yep....pop the cap off the brake fluid reservoir under the hood...this reduces the pressure in the system, making it easier to compress the piston

 

Had major squealing on my 2005 Coupe, starting at less than 5k miles (was completely silent before). Brought the car in to the dealer a few hundred miles later, and they changed all four pads under warranty. Noise is gone. Needless to say, I am very happy with my dealer.

 

of course I needed a C clamp...yes got one today and pads changed in no time. Another problem came up...doh!!! wrong sensor sent....see pic....
now my question is...did they give me both rear sensor? or they are completely wrong sensor for the car? I tried to locate the rear sensor without taking the wheels off but no where to be found. So now I have new front pads but no sensor...the Brake Wear warning still pops up...I dont know if that was because the front has no sensor or the rear is low as well...can some expert answer that question? Thanks in advance.

 

hmm..the 2 bolts on my caliper were 12mm, new pads come with new 12mm bolt. Also the rotor screw is a torx 30mm

 

hmm..I just purchased my pads for my front brakes and was wondering if my 2003 w203 c230k sport sedan has the same setup sensor wise as 02 sportcoupes???

 

Actually, the brake sensor is a normally closed (N/C) circuit on the two wires. The message appears when brake wear cuts the wires and opens the circuit. If the message bugs you too much, you can cut the wires, strip and splice until you can replace the pads. The wires are either 24 or 26 gauge so you wil have to strip with a knife.

Please note that the author accepts no responsibility if you fry your rotors or for any other mishaps after doing this!

 

Bump for this old thread: I just replaced my rear brake rotors and pads cuz of this thread! ::thumbsup::

-j0hn

 

I tried this recently. It didn't work.
So, while apparently it is normally closed, it
isn't neccessarily Zero Ohms.
Must be a resistor in there.

I just hate it when I get those nagging messages on the dash.
I probably still had 5000 miles left on my pads at least, but
the nag factor, and the fact that I'd already ordered the parts, I just
did it.

 

C'mon...the sensor is $8.00 and the brakes are your safety net. I bought Porterfields, but there are a variety of pads available (AutoZone even carries a low dust brand - CHEAP)

Get the pads of your choice, the sensor and find a dry garage or a nice day ... invest the time for your own peace of mind (if not the safety of your family/friends/passengers).

 

Interestingly enough, my dealer quoted me $580 parts and labor to change front AND rear pads, resurface rotor (if necessary), change brake fluid, and change coolant. I think he had 4 hours of labor at $80 an hour, so that's $320 in labor and $260 in parts and tax.

I am just considering letting them do it since I have limited MB maintenance experience. Besides that, it will show up in the computers service history for the car (good resale point) and I know it SHOULD be done right.

 

I replaced the sesnor then tied it up out of the way. When the sensor goes off there's still 30% of pad left. I drove 10K+ miles after the sensor went off before the pads had to be replaced.

 

*bump*

How to reset the warning message in the display? I got the front brakes done at a local shop and the mechanic couldnt reset the warning message. He said it should go away after 50 key cycles but I am sure there would be a easy way.

 

press the odometer reset button when the brake warning shows up.

 

When I press reset, the warning disappears for till the ignition is turned off. When I start again, it comes back.

 

Does anyone know how to change the pads on the rear brakes? I pulled it apart and see the rod that the pads are on but im not sure how to get it out.

 

thanks...

 

Knock out the pin to release the spring clip, and pull the pads out from the rear. Then you'll need a special clamp to open up the caliper pistons for the new pads -- a standard C-clamp won't do it. So rent one from AutoZone/Kragen or something, ask for brake pad tool for dual piston calipers.

 

Anyone have know the Part #, New and Minimum thicknesses for the various W203 rotors?

Obviously if someone knew all the types (2001-2004, 2004.5, 2005+) that would be best, but in particular I'm interested in 2003. I'm not taking my wheels off anytime soon, so if anyone happened to have this info off-hand it would be greatly appreciated.

 

I'm getting the same problem on my 07 c230, pads were and sensor replaced but still I have the warning... Someone help! I just did this today btw!

 

When the brake warning shows up, press and hold the odometer reset button. A message will pop up after a few seconds asking confirmation to reset. Press and hold the reset button again to rest.

 

Another message shows up after holding reset, I forgot what it says..But I will try again in the morning. The car is still safe to drive right? I did drive it for about 10-15 miles already

 

Long time no see FHK.
How's your car running?

Ha, I've added a few mods since you saw my car last eh?
How many miles you got now?

 

Do you still own it?

My car still moves, just a bit over 110k miles. Got the entire 2009 ignition system ($4k job) with "blink blink" new keys and just had the AC freon recharged and it's finally cool inside!

 

2009 ignition system?
Hmmmm.....not heard of that. Are you saying you got the EIS replaced?
4 grand? For what?

Everything on my car is good, except just recently the flap on the AC is stuck open on the floor....my feet freeze! I keep up on the little stuff....it makes a difference.
Close to 146K miles!

 

You replaced the pads?
Sure, should be ok, unless you (assuming DIY) screwed something up.