SL/R230: Who Has Replaced Their Own Rear Brake Pads?
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
2003 SL500
Who Has Replaced Their Own Rear Brake Pads?
Need to replace my rear brake pads and was wondering if I need any special tools? I have done my share of brake jobs BUT this is my first Benz!!! Any help or tips would be greatly appreciated!
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 395
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From: So Cal
04 SL 500, 09 R350, 09 E63, 2010 Prius
dude, With the SBC and ABS and God know what letters... I wouldnt touch that... wouldn't want to find out your mistakes on a slippery wet road... Good luck though.. And oh, never done it.. afraid I'd kill myself in the aftermath.. 
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
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1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Easy job....chances are it has two pins which act as sliders. (1) Loosen lug bolts (2) Raise Wheel (3) completely remove lugs, wheel (4) Get a large screw driver and back up the pads into brake pistons (slowly) (5) Get an awl or punch with which you can "punch" these pins out - if I remember correctly, these "punch" from the inside out. These pins have a collar which allows a compressed fit, this will be visible once you have 'em out. Cake DIY job, don't be dissuaded by "erichen" obviously has never done a brake job.
Super Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 717
Likes: 1
From: Manassas, VA, USA
2011 VW cc, 2004 ML350
Staple gun, as usual, is quite correct here. These cars are not difficult to work on. I worked as a brake technician at a quick lube type place once upon a time. I've done brake jobs, major and minor, on literally hundreds of different cars, trucks, and bikes. M-B brakes are one of the easiest systems out there from the mechanics point of view.
Senior Member
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 395
Likes: 0
From: So Cal
04 SL 500, 09 R350, 09 E63, 2010 Prius
It's really that easy? You are right, I've never changed brakes before... Wish I could! 
Watch Overhauling and those shows, envious of their skills. I build scale model.s. Can't get down and dirty with the car. Love to drive them and love to modify them. I am good at doing surgeries which pays for the mods... we all have our weaknesses. More power to you. 
Watch Overhauling and those shows, envious of their skills. I build scale model.s. Can't get down and dirty with the car. Love to drive them and love to modify them. I am good at doing surgeries which pays for the mods... we all have our weaknesses. More power to you.
Almost a Member!
Joined: Oct 2005
Posts: 48
Likes: 2
From: Georgia
Read about SBC before attempting to do your brake job. There are many posts regarding this subject. It is very important to deactivate the system before doing the brake job or you could damage the vehicle or loose a body part.
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Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 9
Likes: 0
From: Houston, TX
2003 SL500
Hey everyone, I appreciate the replies!! I did a search and it seems I have to disconnect the SBC and also turn off the tow alarm. Sounds like a cake job! Stealer-ship wants $110 minus a 15% discount (i dont know why but I'll take it) and apparently it only needs one sensor. There are only Autozones, O' Reilly's, Carquest, and Pep Boys around here... I'll found out tomorrow if anyone carries aftermarket pads...Or should I stick with MB?
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Super Member
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 717
Likes: 1
From: Manassas, VA, USA
2011 VW cc, 2004 ML350
I get my parts here. It looks like they have your parts for about $75. $68 for the pads, $7 for the sensor. I've used this place almost exclusively for my Benz parts and have always received correct parts promptly with zero problems. I highly recommend them.
