Weird issue with rear pads
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2021
Posts: 335
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2008 E320 Bluetec, 1987 190e 2.6, 2007 CL600
Weird issue with rear pads
What’s up MB family, hope everyone is doing well!
I was attempting to change the rear pads and rotors, but the rotor is stuck to the hub. I tried hammering it, PB blaster, pulling for a hour. Me and the car decided to spare each other in case there is an easier and less harmful method to get them off. Any tips on removing seized rotor?
second, I currently
have Bosch pads on the car and ordered OEM MB pads that come with the backing shield that the Bosch pads do not have. The MB pads will not go into the car !!! They are maybe a quarter inch too big, I’ve done this brake job before and I know I’m not crazy lmao so what could be going on? FCP euro has sent my wrong parts before and I think there are slight variations across 190e years that parts catalogues can’t account for all the time, thoughts on that?
I was attempting to change the rear pads and rotors, but the rotor is stuck to the hub. I tried hammering it, PB blaster, pulling for a hour. Me and the car decided to spare each other in case there is an easier and less harmful method to get them off. Any tips on removing seized rotor?
second, I currently
have Bosch pads on the car and ordered OEM MB pads that come with the backing shield that the Bosch pads do not have. The MB pads will not go into the car !!! They are maybe a quarter inch too big, I’ve done this brake job before and I know I’m not crazy lmao so what could be going on? FCP euro has sent my wrong parts before and I think there are slight variations across 190e years that parts catalogues can’t account for all the time, thoughts on that?
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 6
190e 2.3-16
I cant remember for the life of me if the rear rotors had a set screw like the fronts, but an old school trick was to find a bolts that are longer that thread into rotor ultimately putting pressure on hub forcing it off. if not; youll have to resort to smacking disc portion from the diff side with a mallet as even as possible by turning rotor and hitting opposite of high spot.
as for pads not fitting, what ive done in the past is to take the pads friction material side down place on level concrete and step on them to rub off enough material to fit. i understand the frustration in even bothering to order the correct parts, but it is what it is... better than being short changed in too little material. also have seen backwoods people make other pads fit from cutting/modifying/shaping with angle grinder.
my theory is that the pads were redesigned to fit multiple application to cost save therefore fitment issues. long ago i went with EBC and porterfield RS4 (localish to me in socal) and had similar issues. I heard a while back that they could custom make pads using old backing plates. regardless textar, ate, ferrodo, brembo, its all good OE suppliers (not sure about bosch more than likely a rebrand of above)
as for pads not fitting, what ive done in the past is to take the pads friction material side down place on level concrete and step on them to rub off enough material to fit. i understand the frustration in even bothering to order the correct parts, but it is what it is... better than being short changed in too little material. also have seen backwoods people make other pads fit from cutting/modifying/shaping with angle grinder.
my theory is that the pads were redesigned to fit multiple application to cost save therefore fitment issues. long ago i went with EBC and porterfield RS4 (localish to me in socal) and had similar issues. I heard a while back that they could custom make pads using old backing plates. regardless textar, ate, ferrodo, brembo, its all good OE suppliers (not sure about bosch more than likely a rebrand of above)
Last edited by theonlyone; Oct 1, 2025 at 05:09 PM.
Junior Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 48
Likes: 6
190e 2.3-16
also if the hub to rotor is stuck it could be rust welded (depending on where you live) or you reached limits on adjustment for handbrake mech. when time to install new parts could do a light coat of antiseize on hub after a good cleaning. caliper slides cleaned and checked for burs.
Member
Joined: Sep 2021
Posts: 82
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89 190E 2.6 Blue, 89 190E 2.6, teal green, 99 SL500 Sport
Rear brake pads-one time I ordered a set of EBC rear pads that didn't fit either. had to return them and went w/ Textars. Those or Pagid are usually my go to for OEM brakes.
If the rotor is stuck, I've had good luck using a lead shot hammer. Make sure to thread a lug bolt on though. You just want to "shock" the rotor to break the rust loose.
If the rotor is stuck, I've had good luck using a lead shot hammer. Make sure to thread a lug bolt on though. You just want to "shock" the rotor to break the rust loose.
Member
Joined: Dec 2016
Posts: 129
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From: Pittsburgh Pa. - Mebourne, Florida
1993 190E Sportline; 1992 190E 2.3
I had the same problem too. The rear brake pads were too thick to fit in the caliper "window". I don't remember which car it was on. From memery- one pad was 15 mm thick and the other was 17 mm. The rotor thickness, caliper style, and pad thickness have to match. - At lease this is my observation .
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Joined: Feb 2020
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1991 190E 2.3
What’s up MB family, hope everyone is doing well!
I was attempting to change the rear pads and rotors, but the rotor is stuck to the hub. I tried hammering it, PB blaster, pulling for a hour. Me and the car decided to spare each other in case there is an easier and less harmful method to get them off. Any tips on removing seized rotor?
second, I currently
have Bosch pads on the car and ordered OEM MB pads that come with the backing shield that the Bosch pads do not have. The MB pads will not go into the car !!! They are maybe a quarter inch too big, I’ve done this brake job before and I know I’m not crazy lmao so what could be going on? FCP euro has sent my wrong parts before and I think there are slight variations across 190e years that parts catalogues can’t account for all the time, thoughts on that?
I was attempting to change the rear pads and rotors, but the rotor is stuck to the hub. I tried hammering it, PB blaster, pulling for a hour. Me and the car decided to spare each other in case there is an easier and less harmful method to get them off. Any tips on removing seized rotor?
second, I currently
have Bosch pads on the car and ordered OEM MB pads that come with the backing shield that the Bosch pads do not have. The MB pads will not go into the car !!! They are maybe a quarter inch too big, I’ve done this brake job before and I know I’m not crazy lmao so what could be going on? FCP euro has sent my wrong parts before and I think there are slight variations across 190e years that parts catalogues can’t account for all the time, thoughts on that?
