S-Class (W221) 2007-2013: S 320 CDI, S 350, S 450, S 500, S 550, S 420 CDI, S 600

CHANGING THE BRAKE PADS and *NOT* the rotors?

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Old Aug 28, 2013 | 11:35 AM
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range rover
Exclamation CHANGING THE BRAKE PADS and *NOT* the rotors?

Ive read on here that some change the rotors every other time...other like me change brakes and rotors everytime...

would i get away with only changing the brakes?

if i do this is it better to change ONLY the pads on the fronts or rears?
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Old Aug 28, 2013 | 01:17 PM
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If your rotors are in good condition, you can certainly replace only the pads.
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Old Aug 28, 2013 | 01:45 PM
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range rover
Originally Posted by ImInPA
If your rotors are in good condition, you can certainly replace only the pads.

thats great, ive always replaced rotors and pads, so im thinking this time ill save a few bucks and just do the pads...
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Old Aug 28, 2013 | 07:07 PM
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Originally Posted by jgjk
thats great, ive always replaced rotors and pads, so im thinking this time ill save a few bucks and just do the pads...
Definitely...there should be no issues doing that, given your rotors are in good shape.
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Old Sep 1, 2013 | 01:49 PM
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Any shops with proper measurement tool can help you to decide whether the rotors need to be replaced of not.
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Old Sep 1, 2013 | 01:53 PM
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Having your machine shop measure the rotors after resurfacing is the way to go, but my experience has been I only have to do rotors on average every other pad change.
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Old Nov 1, 2020 | 03:22 PM
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To remove the rotors, the calipers must be removed by the two hex bolts on the back. Anyone know the size of the bolts?

Edit: found it, they're 18mm.

Last edited by ryan83; Nov 1, 2020 at 03:27 PM.
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Old Nov 2, 2020 | 10:37 AM
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Have a good sized breaker bar handy. Those bolts will be quite comfortable where they are and will not be inclined to come out without some strong encouragement.
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Old Nov 3, 2020 | 11:48 AM
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Actually the bolts (screws) should be ordered from Mercedes so you get new preapplied threadlocker. Merc specifies these screws be replaced and not reused. (It’s only a bolt if you put a nut on it)

as for “18 mm” fasteners are not defined by wrench size, but rather by diameter of the threaded shaft.

Normally Mercedes permits 2 mm rotor wear and it forbids refinishing. If you can feel a lip at the outside of the rotor face, it’s likely at least indicative of 1 mm wear. Don’t overlook the fact this same lip is on the other side too ... so, 2 mm. Additionally, Mercedes cautions against installing new pads when wear is 1 mm or greater ... because the rotor will then be worn out before the pads are consumed ... and you can’t fit worn pads over a new rotor. Basically, then, Its highly unlikely you can fit new pads to a worn rotor.
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Old Nov 3, 2020 | 07:56 PM
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From a safety point of view, there is no problem with changing just the pads. New pads may not bed well in used, or for that matter even resurfaced rotors though. This can lead to discomfort and premature pad wear, but will not be unsafe as long as your original rotors are undamaged.
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