brake disc and pad change for 2004 w211 e320 cdi

[joecash]

Hi

I am about to have a go at changing my brake discs and pads on both axles on a 2004 E320 CDI
Any recommends for
1. parts to use
2. safety issues regarding SBC
3. any special tools required
Many Thanks
Joe

 

[BlackC55]

Use oe or Pagid.

Lock the car up and put the key inside out of the reach of anyone.

Clean the hub up before putting a new disc on.

Grease the pads too in the usual places.

 

[Druk]

I've had the front pins stick on mine twice and my stealer recons it's a common fault. A small diameter angle grinder blade between the pads and the caliper parts the pins off allowing pad removal then the debris is easy to remove.

 

[BlackC55]

Use a small amount of the mb pad grease on the pins. They won't seize then.

 

[mr. shr]

How did you get on with this?
I need to do front pads and discs on my 211.

I have a STAR machine to disable SBC but do you think I shouldn't bother disabling it?
I'm pretty sure my indy wouldn't disable it if I gave the job to him.

 

[Auto-mobile]

Nope, just don't open any doors, cycle ignition or press a button on the key and you will be fine.

 

[mr. shr]

Will I be able to squeeze the pistons back ok still?

 

[Auto-mobile]

Yes fine, compress like any other standard piston.

 

[mr. shr]

Great thanks.
What about changing the brake fluid on these cars?
Should I use STAR to deactivate SBC?
I've heard the stealer uses a super high pressure device for doing it but not sure if that's true.

Is brake fluid on an SBC car DIYable?

 

[mr. shr]

Just done the front pads and discs on my 211.
Must admit I chickened out and decided to disable SBC. (Labels on the new discs said be careful of SBC high pressure blah blah blah and a leaflet in the pad set warned of the same so I figured as I have the tool, why not just go ahead and disable it for piece of mind.)

All seemed to go ok.

I do need to change the brake fluid though. Is this a DIY job?
I've seen a guy in the States do it with STAR but I believe he used a high pressure bleeder kit as well.
I have a Gunson Ezibleed kit from helfrauds. I'm not sure that would be sufficient.
How do you guys do it?

 

[BlackC55]

It needs a Star. Can't be done properly without it.

 

[mr. shr]

If I use a decent bleeder kit, can I do it myself?
Which bleeder do you recommend?
I have a Gunson Ezibleed but don't think that is up to the job.

 

[Druk]

As above. It needs Star.

 

[mr. shr]

STAR I have, but don't I also need a proper brake bleeder kit?

 

[BlackC55]

If I use a decent bleeder kit, can I do it myself?
Which bleeder do you recommend?
I have a Gunson Ezibleed but don't think that is up to the job.

It's a fly by wire braking system. Traditional methods don't work. It needs a min of 2bar of bleeding pressure and about 2L of brake fluid plus a Star and 1.1 hours of labour time.

 

[mr. shr]

Which bleeder device do you recommend?
I have STAR but with the right bleeder, is this still a DIY job?
My understanding is that when you run the brake bleed option on STAR, it gives you step by step instructions of what to do and when?
If I get myself a decent bleeder kit, can I do this myself?

 

[BlackC55]

One that is adjustable for pressure up to 2bar. A decent one is going to be £300+

 

[BlackC55]

Sealey VS0204 Pneumatic Pressure Bleeder Kit - Brake Bleeders Bleeding | eBay

 

[mr. shr]

Wow, that is expensive (even with the free tape measure!!)

So none of the cheaper ones will do then? Something like this.

 

[BlackC55]

I doubt it. It does not give you any pressure figures.

When you bleed with Star you have to adjust the pressure as you go through.