Does anybody have detailed instructions on how to change the front brake pads on a 2000 ML 430? My pads are getting worn down with only 18k miles and have squeeked for 10k miles. The dealer (HBL in Fairfax, VA) can't fix the problem. Pads are usually pretty easy to change, but I've never tried it on the ML. Looking for any copied and pasted factory service manual instructions or personal knowledge. I figured I could probably find a way to fix the squeeking.

Thanks in advance!

 

The squeeking may not be a worn pad, MB has a service bulletin on this and it should be easy to resolve. I would ask your dealer.

 

If your ML has 18,000 miles on it's original pads, you're about due for a replacement. MLs eat brakes for lunch. The 430 front pads are easy, you don't even have to take the caliper off. Just knock the two retaining pins out, and the old pads slide right out.

 

Got 40000 miles out of the front pads on my 98 ML and rears were original when I traded the car. Why do the 430's eat pads and the 320's don't?? Can I expect short brake life from my ML500???

 

The 320s eat pads too. My guess is you drove it on the open road a lot. Around Southern California, typical front pad life on an ML is around the low 20,000 mile range.

 

My driving is typically about 30% highway and 70% city. What can I expect re brake life on my ML500 and my E320 4matic???

 

Thanks for the help. Hopefully I can cure the squeeking.

Happy Motoring!

 

The brake indicator light on my 430 just started coming on - primarily when I start up and put on the brake to put the car in gear. It is not illuminating past this point. The car has about 31k on it (though bought it used and not sure if it had previous service) so could be needing replacement. Dave - you mentioned the fronts were easy to replace. Is it ok to just replace the pads, or is there anything else that would be needed (machine rotors, etc.)? It sounds like the rears may be more difficult. Does just doing front or rear at one time create any problems? Thanks in advance for your advice.
Alan

 

Anyone know what the size of the Torx bit is on the front brake calipers for the 1998 ML320? I was hoping for a nut of some sort, and instead, there are two of these rather large Torx bits.

 

The torque bit you need is a T-40.

Buy the best quality you can get, be a shame to start the job, and then you cannot complete the task, because some cheap Tiawan bit shattered.

Regards

Col Tigwell Downunder.

 

Thanks for the info. I should have responded earlier. Yup T-40 works and I got a pretty good one at our local Sears store. For the detailed instructions::
1. take of the tires
2. Take off the two torx bolts on the caliper (side facing the engine) (size T-40)
3. pull off the caliper and take off the pads.
4. squeeze the caliper back so the new pads will fit (before you do this, make sure that you've opened the master res and watch out for overflow or take it out before it does). To squeeze the caliper, I used a vise, c clamps work, but be careful not to mar the caliper surface)
5. put the new pads in
6. put the caliper back on
7. tighten the torx bolts and put your tires back on.
-hitesh

 

detailed instructions here Mercedesc ML Front Brake Pad Replacement Guide

 

What torque (ft/lbs) for those t-40 bolts?

 

dude man this thread is N year. cant you at least look at the post daate?

 

what he is doing is proper procedure... he didnt start a new thread... he searched and brought up an old thread to ask a pertintent question that is based off the original thread...

 

wow, okay fine then,
Does he seem to be getting replies? no
ARe you answering his questions? no
am i answering his questions ? no
is this thread Dead? Yes

Im simply stating the fact that this thread is like 7 years old, and that no ones seems to be replying him so he doesnt have to wait. he has better chance getting a response calling the AAA or searching the other forum.
Agreed?
no hard feelings, but im just saying that no one is replying cauese the thread is old

 

there are plenty of OLD threads that have replies in them... if you notice the most recent post is actually from october... I didnt answer cause I dont know... whether he starts a new thread or not, same thing is going to happen... there is NO NEED to start a new thread for every question...

 

Ur right there not. But simply Im just stating the fact that it's a old thread and he is most likely not going to get an answer. So he has a better chance finding out somehwrre else. As u can see he is a new user so he might be waiting days to get a reply

 

this is no longer a current model forum... its going to be slow... theW163 forum on benzworld might be a little bit busier if he wants to go search there

 

=]

 

Thats why we have a search function.

 

Is the rotor removal straight forward after getting the caliper off?

 

yes, there is one hex bolt, but after that is removed, a little finesse with a rubber mallet will knock it off the hub.

 

the member that renew this thread ZEBRA, was asking for the torque for the bolts on the brakes

 

I torqued my T-40s to 74LB/FT