Looks like the caliper rebuild I tried to do is not going to work. Even though I have flushed the brake system twice in two years when I pulled my sticking rt. front off yesterday and opened it up all kinds of nasty looking crap was inside. It cleaned up pretty good but was not a mirror finish like some here say it should be. No pits or rough spots but just not what I think it should look like. There were some dings and marks on the pistons, not sure what caused it but they were there. Put it all back together and drove the car. Brakes on that side were smoking when I came back, slight drag on the wheel when jacked up so my guess is the caliper is toast.
Fastlane has calipers listed for a little over $100.00. I can get rebuilds local for $60.00. Is there any reason to not use a rebuild, IE are they junk? I figure the ones on the car are what it came with since I don't see any replacements in the history. If new lasts 250k+ I think it may be worth it, but if rebuilds will work as well I don't mind saving the $40.00 or so.

You can call Phil to make sure, but, I'm pretty sure the Fastlane calipers are rebuilt also. (I surmise this due to cost and the fact that a core deposit is required). Brand new would be more expensive and you could price them with him also. Quality rebuilds are used by most DIYers.

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The Golden Rule

1984 300SD (bought new, sold it in 1988, bought it back 13 yrs. later)

I still haven't fixed my calipers yet, as I've been trying to decide which way to go too. Was almost convinced to rebuild them myself, but now maybe I won't. I've used rebuilts on many other cars and never had a problem. So for half the cost of new, that's probably the way I'm gonna go. Budget is just too tight right now to spend $200+ per caliper, even if they are supposed to last longer.
I'm pretty sure the $100 ones Fastlane has are rebuilts. Notice they list a core charge for them, whereas the other calipers listed don't. Your local supplier will not charge a core for new, but will for rebuilts. So I assume it's the same for Fastlane. Well, at least that's what I see when I look at the list for W126 cars. Not sure what they list for yours. (I realized this after typing this novel)
Who did you go to that had them rebuilt for $60?

PS: Oops. Looks like JBAJ007 beat me to the punch on this point

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past MB rides:
'68 220D
'68 220D(another one)
'67 230
'84 SD
Current rides:
'06 Lexus RX330
'93 Ford F-250
'96 Corvette
'99 Polaris 700 RMK sled
2011 Polaris Assault
'86 Yamaha TT350(good 'ol thumper)

They are ATE calipers. Fastlane does not list a core on this caliper, only on Bendix. Discount Auto has them listed for $63.00 with a $15.00 core charge for ATE rebuilds here local. Fastlane cost is ~ $123.00 for the ATE's, over $300.00 list. It does not state rebuild so I will have to call to check that.
When they do a rebuild what has been done? You are not suppose to hone these things, or use any abrasives period. Have the rebuilds been bored out and polished?

I just replaced the right front caliper on my car and was told that the ATE was not interchangeable with my Bendix. I got a local rebuilt Bendix for $80 bucks. Works perfect, no problems. If you have an Original Bendix, make sure the ATE will fit.

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Orland Park, IL
1985 300SD 215,000 miles