04 SLK32 AMG Caliper

Jun 24, 2022 | 04:48 PM

560 SEC

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From: Mass

2011 S550

04 SLK32 AMG Caliper

Anyone know if these front AMG Caliper from an 04 C32 AMG will fit my SLK32 AMG?

Thanks

Last edited by 560 SEC; Jul 4, 2022 at 07:25 PM. Reason: spelling

Jun 30, 2022 | 11:22 AM

latemodel21

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From: Santa Clara, Ca

2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32

Quote:

Originally Posted by 560 SEC

Anyone know if these front AMG Caliper from an 04 C32 AMG will fit my SLK32 AMG?

Thanks, John

The C32 front calipers will fit, BUT they are designed for a larger (dia) rotor AND, they need spacers (2 per caliper, between the mounting ear and steering knuckle ... to center up the caliper over the rotor). You are better off getting some calipers that use the same body, but are intended for an SLK32-size rotor (2002 CL500 for example). They will ALSO require the "centering" spacers be added. Worth pointing out, (all of) these 4-pots calipers have a large and small piston, that are oriented for rear-mounting (rear of spindle) ... SO, if you front-mount them (as all R170s are oriented) with pistons (relative to size) properly oriented, the bleeder will be pointing down SO... the correct way to use (any of) these 4-pot calipers is to separate the main body parts (2) from the caliper mounting brackets (2) and then reassemble with the mounting brackets reversed. ALSO, the brake lines need to be replaced with longer lines OR, you can add a banjo right angle adapter. Finally, they stick out further than the factory calipers, but they DO fit (without any clearance issue) nicely behind the Original SLK32 wheels (not sure if the c32 caliper and C32 rotor would fit the same ... or if they might need a wheel spacer).

I can dig up the info for the right angle banjo fittings and spacers if you are interested.
Cheers,
Chris

Here are a few pics of some CL500 calipers I put on my 2002 SLK32.

After replacing the seals, I painted them G2

Calipers installed behind some Enkei wheels, but they do fit with original SLK32 wheels

Jun 30, 2022 | 11:54 AM

560 SEC

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Joined: Jan 2002

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From: Mass

2011 S550

Thanks for the info. Pistons are all the same size, it may be a different caliper that I have.

They fit the mounting holes and the hose is long enough, seem to centered on the rotor. The bleeders point up.

Last edited by 560 SEC; Jun 30, 2022 at 11:57 AM. Reason: added info

Jun 30, 2022 | 12:31 PM

latemodel21

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From: Santa Clara, Ca

2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32

Quote:

Originally Posted by 560 SEC

I am 99% sure that the Pistons (mix of 2 sizes) on all of these 4pots are the same. The difference is subtle (check it with calipers ... for sure if you replace the seals). Mounting the caliper so that the pistons (sizes) are mis-oriented (relative to rotor rotation) WILL solve the hose length issue and bleeder orientation (as you have found), and the less than ideal pad wear or noise that results may be totally acceptable (a trivial amount?).

Using the C32 front calipers (intended for a 345 mm rotor) on your SLK32 (330 mm rotor) will likely create a 7.5 mm mismatch (.300" or so) . Is this an issue? It would be for me (or are you using the C32 rotors as well?).

calipers centered without spacers? perhaps ? (I have not checked this on C32 calipers, but had heard this issue was universal).

Cheers,
Chris

Jun 30, 2022 | 12:34 PM

latemodel21

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From: Santa Clara, Ca

2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32

The use of a smaller diameter piston at the side where the disc enters the brake pads will ensure more uniformity in the pressure distribution on the brake pads.

When the thickness of the brake pad is large compared to its length, there will be higher wear on the leading end of the pad. The frictional force acting on the disc contact surface and the reaction at the abutment of the pad will result in a turning moment on the pad, leading to higher wear on the leading end. The following figure explains the formation of uneven wear, and illustrates how a smaller diameter piston at the leading side makes the pressure distribution more uniform.

Jun 30, 2022 | 12:48 PM

560 SEC

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From: Mass

2011 S550

You must be an engineer !

Thanks

Last edited by 560 SEC; Jul 5, 2022 at 03:57 AM. Reason: spelling

Jun 30, 2022 | 01:13 PM

latemodel21

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From: Santa Clara, Ca

2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32

Quote:

Originally Posted by 560 SEC

It seems that it's centered, I'll know more when I get the pads tomorrow. Stock SLK rotors.

If they need to be shimmed, what would be an acceptable material?

You must be an engineer !

Thanks,
John

Hi John,

If you need to center the C32 caliper (which i had assumed you would), you can use 7/16" (grade 8) washers (readily available at home depot, etc). you may need 3 or 4 washers in each position (so 12 or 16 total). AND, you will need longer (suitable grade) caliper mounting bolts (4).

Keep in mind, that these calipers generate approximately the same braking force as the stock floating units (and are about 7.5 lbs lighter each : ) .... However, if you are using a 345mm caliper on a 330mm rotor you may end up with a (small) reduction in braking effectiveness ...

Cheers,
Chris

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Jun 30, 2022 | 06:36 PM

latemodel21

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Joined: May 2009

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From: Santa Clara, Ca

2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32

Quote:

Originally Posted by 560 SEC

Chris, do you have the MB part # for the pads? Got the wrong ones.

Thanks,
John

I don't have the Mercedes part number off hand, but I used the akebono EUR847 pads on mine. If you want Mercedes pad's, you could look up the 2004 C32 front pads and that would be the right number.

Jul 1, 2022 | 03:43 AM

#10

560 SEC

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From: Mass

2011 S550

Chris, thank you for all your help

Jul 3, 2022 | 02:49 PM

#11

560 SEC

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From: Mass

2011 S550

Thanks

Last edited by 560 SEC; Jul 5, 2022 at 03:56 AM. Reason: spelling

Aug 29, 2022 | 11:45 AM

#12

560 SEC

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From: Mass

2011 S550

I can dig up the info for the right angle banjo fittings and spacers if you are interested.

Chris can you find the info?

Thanks

Aug 29, 2022 | 12:20 PM

#13

latemodel21

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Joined: May 2009

Posts: 1,187

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From: Santa Clara, Ca

2003 SL55 / 2002 SLK32

I bought 2 banjo bolts, 6 washers (don't recall if I used 4 or 6), and 2 banjo unions (to turn fitting at a right angle). From Hydraulic Supply Company.
800-507-9651
ecom@hydraulic-supply.com

here are the part numbers, etc
BRAKEQUIP BANJO BOLT - 7/16 X 20NF X 1-7/16 L BQ8095 EA 2 $12.24
BRAKEQUIP H/D COPPER WASHER 7/16 ID BQ1016 EA 6 $3.84
BRAKEQUIP BANJO UNION - 7/16 X 14MM - 7/16 X 24NS BQ61 EA 2 $11.28
Subtotal $27.36
Shipping & Handling $13.26
Tax $3.70
Grand Total $44.32

Cheers,
Chrris