NEED HELP FAST!!..98 ML320 Brake pad installation
06-26-2003, 11:33 AM
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1998 ML 320
NEED HELP FAST!!..98 ML320 Brake pad installation
I have many experience with brake installation. However, this is the first encounter with a problem and this is my first Mercedes Benz I worked on. I am in the process of installing REAR BRAKE PADS for my 1998 ML 320. I got everything apart, I replaced the pads...but now, I can't push the caliper back into the slot. It's not like the other Hondas/Mitsu/Toyota, where caliper slides out easily. Is there any special tools I have to use? If anyone has a site that I can refer to, please let me know. Any help would be appreciated. HELPPPPPPPPP!!!! Need the car running by tonite!!!
06-26-2003, 12:27 PM
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02 W163, 84 W123, 03 E39, 98 E39
Brake Job
I have not done an ML before, but based on past MB's if you have the piston pushed all the way back into the calliper, so that the pads are not snug against the rotor, this tends to make the callipers go back on easy. You can push it back with a set of channel locl pliers or a screwdriver. Is this what your problem is?
Last edited by sph17; 06-26-2003 at 12:50 PM.
06-26-2003, 01:25 PM
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1998 ML 320
Re: Brake Job
Originally posted by sph17
I have not done an ML before, but based on past MB's if you have the piston pushed all the way back into the calliper, so that the pads are not snug against the rotor, this tends to make the callipers go back on easy. You can push it back with a set of channel locl pliers or a screwdriver. Is this what your problem is?
I have not done an ML before, but based on past MB's if you have the piston pushed all the way back into the calliper, so that the pads are not snug against the rotor, this tends to make the callipers go back on easy. You can push it back with a set of channel locl pliers or a screwdriver. Is this what your problem is?
Yes, I have already pushed back the piston...Everything is in order, except for putting the caliper back onto the rotor. It looks like I need a heavy duty hammer to hammer it back into its place...Was wondering if there is any alternative way to make it easier to slide it back in, instead of hammering it back in....
06-26-2003, 05:03 PM
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02 W163, 84 W123, 03 E39, 98 E39
Brake Job
Are you using MB pads? I have found some aftermarket pads are a bit thicker than they should be and gave problems.
Does your rotor have a thick outer edge where the pad dosn't contact the rotor? Sometimes fileing this down will help get the pad/calliper combination on.
I have sanded/filed down the inside edge of the calliper before on callipers that have had a lot of buid up of brake dust. Not on the piston side, but on the inside edge opposite the piston.
And yes, I have at times used a soft mallet to get the calliper to fit, when all else failed (when I used the aftermaket pads that didn't fit well) although I don't know if that is approved MB way to get it to work.
Good luck.
Does your rotor have a thick outer edge where the pad dosn't contact the rotor? Sometimes fileing this down will help get the pad/calliper combination on.
I have sanded/filed down the inside edge of the calliper before on callipers that have had a lot of buid up of brake dust. Not on the piston side, but on the inside edge opposite the piston.
And yes, I have at times used a soft mallet to get the calliper to fit, when all else failed (when I used the aftermaket pads that didn't fit well) although I don't know if that is approved MB way to get it to work.
Good luck.
06-26-2003, 05:26 PM
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02 W163, 84 W123, 03 E39, 98 E39
Aftermarket Pads
A final thought. If you are using aftermaket pads, some manufacturers give you four "anti squeal" metal plates that you attach to the brake pad to reduce the squeel when you brake. If you mounted these on the back of your pads, taking them off may give you the clearance you need to get your callipers back on.
