M-Class (W164) Produced 2006-2011: ML280CDI, ML320CDI, ML420CDI, ML350, ML500, ML550

Brake Pad Service Caution

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Old Jul 1, 2008 | 05:31 AM
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Brake Pad Service Caution

Just a heads up if you plan to do your own brake pads. Do not grease the backs of the pads or tracks of the calipers. The WIS is very specific in this direction.

On every other vehicle I've owned, greasing the contact point of the piston to the back of the brake pad was/is S-O-P. In fact there are special greases just for this purpose. Not on the W164!
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Old Jul 1, 2008 | 07:59 PM
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Thanks for the info Dutch. Any idea why no grease? Seems like they are just asking for brake squeal.
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 05:35 AM
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Originally Posted by tarponbeach
Thanks for the info Dutch. Any idea why no grease? Seems like they are just asking for brake squeal.
No idea as to why. WIS very clearly states to not use grease. I used no grease and have no squeals. Factory pads had no grease either, just lots of dust.
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 12:18 PM
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Haven't looked at my GL yet, but on our W211 the brake pads are suspended in springs that are replaced with each pad change. Backs of the pads are coated in a thick material that probably also absorbs vibration.

It was always the case that "grease" application to brake pads needed to be done by someone with some common sense, experience and skill to avoid basically ruining or having no brakes. It's an obvious engineering challenge to eliminate his practice just as it was to eliminate the tune up.
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Old Jul 2, 2008 | 04:20 PM
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Originally Posted by lkchris
Haven't looked at my GL yet, but on our W211 the brake pads are suspended in springs that are replaced with each pad change. Backs of the pads are coated in a thick material that probably also absorbs vibration.

It was always the case that "grease" application to brake pads needed to be done by someone with some common sense, experience and skill to avoid basically ruining or having no brakes. It's an obvious engineering challenge to eliminate his practice just as it was to eliminate the tune up.
The inboard pad is mounted with a friction spring (part of the pad construction itself) to hold it in the caliper. The outboard pad is free floating.

Also, on the W164, it takes a 9mm hex head bit to remove the bolts holding the caliper. That 9mm is not easy to find.
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