Hello,

Today, while driving my 126 300SD, my left front brake caliper came loose! The top bolt apparently fell out, but the bottom bolt was in place with the caliper making a grinding sound while hitting the brakes.

My question is : I usually have done my own brakes for greater than 5 yrs, however, I have been re-using the old caliper bolts, usually without locking compound, and torque them with a hand torque wrench to specs. Do I need to change the caliper bolts with every brake job (if not, how often), and should I use a locking compound (if so, what is recommended brand)? Any other advice on how to prevent this dangerous condition again?

Mercedes does say replacement of the caliper bolts is a must if they are removed. The bolts are what they call as being "Microencapsulated", in other words they are coated with a special threadlock compound at the factory. They can be purchased at a MB dealer for a reasonable cost.

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ASE Master Technician, Lead Technician for Deutsch American Inc. Over 6 years of Import experience-specializing in German Automobiles.

Normally of course, the bolts don't have to be removed, however, when changing a disc, or repacking wheel bearings removal is necessary.

Thanks for the advice, I'll go install some Mercedes bolts right now. Im assuming this applies to the rear calipers as well.

I went to the dealer asking for those bolts for the W124. They didn't have them available. They said to just use some blue LocTite on the old bolts. So far, the calipers are still on. I'd be interested to know if you can get the bolts.

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Rick Miley
Tampa, FL
99 E300DT
86 190E
87 300E

My local MB dealership said essentially the same thing. If you use blue loctite you are essentially doing the same thing as using the encapsulated bolts.

Don't know about 124 but they are avail for W126 at dealers.