Brake pad installation questions
03-28-2005, 08:49 PM
#1
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: San Diego
Posts: 231
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2002 Audi A4 Avant 1.8t Quattro Sport
Brake pad installation questions
How easy is the brake pad replacement?
I know on the VW/Audi the rear can be a pain because you have to twist and push the piston back in. Is the E320 the same?
I know on the VW/Audi the rear can be a pain because you have to twist and push the piston back in. Is the E320 the same?
03-29-2005, 08:44 AM
#3
MBWorld Fanatic!
Actually,i had mine done by the neighbor kid,could have done it myself.Anyhow,its a good idea to have a channel lock pliers,,just to nudge them,the MC cap should be opened,to allow fluid back in.the rest is pretty straight forward,and make sure you bed them,so they dont leave you with that "no brakes" feeling.
03-29-2005, 12:41 PM
#4
Super Member
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Ventura, CA
Posts: 957
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
AMG 55, 335i, Mini Cooper S
Originally Posted by bugzy
How easy is the brake pad replacement?
I know on the VW/Audi the rear can be a pain because you have to twist and push the piston back in. Is the E320 the same?
I know on the VW/Audi the rear can be a pain because you have to twist and push the piston back in. Is the E320 the same?
Mario
03-29-2005, 02:35 PM
#5
Senior Member
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: By the City by the Bay, CA
Posts: 462
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
2001 E320 (210.065), Brilliant Silver; 2002 Ducati ST-2, Arrest-me Red
Crack the bleeder screw...
Hi, Bugsy.
Assuming you do this yourself, I would not recommend (and nor does Mercedes or any ABS manufacturer) that you simply push the old fluid back into the system by compressing the piston. Rather, before you pull the pads, crack the bleeder screw on the caliper and have an assistant depress the brake pedal slowly and halfway down and hold it (this starts the fluid out of the bleeder screw, ensuring it's open, and also prevents against fluid being pushed back up; the only place it can go is out the screw). With the assistant still holding the pedal halfway down, you can then pull the pads and press the piston back in, forcing the accumulated fluid in the caliper out, rather than back into the system. Once the piston is compressed, you can then retighten the bleeder screw and your assistant can let the pedal up. You should not introduce any air into the system if you're careful about this process, but bleeding is never a bad idea once you're finished.
Note that you will not lose very much fluid through this process, but you should have a catch-can and a clear hose on the bleeder screw is always nice. I'd also recommend ensuring that you check and refill the master cylinder as necessary as you do each caliper.
Pushing old fluid back into an ABS-equipped car is asking for trouble as the impurities in the old fluid may block the pinhole passages in the system; I've had that happen -- once -- and won't ever do it again.
Good luck and enjoy the ride,
Greg
Assuming you do this yourself, I would not recommend (and nor does Mercedes or any ABS manufacturer) that you simply push the old fluid back into the system by compressing the piston. Rather, before you pull the pads, crack the bleeder screw on the caliper and have an assistant depress the brake pedal slowly and halfway down and hold it (this starts the fluid out of the bleeder screw, ensuring it's open, and also prevents against fluid being pushed back up; the only place it can go is out the screw). With the assistant still holding the pedal halfway down, you can then pull the pads and press the piston back in, forcing the accumulated fluid in the caliper out, rather than back into the system. Once the piston is compressed, you can then retighten the bleeder screw and your assistant can let the pedal up. You should not introduce any air into the system if you're careful about this process, but bleeding is never a bad idea once you're finished.
Note that you will not lose very much fluid through this process, but you should have a catch-can and a clear hose on the bleeder screw is always nice. I'd also recommend ensuring that you check and refill the master cylinder as necessary as you do each caliper.
Pushing old fluid back into an ABS-equipped car is asking for trouble as the impurities in the old fluid may block the pinhole passages in the system; I've had that happen -- once -- and won't ever do it again.
Good luck and enjoy the ride,
Greg
