If I want to buy new or rebuild front caliper (83SD), which one is better? It has bendix now, but I don't like the "wire" spring.
I've seen later model 560sel front Bendix caliper, which has this flat metal spring similar to ATE.

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Shane83SD

you can't mix bendix with ate. in other words, one side bendix one side ate is not recommended. hope that helps. check out perfromanceproducts.com and look at the calipers. that is what they recommend.

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$500 1982 240d owner "Gunter"
125k miles,4 speed manual
crank windows, MB Tex, all original
no a/c, daily driver
Scorecard so far....
$230 Maaco paint job
$27 dimmer switch, $40 shutoff valve, $45 brake MC, $260 calipers, $40 brake hoses, $40 side fender trim, $20 balancing, $109 lifetime alignment, $10 fuel return lines, $115 oil&fuel filters for next 30k miles

I'll replace both sides. The question is which make is better, Bendix or ATE. I do not like the "wire" spring of the Bendix. Maybe the wire spring needs replacement. The back of the pads will ride on the wire spring, and I think the wire spring will have a hard time to keep even pressure on the back of the pads.

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Shane83SD

I'm not sure which is better, I believe all four of mine are Bendix. You can upgrade to the 560SEL calipers if you wish to do so, I don't recall how much work it is getting it to fit but OmegaBenz (Austin) did it.

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Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

I have replaced/ fixed my ATE calipers three times in 40k becuase they have frozen up on me. I have changed the fluid, lines and master cylinder and done everything I know to ensure they won't freeze, but they seem to not want to push in freely when the pads are at 50% thickness.
This last time I unfroze the piston and took it out to find some rust behind the front outer seal on the caliper which seemed to be the culprit. I wonder if there should be any type of compound in there? I wish they were stainless pistons, IMHO it would be worth the money. The next rime they freeze I will buy brand new Bendix calipers for $130 or so - I'm tired of messing with the ATEs.
Have fun, Adam Bush

I've had to change the seals in both of my front Bendix calipers but other than that they've been perfect. It really wasn't that bad of a job either. The back of the piston almost looks like an alloy, the sides of it are either chromed or polished very fine. I would think the dust boot would be there to stop any moisture coming through and forming rust. Are you sure this boot is ok? My talon had a caliper freeze up due to rust on the piston, ever since I stopped parking it on grass I haven't had a problem. I don't believe this one has a dust cover like that so it can build up right on the surface of the piston (stupid design).

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Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

Maybe I'll try to replace the "wire" spring with the flat steel spring, and keep the Bendix caliper. Will it fit?

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Shane83SD

I have no idea about this, I know the caliper itself can be made to fit but I doubt the parts between the two will swap. Myself I'm not bothered at all with that spring, I think it is an interesting idea. I am more annoyed by those little hair pins that hold the pin in that the pads go on. I like to bend, break, lose, or somehow or another ruin those....

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Jeff M.
Mercedes W123 DIY pages are now located here.
1983 / 1984 300D Sold
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet ~58k Sold
2005 Avalanche 4x4 ~66k

I've used both and don't really think there is too much difference. I believe if you search the threads you'll find that the Bendix tends to give that "Mercedes feel" that has become legendary.

Search for a good import car parts place. We have one in town that swaps them out at 49.00 per side. This is a very affordable price.

Don

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DAILY DRIVERS:
'84 300DT 298k (Aubrey's)
'99.5 Jetta TDI IV 251k (Julie's)
'97 Jetta TDI 127k (Amber's)
'97 Jetta TDI 186k (Matt's)
'96 Passat TDI 237k (Don's
'84 300D 211k Mint (Arne- Undergoing Greasecar Conversion)

SOLD:
'82 240D 229k (Matt's - Converted-300DT w/ 4 speed

I put Bendix in my 300SDL and the feel was classic "benz". She stopped on a dime.

Seems like ATE's last much longer....

Not a problem in mixing brands(from Stu Ritter). Never noticed a "feel" difference in brands. Maybe leaky or brakes that needed flushing vs rebuilt calipers would feel different.


Michael

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Michael McGuire
83 300d
01 vw A4 TDI
66 Chevy Corsa
68 GMC V6 w/oD
86 300E

I have ATE's on my three MB's very simple to change pads and have had no problems with them I use ATE pads also and have no squeal problems.......
William Rogers.........

Hello,
What function does the slim donut looking spacer between the piston and the pads on the caliper perform?
Thanks,
Adam Bush

The donut thing (metal ring and rubber gasket) you refered to is the heat/dust shield. The metal ring also has two stop tabs when you put the pads in.

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Shane83SD

Visited the bone yard, saw an example of the MB Bendix brake.
The wire spring wore a significant grove on the edge of the pad metal. The pads are more than half remaining. I think the ATE style flat spring is more balanced in keeping the pads in place.

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Shane83SD