I know that I'm probaby gonna show how stupid I am with this question, but I've never done the brake pads on a mercedes before, so here goes.. I have a 1987 Mercedes 560SEL. I can't get the caliper off. Is that because I have the parking brake engaged? Once you've finished laughing at me, please answer my question... Thanks!!

Front or rear brakes? On a 560SEL you do not need to remove the caliper to replace the pads. Remove the two pins holding the pads in at the back, and the spring clip will come off too, then compress the pistons in, pull the old pads out, clean up the caliper, lube up the back of the new ones with anti-seize, shove them in, put the pins and clip back in place, and you're done!

No need to remove the caliper. And no, the parking brake being on would not affect removal of the caliper.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

I have to do both front and back. Any difference between the job on the front and the job on the back? Is it the same on a 1989 300SE? I have to do the brakes on that one as well (front and back). Thanks for your help!!
JD

Yes they are the same front to back except on the front there will be a wear sensor on each pad that will likely need to be replaced.

A 300SE will be identical to the 560SEL

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Thank you. I really wasn't looking forward to doing them, but you make it sound easy enough...

MB brake pads are pretty easy compared to some other vehicles.....at least in my opinion.

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

Euros.

My 1967 Fiat 125 sedan has exactly the same disc brake system as my 1989 260e. Just a little bigger. The two pins and spring. Clamp the pads , remove and replace.

Now my wife has read how easy the job is going to be and she is bugging me to get out into the garage and get it done!! Thanks alot guys!! (I told her I'd get around to it tomorrow or maybe next month. She didn't think I was funny...

LOL. The first time can be slow going, but a seasoned veteran of MB brakes can probably have pads changed all around in less than an hour. I've replaced my front pads in about 25 minutes before....

__________________
-diesel is not just a fuel, its a way of life-
'15 GLK250 Bluetec 118k - mine - (OC-123,800)
'17 Metris(VITO!) - 37k - wifes (OC-41k)
'09 Sprinter 3500 Winnebago View - 62k (OC - 67k)
'13 ML350 Bluetec - 95k - dad's (OC-98k)
'01 SL500 - 103k(km) - dad's (OC-110,000km)
'16 E400 4matic Sedan - 148k - Brothers (OC-155k)

It takes more time to jack up the car and remove the wheels than doing the brakes....

I use a large screwdriver to compress the cylinders prior to removing the pads. Works like a charm....a craftsman about 18" long. I start it with a smaller one then slip in the PERSUADER....

My dad used to say it was about as complicated as making a ham sandwich.

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[SIGPIC] Diesel loving autocrossing grandpa Architect. 08 Dodge 3/4 ton with Cummins & six speed; I have had about 35 benzes. I have a 39 Studebaker Coupe Express pickup in which I have had installed a 617 turbo and a five speed manual.[SIGPIC]

..I also have a 427 Cobra replica with an aluminum chassis.

JD, you may consider applying some anti-squeal paste on the back of the new brake pads. Although I never use it on MB replacement brake pads and never have any squealing issues. I would refrain from using anti-seize paste, as mentioned in a previous post.

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Fred Hoelzle

I just finished doing the brake pads on the 560SEL. 45 minutes!! My wife should be home shortly and I'm gonna do hers too so that she will make me a ham sandwich. Maybe I can try to break the 45 minute mark. Oh, such lofty goals. Thanks alot guys. That was too easy!!!