I just replaced the rear brake pads in my '81 300D because they were starting to squeal when I came to a stop. I installed Mercedes OEM pads (along with anti-squeal compound), and the squeal is still there. The rotors look to be in pretty good shape. They aren't noticeably grooved but do seem to be glazed.

I don't know what else to do except cut or replace the rotors. I have two questions:

How do I get the rotors off? I have removed the calipers but cannot find anything else holding the rotor on. There is a bolt in the middle of the rotor which I removed, but the rotor is still stuck tight to the hub.

Is it OK to turn the rotor if it is still within thickness tolerance, or do I ALWAYS have to replace it with new?

Many thanks to anyone who can help!

Rotor
 

Does it not have allen head screws to remove? for as squeals mind does too, I just bought a spray can of brake squeal dissolver.

[Edited by GA-W123 Diesel on 02-24-2001 at 11:20 AM]

Why are you replacing these rotors? It is normal for them to glaze. My 240D has over half million miles and they've never been touched. As long as you haven't let the pads wear to a point of metal to metal contact, and as long as they're not warped, you are wasting your money and time.

Good luck,

Some times squeeling is normal with new pads. The dealer replaced mine and for the first week they kind of squeeled. Before you go to the expense of replacing rotors have a mechanic check them out. They can measure them and tell you how much you have left of the rotor. I think you can get down to 60% before you have to replace them. EIther way the front ones are the most important. If you'r not noticing anything wrong with how the car brakes aside from the squeel I would leave it. Maybe when you have your winter tires changed back to summer have your mechanic measure your rotors. If they are bad you can replace them then.

You should do as all the posts above say. If you still want to remove the rotor, remove the caliper and let off the parking brake. As for having the rotors turned, they probably don't need to be. You can buy new rear rotors for around $20/each. There are so few rear rotors replaced, a lot of MB parts places don't even stock them. Good luck.
Bill Lewallen Lexington.Ky.

A correction;
I was wrong when I stated that a lot of MB parts places did not stock rear rotors. They do. I just didn't look far enough in the parts book. Sorry!
Bill Lewallen Lexington,Ky.

'81 300D rear rotor removal
 

Thanks for all the replies. Here are some answers:

No, I did not see any allen screws on the rotor. I have read other posts that mention these, but I can't find any.

I really don't want to replace the rotors, but I thought that would be the next logical step to get rid of the squeal.

I checked into the price of new rotors. NAPA wants $70 each and the MB dealer wants almost $150 each. I live in Hawaii which explains the ridiculous price. It costs $15 each to have them turned, so that's why I would rather do that.

Maybe I should try the anti-squeal spray stuff first...

The rear rotors are held on by the lug bolts that holds the wheel on. For someone to want $140/$150 for a pair of rear rotors is ridiculous. You can order them from IMPCO in Ca. for $75.60(pair).Part No. 42-016. Toll free No.1-800-243-1220.E-mail: moreinfo@************************
Internet: http://www.************************
Bill Lewallen Lexington,Ky. Home of Valvoline,s G05 antifreeze (MB antifreeze).

Again, unless these rotors are warped, or too thin, do not turn them. You will be throwing your money away and you will decrease the braking effectiveness.

The rotor is like a bucket for heat. The mass of the rotor determines the size of the bucket. A bigger bucket holds more heat. Stepping on the brake is converting the energy of motion to heat, you need the biggest bucket you can have to hold the heat.

The squealing is probably the pads themselves, turning away the mass of the rotors may only be a temporary fix.

I suggest that you live with the squealing, one suggestion to help with that, is to turn up the radio volume.

Good luck,