Hey guys,

Awhile back i had a clk 350 so i decided to pick another one up for a project car. The car is in a decent shape but needs tweaking.

Parts i need:

- W209 Front struts
- W209 Brake pads, front and back (ceramic preferably)

Current issues, need some feedback:

- Fuel Indicator on the dashboard shows either empty or an inaccurate amount of fuel. I'm guessing one of the floaters is stuck or messed up, tried to drain the fuel and refill it fully (did not work).Any ideas on the cost of the part and how hard is it to diy

- Exhaust, sounds like somebody removed the resonator. Although once i took a look underneath everything seems untouched. Could it be a hole in the exhaust that caused this? Any ideas on what else it could be? What would be the costs?

I know this is a lot of questions but i hope someone can help me out here. Thank you

 

I don't about struts but you should get Akebono brake ceramic pads. As for the fuel indicator you should try taking out the gauge to reset it and for the exhaust you should actually get under your car and inspect the exhaust carefully to see what the problem is.

 

I've heard good things about Akebono, the struts i'm looking for are actually off members hands (used) if anyone has them. As far as the the gauge goes, not sure what needle are you referring to, its electronic unless you're talking about an internal component

The exhaust has a weird sound to it, i'm definetly going to get underneath again and take some pictures as well sound clips to see if we can identify this issue.

I think the fuel gauge is a common issue with the clks and cs so hopefully this is just the instrument cluster acting up instead of the floaters inside the tank.

 

I have the stock springs if u ever need them .

 

I have a complete struts (2) and shocks (2) with got about 10K miles on them when I upgrade to Bilstein.

 

I haven't had a problem with my CLK500 it has approx 75000 miles and still going strong. But for your situation it might be 2 things, the sending unit which is located in the fuel tank or your fuel gauge. I'm not sure if your gauge needs to be re-calibrated.

 

So i guess there is no way to DIY, best course of action is visiting a shop? Anyone want to rep any shops in Brooklyn NY

 

Definitely take it by a shop. I have the rear brake setup avaiable. Caliper, rotor, and akebono pads. Check out my parts thread.

 

I think i might just do that then instead of trying to do it my self. As far as the brakes go, i already purchased new akebono pads, thought it would be the best choice.

How strict is new jersey inspection? I have some errors on my dashboard such as brake change, one of the lights is out, and my fuel gauge doesnt show right. If i fix the errors (only two show out of the three problems) will the car pass or is there other codes that it will show up.

The muffler does sound different but i'm sure it wont mess with it too much, i know it has not been modified so i think its just a hole.

PS: Would you rep up any shopws in the Jersey area that i can go to who can get the brakes installed, suspension, and fix the fuel gauge?

 

Check out Bergen Imports in Cliffside Park. They could take care of all that for you, even the inspection.

If you go by, speak to Harry and tell him Wesley set you.

 

Hows the pricing? Do you know what budget should i be looking at if i bring all the parts?

 

I believe they charge $90 an hour, but their work is excellent. Make a list of everything you want to do and they can give you a quote.

 

Thanks for the info, tried calling them i guess they are closed on sundays. Either way still need to find a suspension or at least two front struts so ill keep digging for now.

 

No prob. Yes they are closed on Sunday's. Call after 9 tomorrow.

 

Noob question, http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brake...6&autoModClar=

Do they come with sensors or do you need to purchase that separately? Also is that the best place with the lowest price?

 

They don't come with the sensors. I have never needed to change my sensors. I guess you could get them a bit cheaper on Amazon.

 

Some shop i spoke to today said you need to change the sensors everytime you change the pads Sounds like a sketch, thoughts?

 

I have changed my brakes 5 or 6 times in the past 3 years and I have never purchased any sensors. Unless my mechanic is replacing them at no charge. lol

 

Hmm did a search on the forum, seems like Akebono sensors dont work with the CLK either way (even if they are included). Question is, do you have to replace them or do you not.

I wonder, maybe your mechanic is slipping new ones in there.

 

If you replace the brake pads before the light come on then you never need a new sensor and just reuse the old one. Sometime the old one will not fit tight in the new pad due to the sensor plastic shrink caused by brake temp. It best just to buy new one around $3-$5 ea.

 

Yeah my light was on and then went off, strange but i think ill just order new ones. I need a set of four for each pad or just two for each set?

 

It kindna weird, mine Clk430 only required 2 sensors. One in the front and one in the rear. But mine Clk500 required 2 sensors. I don't know about the rear because I haven't need to replace my rear yet.

 

Hmm, i should check my rear then because i might not even have to replace it. So 2 sensors for the front then, one for each breakpad. Ill go ahead and order it now.

On the same note, any good DIY guides on brake pad changes (Live pictures would be preferred if not asking for too much :P)

 

I think there's one sensor in the rear.