C180, W204, faulty rear light bulb holders were covered by the factory warranty, but...

[Houstonrice]

guys,

I found that the rear light bulb holder (left) and a connector to a 'earth cable' (brown colour) were burnt the other day, and the local MB has replaced them for free of charge; just completely replaced them even for the another side which was intact. They said all were covered by the warranty.. Wow... I currently do not have any private warranty on my car, of course, and pleased even to have this inspection video from them..

https://mercedes.citnow.com/vtrszmzrcSC

Now, it became obvious that my next DIY challenge will be replacing rear break discs and pads (you know what I mean, if you've enjoyed the above video clip).

Based on YouTube study, replacing them seemed not that hard, but some used a 'special tool' to press in the brake caliper piston back in to the housing. How do I do the job without having that 'special tool'?

Plus, any other recommendations for other DIYs I shoud consider, when replacing the rear discs/pads?

replacing the ATM fluid and rear diff fluid are on my DIY list already..!

 

[markjay]

Nice vid.

The rear light cluster fault must have been a 'known issue' - possibly there's a WIS document regarding this etc - if they replaced them both FOC on your 09 plate car?

 

[190]

The rear light cluster earthing issue is well known in the US where it's a recall on safety grounds. I keep meaning to look at mine and possibly add an extra earth wire. Given the problem is overheating due to inadequate gauge of wire I've consciously avoided having the brake lights on for too long. Perhaps US drivers sit at stop lights for a long time with brake lights on making the problem more prevalent over there. I have tended to avoid that even when I had an auto out of courtesy to the driver behind.

 

[Houstonrice]

yes, they have replaced both sides for my 09 plate; all light bulbs, both bulb holders, the entire sets of cables and the harnesses. Somehow, it seems that they have replaced the tail lights as well, as the pre-occupied scratches are now gone for both sides.

any advice for the rear brake discs/pad DIY??

 

[grober]

The rear light cluster earthing issue is well known in the US where it's a recall on safety grounds. I keep meaning to look at mine and possibly add an extra earth wire. Given the problem is overheating due to inadequate gauge of wire I've consciously avoided having the brake lights on for too long. Perhaps US drivers sit at stop lights for a long time with brake lights on making the problem more prevalent over there. I have tended to avoid that even when I had an auto out of courtesy to the driver behind.

I suspect that the brake lights are on if the hold facility is used????

 

[190]

any advice for the rear brake discs/pad DIY??

There are special tools for retracting caliper pistons but I've always managed using a G cramp.