Procedure for Changing Pads

[Baron_Samedi]

Hi,

If... I were to set about the brake pads on my W209, would I need to use STAR or similar to back off the ABS pump?

On VW's (pffft) like the Passat you should reset the ABS in VAG-COM before working.

I was wondering if MB have a similar requirement or whether you can jump straight in and lever (gently) back the brake pistons?

Oh and do you need a special tool to back off the rear brake pistons?

Ta

 

[wemorgan]

Hi,
Oh and do you need a special tool to back off the rear brake pistons?

A piece of wood roughly 30cm long worked well for me

 

[Baron_Samedi]

So a pronged tool to rotate the pistons back into the shell is not a requirement then

 

[wemorgan]

Do you mean, how do you push the pads up against the pistons so that the new pads fit over the discs?

 

[SilverSaloon]

get a bit of wood that covers the piston and then a large-ish strong G clamp, then just tighten away until the pistons are pushed flush so the pads slide in easily. No idea whether STAR is needed but i've not heard of it and read "howto's" on 2003 MLs that dont mention star.

i wouldnt worry about it. might be worth phonig Kwikfit to see if they would do the job. if they would, then that means No STAR as those guys definatly wont have it!! then you are free to do the job yourself.

 

[stats007]

Some calipers like Citroens need the pistons winding back in - Mercs don't (on the ones I've done at any rate).

Easier to push the pistons back with the reservoir cap off and a rag in case any fluid rises. Just do it gently.

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Nice info gents,

So... we can be relatively certain that the ABS doesn't need to be in a "nulled" condition to allow brake fluid to traverse the pipes and hoses upto the brake fluid reservoir (opened and protected) to allow removal of excess fluid.

Cool!

 

[stats007]

I think this only applies to SBC equipped cars.

 

[Baron_Samedi]

Sounds fair to me