Caliper Change (with SBC) W211

[MercManW211]

Hi

My 2005 E Class (E280 / W211 / OM642) is due an MOT and when doing my annual checks prior to taking it for a test I've noticed my Front Right (Off Side) caliper is sticking. I knew something wasn't right as I felt some wobbling especially whilst braking but presumed it was warped discs (which are being replaced next week anyway).

All the tell tale signs are there, a tonne of brake dust compared to other wheels, hot disc/hub even after a short drive around town and the inside of the disc is trashed. The outside is fine hence why I don't think I noticed it sooner.

I've owned this car for over 4 years and changed discs & pads a couple of times due to the mileage I do. I've always disconnected both main and auxiliary batteries prior to starting any repairs and never had any issues. I haven't stripped the caliper down yet but assume the seal has perished and has allowed corrosion to take place on the piston.

I'd happily change the caliper myself but then comes the difficult process of bleeding the new or refurbed caliper. I don't own Star/XENTRY but have a icarsoft MB V2.0 which apparently has the ability to do it (I've found the option but was reluctant to start the process until battery charger, pressure bleeder etc is in place).

I rang the two Mercedes Benz specialists I know of in area, both of which can't even look at my car for 4 and 7 weeks respectively.

So now I have a few options;

1) Not use the car for over a month until the specialists can fit me in.

2) Attempt the process using my MB scan tool whilst not knowing if it REALLY has the ability to do it, correctly.

*It can identify my SBC unit (Make/Serial number) and brings up the red warning on dash when I go into that submenu to look at various SBC functions - maybe a bleed process isn't too farfetched?

3) Purchase STAR/XENTRY from somewhere - if so, any suggestions? Looking on Ebay there is so many different products I don't know what I need or who is legit. It also seems a bit overkill for one job.

In terms of the actual bleed procedure I've poured over PDFs / Youtube / Forums in order to learn and understand the actual process. I did the same when completely flushing my transmission a couple of years ago and so see this as a similar level of difficulty - maybe naively?

Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. I am at a loss of where to go next but will not rush in to anything either.

Thank you

 

[Matt58]

Hi

My 2005 E Class (E280 / W211 / OM642) is due an MOT and when doing my annual checks prior to taking it for a test I've noticed my Front Right (Off Side) caliper is sticking. I knew something wasn't right as I felt some wobbling especially whilst braking but presumed it was warped discs (which are being replaced next week anyway).

All the tell tale signs are there, a tonne of brake dust compared to other wheels, hot disc/hub even after a short drive around town and the inside of the disc is trashed. The outside is fine hence why I don't think I noticed it sooner.

I've owned this car for over 4 years and changed discs & pads a couple of times due to the mileage I do. I've always disconnected both main and auxiliary batteries prior to starting any repairs and never had any issues. I haven't stripped the caliper down yet but assume the seal has perished and has allowed corrosion to take place on the piston.

I'd happily change the caliper myself but then comes the difficult process of bleeding the new or refurbed caliper. I don't own Star/XENTRY but have a icarsoft MB V2.0 which apparently has the ability to do it (I've found the option but was reluctant to start the process until battery charger, pressure bleeder etc is in place).

I rang the two Mercedes Benz specialists I know of in area, both of which can't even look at my car for 4 and 7 weeks respectively.

So now I have a few options;

1) Not use the car for over a month until the specialists can fit me in.

2) Attempt the process using my MB scan tool whilst not knowing if it REALLY has the ability to do it, correctly.

*It can identify my SBC unit (Make/Serial number) and brings up the red warning on dash when I go into that submenu to look at various SBC functions - maybe a bleed process isn't too farfetched?

3) Purchase STAR/XENTRY from somewhere - if so, any suggestions? Looking on Ebay there is so many different products I don't know what I need or who is legit. It also seems a bit overkill for one job.

In terms of the actual bleed procedure I've poured over PDFs / Youtube / Forums in order to learn and understand the actual process. I did the same when completely flushing my transmission a couple of years ago and so see this as a similar level of difficulty - maybe naively?

Any suggestions or help would be greatly appreciated. I am at a loss of where to go next but will not rush in to anything either.

Thank you

Hello mercman, I bleed my front calipers on my 211 E55 after having them refurbished, I j unplugged SBC unit and used pressure bleeder hooked up to brake fluid resevoir. I know it’s not ideal as you don’t get ride of the old fluid from the pump, but I needed the car for work, and it seemed to work well, I later had the whole system flushed. The bleeer I used had a resevoir of brake fluid, so it replaced what I bleed out, I realise my calipers are different to yours, but the same principal I would have though.t. I too have icarsoft, but didn’t think you could bleed complete or even partial system. Hope that’s of some help, someone on forum with greater knowledge than myself may not agree or might have a different solution.

 

[Supernoodle]

Same as above for me too. I had a MOT looming and needed to change both rear calipers on my S211. With SBC disconnected I just used a Sealey pressurised brake bleeder connected to the reservoir. No faffing with a diag tool.
That was two years ago and had no problems since.

 

[MercManW211]

Thank you both for your replies and your individual experiences!

When speaking to the specialist on the phone he said not attempt a bleed under any circumstances without the 'correct kit' as I will NEVER get any pressure back in the brake pedal.
Whilst I agree things could probably go that badly, I think he was talking about bleeding brakes the traditional way with a guy pumping the pedal and topping up the fluid, instead of a pressure bleeder etc.

I also didn't tell him which caliper it was and front right is either the last or second to last caliper to be bled anyway using the official process (as you have to start at the rear furthest away). I'm mentioning this because I've read alot more success stories from people changing & bleeding front calipers than rear calipers - in terms of pedal pressure, error codes etc.

How did you both stop the flow of brake fluid when swapping calipers, with hose clamps/mole grips?

Thanks

 

[Matt58]

Thank you both for your replies and your individual experiences!

When speaking to the specialist on the phone he said not attempt a bleed under any circumstances without the 'correct kit' as I will NEVER get any pressure back in the brake pedal.
Whilst I agree things could probably go that badly, I think he was talking about bleeding brakes the traditional way with a guy pumping the pedal and topping up the fluid, instead of a pressure bleeder etc.

I also didn't tell him which caliper it was and front right is either the last or second to last caliper to be bled anyway using the official process (as you have to start at the rear furthest away). I'm mentioning this because I've read alot more success stories from people changing & bleeding front calipers than rear calipers - in terms of pedal pressure, error codes etc.

How did you both stop the flow of brake fluid when swapping calipers, with hose clamps/mole grips?

Thanks

Yes you’re correct, offside front is the last to bleed. In regards to stopping flow off brake fluid, I wrapped some plastic around neck of resevoir and screwed cap on, but I’d bought a second hand pair of front calipers, as the wait time on getting them refurbished was to long to have the car off the road, so that meant I could quickly change them over. But I was always going to have someone bleed the whole system through star at a later date.

 

[ToeKnee]

Years ago I bought a Delphi 150e diagnostic system off eBay, and although it only works on cars up to 2014 it did have a setting to be able to bleed the SBC brakes in my old R230 SL. HTH

 

[Supernoodle]

I used a pair of mole grips on the hose, with a piece of rubber for protection. As I was swapping calipers over I didn't completely squish the hose, I didn't mind losing a bit of fluid.

If you need brake parts I can recommend www.brakeparts.co.uk . Often their ebay site is cheaper than their main website.

Security measure

www.ebay.co.uk

 

[Supernoodle]

Years ago I bought a Delphi 150e diagnostic system off eBay, and although it only works on cars up to 2014 it did have a setting to be able to bleed the SBC brakes in my old R230 SL. HTH

I bought one a little while ago too. Far better for looking at/logging live data than an icarsoft, just not as convenient. The update rate is so much better and you can view the data nicely.

 

[MercManW211]

Yes you’re correct, offside front is the last to bleed. In regards to stopping flow off brake fluid, I wrapped some plastic around neck of resevoir and screwed cap on, but I’d bought a second hand pair of front calipers, as the wait time on getting them refurbished was to long to have the car off the road, so that meant I could quickly change them over. But I was always going to have someone bleed the whole system through star at a later date.

I see, mine will be disconnected a little longer than yours in that case. I'm going to strip and assess my caliper as I'd rather fit the original rebuilt Bosch caliper over an aftermarket brand. But if its damaged I'll either buy a replacement piston or entire caliper. Shortly after I'll have the system properly bled, as you did.

 

[MercManW211]

Years ago I bought a Delphi 150e diagnostic system off eBay, and although it only works on cars up to 2014 it did have a setting to be able to bleed the SBC brakes in my old R230 SL. HTH

The only Delphi 150e diagnostic I've found is £1300? I take it you didn't pay anywhere close to this or you'd have bought Star?

 

[MercManW211]

I used a pair of mole grips on the hose, with a piece of rubber for protection. As I was swapping calipers over I didn't completely squish the hose, I didn't mind losing a bit of fluid.

If you need brake parts I can recommend www.brakeparts.co.uk . Often their ebay site is cheaper than their main website.

Security measure

www.ebay.co.uk

I think I've bought most of the things I should need. I bought some plastic scissor looking hose clamps to hopefully reduce the risk of any damage. They'll need to be in place a while to allow me time to mess around with the caliper.

I've never used that website before but fairly sure I've purchased items from them on ebay. Good to know they have a dedicated site because sometimes looking for specific parts on ebay is a vortex!!

 

[ToeKnee]

The only Delphi 150e diagnostic I've found is £1300? I take it you didn't pay anywhere close to this or you'd have bought Star?

I paid less than £15. Seems like they're not on sale anymore, probably because they only do cars up to 2014. Have you looked at wish or Ali express for the 150e?

 

[ToeKnee]

Double post...

 

[Supernoodle]

The only Delphi 150e diagnostic I've found is £1300? I take it you didn't pay anywhere close to this or you'd have bought Star?

Have a look on Aliexpress.

Edit: oops, just seen that was suggested already.

 

[MercManW211]

I've been working my way through changing both front and rear discs & pads (and handbrake shoes since I accidentally broke one!) and I was saving the problem child for last (front right caliper).

Looking at the piston seal it seems fine, but I will replace it anyway now I have all the bits.

I think the problem has been caused by an extremely stuck slide pin (bottom one with small o ring seal). I remember seeing the bottom one covered in rust before so I replaced them when I last did my front discs & pads - but this time it was even worse. Clearly the new boots & slide pins didn't fix the problem and mosture has crept in and gunked everything up.

I've went at the caliper carrier with everything I have, sand paper on a drill bit, brass & steel bore brushes on a drill and everything in between. The hole was extremely pitted and it has definitely improved but still isn't ideal. The slide pin had similiar treatment and is moving quite well in the hole without any lubrication (as of yet).

I'm going to ring mercedes tomorrow and see how many pounds of flesh they want for some new slide pins failing that I'll get some online but I want the car back on the road asap. A frozen slide pin would explain the awful brake judder and uneven wear to the discs & pads. Front bearing which I've already replaced didn't sound too great so it's probably taken that down with it.

I'm going to replace slide pins as mentioned but what are your thoughts on persevering with the caliper carrier? I've cleaned it up alot but maybe it's done.

Has anyone else noticed similiar issues? My nearside carrier seemed fine.
I intend to use this carrier until I get a replacement from a scrapyard but not much point if its a common problem.

I'll attach some pictures. Thanks

 

[MercManW211]

Couple more

 

[MrGreedy]

Good effort. I love doing these types of jobs (when I have access to a second car!).

Have you been able to price up a new caliper carrier by any chance? might* not be too expensive if one is available?





*

 

[OneForTheRoad]

I got new pins fitting kit from brakes international, didn't cost much One of them should have a rubber insert .

I'd dress up the carrier hole with rolled up emery cloth.

£15 .

 

[OneForTheRoad]

Cheaper on eBay , same company.

 

[MercManW211]

I've called multiple places this morning to try and get some today.

Mercedes said they came with the caliper bracket/carrier - how much? £300.

Euro Car Parts (who in my opinion aren't worth using anymore) couldn't get them until tomorrow and wanted £59!!

GSF car parts don't stock them at all.

I will now be buying some online, thanks for the suggestions.