replacing rear brake discs
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 113
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From: middle of shit - saudi arabia
560SEL
replacing rear brake discs
the rear brake discs and shoes are smaller than the front ones on my 87 560sel.. i am thinking if u can replace the rear disc, shoes and releated accessories with the same size as front ones since it will increase the braking power.. i will be a diy'er so just making sure before i begin tearing apart my car!! 
just thinking of some new project to do and make the ***** time pass fast
just thinking of some new project to do and make the ***** time pass fast
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Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 90
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From: Atlanta, GA
96 S600 Euro, 91 560 SEC, 88 300TE, 87 560SEL, 86 560SL, 80 280SE, 64 Austin Healey 3000MIII
Well, seeing as the rear does at best 30% of the braking, putting Big heavy discs on the rear is a bit of overkill that will result in negligable braking performance gains. If anything, the loss in HP do to increased mass and friction would Really make it not worth it.
When the braking system on these cars is in order it hauls them down Very nicely. I've driven the snot out of my SEL on some twisty back roads w/o any fade to speak of.
Jonathan
When the braking system on these cars is in order it hauls them down Very nicely. I've driven the snot out of my SEL on some twisty back roads w/o any fade to speak of.
Jonathan
Member
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 240
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From: Milford, CT
1987 300SDL aka the "Money Pit"
No you cannot the front brakes are very different from the rears. The only way to upgrade W126 brakes is to go with a custom Brembo, Bear, Kleemann ect setup. Be ready to spend $3k+.
You do lose HP at the wheel with larger brakes btw, more mass to spin.
However you can improve your current brakes:
Replace all of your rubber hoses with new lines or get some stainless ones made up.
Change your brake fluid make sure to use DOT 4
Run slotted ATE power discs up front.
The rears don't do much regular discs are fine.
Textar pads are soft and have a nice bite.
Run wider tires so you can actually use all of the braking power availible.
You do lose HP at the wheel with larger brakes btw, more mass to spin.
However you can improve your current brakes:
Replace all of your rubber hoses with new lines or get some stainless ones made up.
Change your brake fluid make sure to use DOT 4
Run slotted ATE power discs up front.
The rears don't do much regular discs are fine.
Textar pads are soft and have a nice bite.
Run wider tires so you can actually use all of the braking power availible.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Nov 2004
Posts: 113
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From: middle of shit - saudi arabia
560SEL
quite sensible Hattaresguy..rather using sports performance discs and ceramic brakes in the front is more than enough..also rotating larger disc in the rear means more heat generated when braking.. the rear end of the car doesnt have air flow as dynamic as the front.. therefore killing the brake shoes faster and hardening the rotors..
