Changing pads on clk 04 plate need advice please

[CRA166 T]

hey this is my first post so go easy

right i need to change my read brake pads ive got the new pads and sensors ready to go on but a friend of mine said something about a tool needed to compress the cylinders back in when putting the new pads on is this true can i not just push them in myself like ive done on previouse cars ?

also is it a difficult operation ive never worked on a mercedes before only a few small cars

thanx anyone that can help me

 

[GeorgeA]

This link is a similar question to yours:
http://forums.mercedesclub.org.uk/showthread.php?t=39943

I do not think there is a requirement for any special tools to replace disks/pads the principle is the same for all cars.

 

[Mr Teddy Bear]

Good idea to use a bleed kit then the dirty fluid in the caliper get expelled into a jar. Also a good idea to have a pressure fluid change afterward too!

 

[wireman]

The special tool (caliper wind back tool) is required for cars which use the disk for parking as well as service brakes (Ford Jag), there is a screwed assembly around the caliper cylinder for the mechanical parking brake actuator which must be rotated back into position as the pistons are retracted, as opposed to the good old fashioned seperate drum inside the disk system where just carefully pushing the pistons back is the order of the day.

As Teddy said let the old fluid go to waste, you dont realy want to push dirty old tired fluid back into the reservoir via the very expensive ABS unit. MB schedule fluid changes annualy, best just after winter. If your bleed niples are at all tatty replace them at the same time, it can be a real sickener to have one sieze and snap off.

 

[brandwooddixon]

I'm not sure what braking system that you have on your vehicle, but some of the later models require that you disconnect the battery and pump the brake pedal a few times before attempting to work on the system.

Something to do with an emergency brake assist feature I believe that is still active even without the engine running and can result in damaged fingers.

Best to search the forums.