C180 Front Brakes

[HRNichol]

I am about to change the front discs and pads on my 1998 C180 Estate. The Haynes Manual states that you must also change the caliper bolts and the disc retaining screws when you do this job - however the bolts do not seem that easy to come by, even from the Mercedes dealer!

My local 'fast fit' brake garage explained that you do not need to replace the bolts, but must clean them and then refit with new thread locking compound. This is to stop them shaking loose in use.

Is this advice correct  - I do not want to risk it with my brakes!!!

 

[Andy]

Hi

The info the Kwif fit guy gave you is correct. Very rarely do we change the caliper bolts. But make sure thread lock is used when refiting the bolts.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[Matt Crooke]

Talking about Threadlock, on previous cars, this was never mentioned, however it seems whenever a nut is loosened on a merc, it either needs to be replaced or Threadlock used. Is this just a merc trait?

 

[dave elcome]

Matt.

I think it stems from MB's past obsession with over engineering. The calipe bolts on mine are the same set up as on Nissans, but they never recommended locking fluid.

Don't get me wrong' i'm not knocking the use of it, but i sometimes wonder!!

 

[simon]

It is simply good engineering practise,belt & braces.Brakes are a crucial factor on any modern car.
Follow the Haynes advice & clean out the female threadswith an old bolt with a V cut longitudinally down the threaded portion, before refitting the original bolt & Loctite.
Ernest Sidesman

 

[Matt Crooke]

I shall invest in a tube me thinks.....