a problem buying off the shelf reman calipers.

I have done rotors and wheel bearings too.
So this is a surprise.


I have a 1980 300D 123.130 chassis.
This year is sort of a cross over year with some things about it like a 1979 and other things like a 1980. I get used to that and often have to use my VIN number to be sure I am getting the correct parts.

[rhodes2010]

http://www.peachparts.com/shopforum/general-information/275588-bendix-ate-caliper.html

According to another thread I do have the ATE.
Noting that the spring retainer on a Bendix is different than an ATE and
what I noticed was the word Bendix very clearly readable on a Bendix.
On the ATE not so much, ATE is not as clear to me, but Bendix and logo are always readable.

Just to answer in case anyone suggests I got the wrong part.

[Carpenterman]

The ATE calipers I've seen have the logo very slightly cast into the end of the piston case, I think on the outward side.

Some binding is normal, especially before the pads are broken in. Were you sure the pistons were completely compressed into their bores? Were the calipers sold loaded? There have been reports that some pads are sold that are thicker than others. I can't remember whether the thick pads were specified for the Bendix or the ATE, but it has been a problem.

Of course if the calipers were loaded, that shouldn't have been the case.

Were the calipers centered on the rotor? My car when I got it had two factory shims between the hub and caliper that were required to center them.

[rhodes2010]

Thanks for the quick reply Carpenterman.
I am uploading pictures.

See the scrape on the center hub ?
That is the caliper grinding the center hub.

My problem is not side to side play which is what your description sounds like.
Not a shim or brake pad issue.
The pads went in fine and normal.

The caliper is either too large, or not mounting far enough away from the
center of the wheel/rotor.

[Phillytwotank]

Yup. Had that exact same problem! I ended up grinding away some of the caliper to get the clearance. No problems.

[rhodes2010]

It helps to know you had the problem also. But even the brake sensor mount is wrong.
I am thinking to ask the reman company to send over maybe 2 or 3 of these for comparison.
I think they mis identified the core they rebuilt.

Now worried that the actual pistons are different size which would throw off the balance left to right
of braking, like as if you mixed a Bendix and an ATE.

Was hoping to ID this part. For instance which mercedes used a similar but larger caliper, maybe a heavier or faster car ? 560SEL perhaps ?

[toomany MBZ]

Reman folks make mistakes, for sure.

Not sure on the different calipers for the 14 inch wheels.

All calipers should fit up to 1985 rotors.

[Phillytwotank]

Your caliper in the picture there even looks like the same ones that i had.

I tried to get a different caliper a couple of time before i eventually gave up and did the grinding. I had gotten a rebuilt caliper from the same source before and it had come looking exactly like a rebuild caliper. ATE logo, Mercedes Star and all.

The ones that i kept having trouble with were definitely different. No logos, different color (that gold color). While they were almost identical, the no logo brand just had this little bit of extra metal right there along the outside radius of the rotor that would cause it to bind up.

[rhodes2010]

Returned the 19339 19-339 caliper, went to a different large chain parts store and
ordered a caliper. Opened the box and found the exact same 19339 cast into the body.

I should be happy that I am getting what looks to be new and not rebuilt. Okay.

But if this also hits/binds/touches the rotor hub I will go ahead and grind,
and grind where the brake sensor mount goes, and use a tap to get the threads
right for the sensor mount bolt.

Lot of work, but at least the car will have brakes !

Thanks for your replies.

I will post some pictures of the grinding and fitment issues.

[sassparilla_kid]

Is it possible there could be a wagon or s class part (such as rotor) involved that would be different enough to cause problems but not so much that it would still fit?

[toomany MBZ]

Wagons have different calipers, right?

[t walgamuth]

On the wagon the rear caliper has a slightly larger bore on the piston to give more power. It uses the same pad as a sedan.