My mechanic is reluctant in doing a brake and rotor job on my 2002 s430 as he is saying that it has some special thing that this model year has that will require me going to the dealer to get this done.

Anyone know any details on this?

 

I checked the OEM procedure in ALLDATAdiy.com and there is nothing that would prevent him from performing the task. He will need a snap release tool to relieve the load on the cable slack adjuster. Other than that ALLDATAdiy.com shows no specialty tools needed. Our data is printable, so you could print out the procedure with a subscription. I am sure it would save you some $$$!

 

Thanks for getting back with me.

He is afriad that MY2002 s430 has Electronic Stability Program (ESP) and Computorized Break Assist.

He is saying that there are things that need to be done that makes this type of rutine job more deficult and that the computers could screwup if not done correctly.

Any thoughts on this?

 

Wrong

Don't worry it's like changing any other cars brakes. S-Class doesn't have the scary SBC system and yours is not a 4matic so don't worry it's an easy job. I changed my S500 brakes all the time piece of cake. Make sure you get new brake wear sensors.

 

+1, its not that difficult, but a rule of thumb if someone doesn't to work on your car, don't force them. You will regret it.

 

Thanks for the info.
Is yours a 2002?

When he called the person he gets his parts from he said that a red flag come up on his ordering system that told him that the MY 2002 has ESP and Computerized Breaking System.

Anyone have access or work in a dealer ship that can look this up for me?

 

I just checked with my stealer and they said that my 2002 s430 has both of these.

Anyone do their own brake job on this before?
Anyone work in a MB dealer that can confirm this?

 

For the 3rd time, you car does NOT have SBC. Nothing special. Your "mechanic" is a fool.

 

What is your cars born date? Before or after 09/02?

 

GET A NEW MECHANIC!!!

 

The dealer is saying the same thing as my mechanic.

This is what I wrote to them:

Gwenen, I know we spoke about this but I just want to make sure I understand your thoughts.... I am looking to replace my brakes and rotors on my 2002 s430. I have run across some information from on-line forums stating that this type of job on my model year car may be difficult or at least not a straight forward effort because my model year car may have the following: Enhanced Stability Program (ESP) Computerized Break Assist (ABS) Could you please ask your head mechanic if my car has these on it and if it will make the break and rotor job more difficult? Thanks so much- Mark


And this is her reply:

To answer your questions yes and yes. Your vehicle does have esp and abs.

Gwenen

 

Before.
The actual Production Date is 02/15/2002

VTEC83,

Do you have access to dealer informaiton that can confirm what my dealer is saying?

 

Mark_K... you must not be reading the replies that are posted on here.

Obviously your car is going to have ESP and ABS, that's standard on pretty much any car out there right now.

What your mechanic is talking about is called SBC (Sensotronic Brake Control) which is an electronically controlled brake system that requires the Mercedes SDS computer to de-pressurize before working on brake components.

The W220 S-Class is not equipped with SBC.

For the 10th time now, your car does not have SBC and requires no special tools or equipment to change the brakes.

Pull off the wheel
Pull out the pads
Dismount the caliper
Pull the rotor off
Assemble in reverse order

THATS IT

 

The dealer is undoutedly referring to Brake Assist, not SBC.

Either way, there is nothing scary or dangerous about changing brakes on this vehicle.

piece of cake.

 

Mark k ,
the reason your mechanic is telling u he is reluctant to do the brake job for you is that is clearly unfamiliar with mercedes vehicles and when he looks up brake pads he sees a message like this:

Part Number: W0133-1619581
Notes: Important: SBC brake system MUST be deactivated using SBD 102 or Mercedes Star Diagnosis tool. When activated, the SBC brake system builds up high pressure in the brake system. The automatic extension of the caliper pistons may result in serious bodily injury. Brake pressure may cause brake fluid to escape at high pressure, with possible resulting damage or injury. Maintenance or repair work must never be performed on an active SBC brake sustem. The SBC brake system pushes out the brake master cylinder when:
Position: Rear
Quality: OEM
Availability: In-Stock

* 2003 S430 4Matic
* 2003 S430 Base (Production Range Fr:09-00-02)

I got this from a random parts site here is the link so u can see for urself
http://www.autopartsworld.com/merced...pads/2003.html

apparently something changed in the braking system for cars produced after 09/02, but what your mechanic failed to realize or notice is that this does not apply to cars produced before 09/02 so doing the brakes on your 02 s430 produced in 02/02 is NO DIFFERENT THAN ANY OTHER STANDARD BRAKE JOB! I can assure u of this because I just did my brakes and rotors a week ago and mine was produced 05/02.

Even if u did have SBC it would still be a standard brake job so long as you deactivate the system or simply make sure the car is off and dont open any doors or do anything that would wake up the system. Here is a link to this topic discussion: http://www.benzworld.org/forums/w211...orkshop-2.html

 

Thanks

VTEC83, Oliverk, Oxygen, benz_addict and ALLDATAdiy INFO,

Now that I have the correct acronym......My mechanic is good to go.

Thanks again you guys are the BEST!

Mark