rear pad thickness-2002 C230K
 

The rear pads are the same thickness as the backing plate-is it time to replace? If so, does it matter which caliper piston I push in first--inboard or outboard? I've replaced pads before, just never in an MB. From reading, the emergency brake in this car is an entire separate system from the service brake so there is no "screwing in" of the piston to get clearance for the new pads.

Does not matter, just make sure your brake fluid level is not at full level from the start from someone possibly topping off the fluid, otherwise you may spurt some fluid out of the filler cap vent while compressing the pistons.

After each wheel completed, just step on the pedal a couple times to seat the pads before starting the next wheel.

Your rear rotors disks are drum in the hat type parking brakes with the parking brake pads on the inside of the rotor disk.

and yes, I would not hesitate to replace them soon.

Tom W

Thank you both very much.