JupiterJim

OK - thanks guys !!! Amazingly simple solution - disconnect the accessory battery... I can handle the rest.
BTW, I've started using "soft" pads, they actually smoothed out my grooved rotors on the '97 SL320, & don't make as much dust...
Brake just as well - I think...

Rawhide

Buy a punch set to hammer out the retaining pins which will have seized into the caliper. You may have to cut them. Have a new set ready to install as the old ones wont be worth saving.

I just remove the plug from the SBC ecu to disable SBC.

JupiterJim

Interesting - I didn't think of the pins - thanks !!!

JupiterJim

Hmmmmmm - cut the pins ??? Where do I get new ones ??? Hard to find...

georgewny

https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...mer-0004217574

Mercedes Disc Brake Pad Pin Front (C230 C350 SLK350 SLK300) - Genuine Mercedes 0004217574

Price each: $33.73

Fits these also:
Mercedes-Benz SL550

• 2007 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Disc Brake Pad Pin
  Position: Front, Kit, Incl.Pins,Spring Clips
• 2008 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Disc Brake Pad Pin
  Position: Front, Kit, Incl.Pins,Spring Clips
• 2009 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Disc Brake Pad Pin
  Position: Front, Kit, Incl.Pins,Spring Clips
• 2011 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Disc Brake Pad Pin
  Position: Front, Exc.Sport Package
• 2012 Mercedes-Benz SL550 Disc Brake Pad Pin
  Position: Front, Exc.Sport Package

JupiterJim

WOW !!! Thanks !!!

JupiterJim

So, by disconnecting the battery, & disabling the SBC, you had no problem with the pistons trying to reset themselves while you were replacing the pads ???

Rawhide

I have done this job twice. Pins were a nightmare twice and needed cut out. I am in the UK though so we have salt on the road. SBC disconnected twice and no issue. I appreciate this is perhaps not the correct procedure but Ive had no issues. I do now have STAR but have no issues with the brakes.

You could try to knock the pins pins out first to see if they are seized. Its the first part of the job anyway.

JupiterJim

Yeah - I was thinking salt... I'm in Florida, so it's in the air - LOL... I looked at the pins, & they look pretty good, but no way to tell for sure till I have the wheels off - have found replacement pins on the site you recommended - Thanks !!!

Wrighteous

Would it be best to use procedure to disable SBC and unplug the battery or just disable the SBC?

Looking at all of the posts here, it seems that just unplugging the battery does the job.

cdk4219

I’ve always unplugged the sbc unit. The icarsoft tool I have will turn it off for service though.