Changing rear brakes - 2003 s430

Subscribe
Oct 28, 2012 | 11:45 PM
  #1  
I have searched most of the day and have been unable to find any specifics on changing the rear pads on a 2003 S430 - all the topic I have found refer to tapping the pins out, just like on the front brakes (front brakes only took me a short time to replace) - however, there are no pins on the rear of this car - did they change rear brakes on the 2003 year model? They appear to be a floating caliber setup - and from what I can tell, the only way to change the pads is to pull the caliber - there are two bolts, and two 'star' bolts on each one, and don't know which to start with.
Thanks in advance.
Reply 0
Oct 29, 2012 | 04:16 AM
  #2  
Must admit, I thought they'd be fixed caliper, which means removing the pins and clips to remove the pads from the rear of the calipers.

However, if they're floating calipers, then you have to remove the caliper. Make sure its just the sliding caliper though, and not the fixed frame its mounted on (though that would work too). You can often just remove ONE of the caliper bolts and then rotate the caliper about the axis of the remaining sliding pin to access to the pads. Either way make sure you don't strain the flexible brake hose. You may need some good hex or torx tools to hold the pin still while you undo it. Using cheap tools doesn't work.

Nick
Reply 0
Nov 5, 2012 | 05:43 PM
  #3  
Thanks Nick - indeed they were floating calipers - took about 10 min per wheel.
Reply 0
Nov 5, 2012 | 06:05 PM
  #4  
Thanks Nick - indeed they were floating calipers - took about 10 min per wheel.
Reply 0
Subscribe
Currently Active Users (1)
 
story-0

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-1

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-2

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-3

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-4

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-5

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-6

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-7

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-8

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE
story-9

10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used

Slideshow: From bulletproof sedans to surprisingly tough SUVs, these Mercedes models proved that the three-pointed star can go the distance.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-08 09:55:49


VIEW MORE