Replacing Brake Pads on C-Class (W203)

[jon pollard]

How difficult is it to change the brake pads (front and rear) on a W203 C Class? Is it just a case of removing the pins and swapping the pads without removing the calipers? do you need any special tools?

 

[veedweeb]

Quite often on cars with rear discs, you can't push the pistons back into the calipers - you need a special tool to wind them in instead.

The tools are only about £15 and are well worth having.

Not sure about W203s specifically - I've never done them

 

[garethc200k]

front pads on W203

Hi jon
I’ve done the front very easy pull out the pad wear sensors, there are two bolts that hold the calliper unit just remove these, that will allow u to remove the old pads retract the pistons I slacken the bleed nipple off, it’s recommended that u fit new wear sensors and bolts, I just used the old ones. U will need to remove the road wheel and support the car safely I used axle stands and concrete blocks.
I all so replaced the discs with drilled ones just a matter of removing the torx bolt and then a gentle tap to remove the disc ok it was quite a hefty tap. I also painted the callipers; I think it’s improved the look of the car

 

[television]

Hi jon
I’ve done the front very easy pull out the pad wear sensors, there are two bolts that hold the calliper unit just remove these, that will allow u to remove the old pads retract the pistons I slacken the bleed nipple off, it’s recommended that u fit new wear sensors and bolts, I just used the old ones. U will need to remove the road wheel and support the car safely I used axle stands and concrete blocks.
I all so replaced the discs with drilled ones just a matter of removing the torx bolt and then a gentle tap to remove the disc ok it was quite a hefty tap. I also painted the callipers; I think it’s improved the look of the car

And while you are at it, makes a huge difference.



Malcolm

 

[jon pollard]

Gareth, did you have to bleed or mess about with the brake fluid at all? My local garage is quoting 2hrs labour to change front and rear pads which, if it's as simple as you say, seems a tad long in my view. What do you think?

 

[television]

You do not have to undo the bleed nipples, but that is the recomended way.
Your car has to be jacked at each wheel, the wheels removed, pad pins knocked out, brake pipes clamped and niple undone, whole thing cleaned and copper greased, new pads fitted and put back pins,do up bleed niple, top up fluid, and wheel back on, after the 4th wheel do a test drive.

Nothing wrong with two hours to do the job right, I would not want to charge less.


malcolm

 

[garethc200k]

Hi jon
I would agree with television two hours to do front and back seems ok, although if its main dealership ur looking at £200+ parts
If ur prepared to spend some time u can easily do it ur self, if u gently push the pistons back “u might want to use a small g clamp for this” then not opening the bleed should be ok, also the copper slip is a good idea just don’t get it on ur discs or the friction surface of the pads. I’d clean every thing down before u start.
Just take ur time
All the best Gareth