brake calipers, revisited - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

rickg · #1 11-08-2002, 03:29 PM

I was going to order calipers for the front of my SD. Fastlane lists replacements for Bendix or ATE. If I am replacing the whole caliper, does it make a difference which I have on my car now? Do they both fit the same. Anyone?

I don't want to have to take the tires off and look to see what's on there now if I don't have to.
thanx!

HGV · #2 11-08-2002, 04:28 PM

I assume you are getting a pair of calipers. Get the ATE over the Bendix. The ATE have a better seal arrangment thatn the Bendix and are easier to replace. The bendix seals are poorly designed and a PITA to change and keep in place.

Henry

#3 11-08-2002, 04:31 PM

Are your calipers not rebuildable? You can save a lot of money by rebuilding them yourself. The bores are usually in pretty good shape.

Good luck,

rickg · #4 11-08-2002, 05:42 PM

I had origionally planned on rebuilding them, but I let my brother talk me out of it. He used to work at Goodyear, and of course all they do is slap in new assemblies. But he had rebuilt alot of calipers. He said it'll work fine, unless I get it all apart and find out my bores are pitted. Then the car sits in pieces until I get calipers. Kinda 6 of one, half dozen of the other.
If I do rebuild them, I'm back to square one with my first question. Fastlane list kits for Bendix or ATE. Will either brand rebuild kit fit the other brand caliper? Or do I need to stay with like brands of caliper to rebuild kit? Seems like I'd need to stick with the right one.
Also, as far as the calipers themselves, Fastlane lists the same ACEI caliper as a replacement for either the Bendix or the ATE, at about half the cost. Any good?

#5 11-08-2002, 07:18 PM

Rickg

I am afraid to say that I just got out from under my 81 300SD, and that light squeel I have been hearing is caused by a leaking front brake caliper.
Now let me think. Seems to me that you replaced the engine in your car about the same time I did, then a few weeks ago I read where you replaced the trans. I just bolted a rebuilt in mine.
Seems this car is somehow tied to your breakdowns? What gives? Please don't get into a wreck. Please drive very carefully. My car is counting on your safety!

HGV · #6 11-09-2002, 01:32 AM

If you plan on rebuilding the calipers, you need to order the correct rebuilding kit. A bendix will not fit an ATE or vice a versa. I have a Bendix kit I will send you if you want it. I used one side only and have one left over. It was not worth the aggrevation to do two when only one was bad. I n the future I will replace both with ATE calipers. Let me know if you want the kit. They are very light and I can ship them regular mail fairly inexpensively.

Henry

thebern · #7 11-09-2002, 11:22 AM

I need to do the brakes on my 240 but I don't know which calipers are on the car. They don't say Bendix, ATE or anything. Therefore I can't order the pads, hardware and rebuild kits. How can I find out which type I have?

thanx thebern

rickg · #8 11-10-2002, 03:03 AM

Well, sounds like I need to crawl back under and see which brand calipers I have, if they are marked. I don't seem to remember seeing a brand on them when I did my ball joints a couple weeks ago, like thebern says about his 240. So if I don't see anything i guess I'll just cough up the bucks and put whole assy's on instead of messing with them. At least i know I won't have to worry about them for a long time to come.
Thanx for the offer HGV. I'll let you know if i can use your left over kit.
Deis, I haven't yet put a tranny in my car. (YET!) Must've been someone else. So far, knock on wood, it's shifting just fine.

Thanx for all the responses guys!

I'll let ya know how it goes. I'm not rushing into this thing. They aren't leaking much yet, so I'm taking my time doing my homework first.