1986 190e Brake question

[lipmana]

Hello,

I am going to buy some front brake pads for my 1986 190e. I intend to purchase them from an online Auto Parts Warehouse.

I see that they offer several different brands: Pagid, TRW, Textar. PBR.

1) Are there any quality differences between these brands that you are aware of? Any recommendations and why?

2) I notice that all of the brands but PBR are followed by (OEM). What does this refer to (I am familiar with the term from computer software but do not see the direct analogy here) and what are the implications?

3) Also, for these brakes, for all brands, it states:

"OEM D1256 is the correct match to the OE number. Repco still lists D533 however the D533 is slightly different in the backing plate shape, but will fit."

Does this mean that if I buy these brakes, the garage is likely to say they are the wrong part--or is this more likely to mean that this is the only part available for this vehicle?


4) I have the concern that, no matter what, when I take these pads to a garage and want to pay the fair labor to have them put on, that they will say that the rotors need to be turned, etc. I suspect that this is not the case. Is there any way for me to know whether this would be true before I take it in?

Thanks.

 

[Myros]

Hello again

In order of posting, to the best of my understanding:-

Just different manufacturers ( or sometimes the same manufacturers) and Brand names. The pads may differ slightly in the way they perform/heat up/brake the car. but nothing you should worry about. Some competition type pads don't work that well until warmed, whereas a mild pad delivers from the word go. It's nothing that you couldn't get used to pretty quickly.

OEM probably means the same in your world, ie. Original Equipment Manufacturer. That means they supply MB with pads for fitting at the factory and at the dealers. Quality therefore usually top-flight.

If the suppliers say they ought to fit, they ought to fit. If the garage can't, as opposed to won't, make them fit, then they are the wrong part. If the garage simply won't make them fit, try another garage. The suppliers should have application references which contain scale diagrams of the pads with their dimensions. Get them to show you the diagrams, or even the pads, so that you can compare them before buying. You will be able to spot any gross differences that might make fitting tricky. If you can't see any gross differences, then the likelihood is that they will probably fit. Play safe and go for the one that definitely fits, rather than is just likely to.

If rotor turning in the US is the same as Disk Skimming here, then you should know already that your disks are out of true. This would show up as a "lurchy" feel to braking, and even a pulsing feel to the pedal when applied. If they say that, make them show you why with a run-out gauge( this is a simple piece of kit which measures the trueness of a rotor as it turns) If they haven't one, or won't show you, don't use them, they are amateurs or hop-heads and should be avoided ( unless of course the warping is so gross it can be seen with the naked eye, as per some modified circus clown's car)

If the disks/rotors do need machining, it might be cheaper to buy new.

If you are this worried about your mechies taking you for a ride, I suggest you contact your auto-club/the AAA/your local chamber of commerce/the MB Club USA and see if they can recommend anyone locally to you.


Good luck

 

[anyweb]

hi

why dont you fit the pads yourself it's not that hard at all, you'll just need some spare time and a few spanners

also consider changing the brake discs at the same time espcially if they are worn and rusty

if you need any advice on how to do this ask away or have a look at these pics to give you an idea of how i changed the brake pads/discs on my old 190d (1987 model)

http://anyweb.kicks-ass.net/personal/me/mycar/index4.html

to cut a long story short, jack up the car (after putting bricks etc to stop it rolling/moving) on a flat level surface, remove the wheel, you'll now see the brake pads holder covering the brake disc. That is held in place by two bolts (replacable) which are at the back side of the brake pads holder. remove those bolts and tap it off of the brake disc.

now that it's off you can easily remove the brake pads and insert the two new ones. You may need to use a screwdriver (flat end) to push the hydraulic ring to increase the spacing between the two pads in order to re-fit them over the brake disc.

if you decide to replace the brake discs as well (recommended) then remove the one small screw that holds the disc to the hub (use a turnkey). once it is off you'll have to use a rubber mallet (or hammer) to gently tap the back of the brake disc so that its rusted centre comes loose from the hub. If the brake discs havnt been changed in years then this can take a lot of banging.

once off, replace it with the new brake disc (which you have carefully removed the protective wax off with some white spirits/whatever...). refit the screw to the new brake disc and then reattach the brake pads assembly.

thats a brief description of the job (for the front brakes, slightly diff for the back)

best of luck !

cheers

anyweb