Regarding my '97 C280 with 75,000 miles:

First, before posting this, I searched for old posts but could not find much.

The front rotors are warped and the brakes feel vague. The dealer told me during its 60K service that the front rotors are about ready for replacement and to do it when the existing pads have worn down. Now it's time. I thought I'd do the job myself.

Question 1.) Is this a straightforward project, or are there some tips or tricks I should know about? For instance, techniques for tightening the spindle nut, etc., would be most helpful.

In addition, the wife smells antifreeze from time to time, and I *suspect* that the water pump is starting to leak, but cannot see any significant loss or drips on the garage floor. The only thread I can find is this one. It rambles a little but I get the gist.

Question 2.) If it IS the water pump, what other items should I replace while I am doing the job? After reading the above thread, are there any sockets/tools that I could purchase (Craftsman?) that will make this job easier? And any succinctly worded tips or tricks would be very much appreciated.

Thanks in advance for any help!

Attached Thumbnails

 

did you check the D.I.Y. section on this site?
fronts are easy, buy new pad springs and hex bolt, MB anti-squeal paste, you'll need torque figures,

no spindel nut involved with front brake work, if your thinking about packing your bearings it is a very precise job needing special tools

Haynes does make a manual for euro four and diesel engines that would be helpful for the work your doing.

On our C220, the water pump started leaking around 75K, and the viscous fan started turning too slowly at idle shortly thereafter. Both seem to be fairly common problems, so it would make sense to do both at the same time.

The tensioner shock bushing failed around 70K, so that's another candidate - but don't know if this is a problem on the 280's.

The water pump/fan jobs are straightforward, except that you need a special wrench to keep the fan from turning as you unbolt it. The Haynes manual has directions for a tool you can make if you don't want to buy the wrench.

__________________
Chuck Taylor
Falls Church VA
'66 200, '66 230SL, '96 SL500. Sold: '81 380SL, '86 300E, '72 250C, '95 C220, 3 '84 280SL's '90 420SEL, '72 280SE, '73 280C, '78 280SE, '70 280SL, '77 450SL, '85 380SL, '87 560SL, '85 380SL, '72 350SL, '96 S500 Coupe

Hi. Thanks for the input.

First, yes, I checked the DIY section of the site, and found nothing relevant to my needs. I am suprised that I cannot find how-to articles on the C280's most common DIY projects. Porsche, Audi, etc. do. Maybe I am missing it. Anyone know where such a website is hiding?

FYI, the fan DID go out last year. I had the dealer fix it. I wish the water pump had been acting up then. Oh well. I suppose I had better plan on doing the tensioners as well.

Any other advice would be welcomed. Thanks!