300E brake job
 

My 93 300E is due for front brake pads and I'd like to do it myself. Is there any special tools that I'll need like a caliper piston compressor or anything? Is it a difficult job?

No special tools are required ... a center punch/drift pin, hammer, pump pliers, small wire brush and needle nose pliers will work nicely. Remember to buy 4 new brake pad wear sensors.

Its just like any other brake pad replacement, same procedure if you have done it before on other cars. Make sure you dont let the caliper hang by the hoses, use a wire to hook it off the coil spring. The brake pad sensors are a bit delicate so be careful with them.

Just did the fronts on my 300e last night. Don't forget the rubber mallet in case your stuff is stuck on there like mine was.

No need to unbolt the calipers unless you are replacing the rotors too. This job can be done (front and rear) with the calipers in place.

Most brake pad kits come with the sensors included (front only for your model). Make sure of this before you wind up with an extra set of sensors that you ordered separately.

Also, unscrew the cap off the master cylinder to relieve pressure when you push the pistons back far enough to accept the new pads. Put rags around the master cylinder to protect the painted surfaces from the potential of brake fluid overflow while you push the pistons in.

This is an easy, but very dirty task and will save you $$$.

Make sure you let the new pads seat properly by using gentle braking force for the first 10-20 miles before you can start tromping on them...

My mistake, must have been thinking about the last time I changed my brake pads and ended up replacing the rotors too.

My former W163 ML pad setup required unbolting the calipers to replace the pads...but the job was WAAYYY easier than the W124...

I believe there is a DIY on this website:

http://www.peachparts.com/Wikka/W124BrakePads

Great photos and instructions.

Thanks for all the good info! That link was great!