Rear Brake Pads

[Vangogh]

Just had the E350 MOT'ed. Got an advisory on rear brake pads. Think I might do the job myself. Is there anything I should be aware of?

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Vangogh the best thing for you is to look at the videos on youtube
Put in the google search - Youtube C350D Rear Brake pad replacement ..
This is better in video than explaining .And you can keep watching it over and over if need be ..
Take a picture on all the stages so you know just how to replace the parts .
Also remember this is a job for experienced owner mechanics .. that know all about how the brakes work . And and not for some one that as no knowledge of the brake systems. These brakes need to be right 100% .. Your life and others depends on them..

 

[Vangogh]

Thanks D. No2. I thought this job might be a bit beyond me. You are quite right that this has to be done correctly.
Better contact my local Indie M.B. man.
Thanks. Tony

 

[LostKiwi]

To be fair it's not THAT difficult. The most important thing is to understand what you're doing before you start and reassemble everything exactly as it came apart.

 

[Yugguy]

Brakes are relatively easy as long as you are sensible, I have done them on many, many cars. Definitely a job that a home mechanic can do and save loads on labour costs.

 

[Yugguy]

From my focus a couple of years back. Done my front pads and disks on my w204.

 

[Frosty149]

It is a doable job, just give yourself plenty of time, make sure you have all you need tool wise to hand, and as above, google some videos first to be sure your confident.
You will need axle stands, a small amount of brake grease and some aerosol brake cleaner, apart from the pads of course.
Be brave, you'll get help here if you find something unexpected!
Take a few reference pictures before dismantling if it helps.
And remember that the first few applications of the brake may need to be pumped and things will need to bed in...

 

[Yugguy]

A push/wind back tool for the piston makes things a little easier.

 

[DREAMER NO2]

Thanks D. No2. I thought this job might be a bit beyond me. You are quite right that this has to be done correctly.
Better contact my local Indie M.B. man.
Thanks. Tony

Watch the video first on youtube .......

 

[Wighty]

Anyone that wants to start working on their own car has got to start somewhere , rear brake pads as a job is as good as any . From the advice above , read up on the job, watch YouTube,read forums, buy a Haynes manual for your car .
Don't start the job the day before you need it for work , also think twice about doing it on a Sunday when some parts places (Main dealer parts dept) may be shut .
I always like to have a spare car available because something always happens unexpectedly or you haven't got all the tools .
My main bit of advice is try and avoid causing any damage or doing something that can't be reversed so you can then drive it to an Indy to do the work .

 

[Yugguy]

Aye, the only complication with rears over fronts can be if the handbrake uses the same pads as the normal brake, but if the handbrake only works on its own pads inside the disc then that complication goes away if you are only doing pads.

 

[Vangogh]

Thanks for all the advice. Went to my MB indie he reckons about £100 for the job. With new sensor. He also said in his opinion there was about 3000 - 4000 miles left on the pads, so as I have only done 3000 miles since the last test not quite so urgent.

 

[Yugguy]

100 quid is a fair price, is that genuine pads?

 

[John Laidlaw]

Very fair indeed if they are original pads

 

[Wighty]

Thanks for all the advice. Went to my MB indie he reckons about £100 for the job. With new sensor. He also said in his opinion there was about 3000 - 4000 miles left on the pads, so as I have only done 3000 miles since the last test not quite so urgent.

Get them done an week before your next mot then . Why do today what you can put off for a year