how to change brake pads
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Newbie
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 8
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how to change brake pads
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!
Thanks in advance!
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 1
From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
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.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 4,260
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From: Philadelphia area
2010 ML550, 2010 E350 4M, 1966 Corvette Convt C2
To MB Tech
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???
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 2,332
Likes: 1
From: Bloomington, IN
1997 Toyota Tacoma 4x4
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.
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Joined: Feb 2002
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ml430
Changing Brakes
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
Alan
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Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Cambridge, MA
1998 ML 320
Brakes on 98 ML320
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.
Newbie
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 10
Likes: 0
From: Adelaide Australia
ML270
Brake pad change
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.
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.
Newbie
Joined: Mar 2002
Posts: 3
Likes: 0
From: Cambridge, MA
1998 ML 320
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
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
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2008
Posts: 6
Likes: 0
s320, ml320
Mercedesc ML Front Brake Pad Replacement Guide
detailed instructions here 
Mercedesc ML Front Brake Pad Replacement Guide
Mercedesc ML Front Brake Pad Replacement Guide
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,212
Likes: 9
From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: Vacouver BC
02 W163
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
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
Last edited by STi_JL; Feb 26, 2009 at 01:46 AM.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,212
Likes: 9
From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
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...
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 437
Likes: 0
From: Vacouver BC
02 W163
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
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 14,212
Likes: 9
From: Boston, MA
00 MB ML55, 91 Toyota Supra Turbo(sold), 06 E500(gone), 03 BMW M3
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
