W211 Brake pad change

[Alexsdad]

Hey All.

I’m wanting to change the pads on my 05 E320, and after watching many YouTube videos about this SBC system I’m confusing the hell out of myself… is there a simple way, for a bloke on his driveway to do this simple task, without needing to buy specialist code readers etc??

The car keeps flagging up brake wear visit workshop, my driveway has always been my workshop!!

From a confused E class owner

 

[Wearsafoxhat]

You could unplug the SBC unit or remove the fuse for it.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[Alexsdad]

What, so just unplug under the bonnet? I’m guessing just change pads like normal then. Would I pump the brake pedal before plugging it back in again, or afterward. As I said I’ve what a few different YouTube vids on it, and confused myself now

 

[AMGeed]

Yes, its possible to do the pad change without code readers or disabling the SBC pump.

Open the bonnet to gain access to the brake fluid cylinder, then lock the doors and put the keys in the house where they won't be touched. Do not open the doors or boot and activate the pump.

Push the pistons back using a decent size screwdriver against the pads making sure the master cylinder won't overflow. If in doubt, draw some fluid out using a plastic syringe. (The ones in Calpol bottles do the job very well) Make sure the master cylinder never runs low or overflows.
When finished, top up the master cylinder, start the car and press the brake pedal a couple of times to push the pistons out.

 

[Alexsdad]

Many thanks, I’ve changed disks/pad etc in the past, and this system on my e class is a new learning curve to me!!! So thought good olde YouTube… and all that done was confuse the hell out of me even more!!! Will get the pads ordered from ECP tomorrow, and give it a go one evening this week

 

[AMGeed]

Many thanks, I’ve changed disks/pad etc in the past, and this system on my e class is a new learning curve to me!!! So thought good olde YouTube… and all that done was confuse the hell out of me even more!!! Will get the pads ordered from ECP tomorrow, and give it a go one evening this week

I was in your position with my previous W211 and let my indy do the job whilst having a service done.
I watched him closely, and afterwards would have no issue tackling the job myself.
As long as the SBC pump isn't activated its no different to any other brake pad change.
Good luck.

 

[pgh13]

I've done it a couple of times; just pulled the multi connector off the SBC unit

 

[Alexsdad]

cheers all, just ordered the parts from ECP they had another sale on (surprise, surprise). Will have a go Saturday with this

 

[V6Matty]

Are EPC sales like DFS???

 

[00slk]

Are EPC sales like DFS???

Hopefully EPC are better quality

 

[Blobcat]

Hopefully EPC are better quality

It's good to dream...

 

[AMGeed]

cheers all, just ordered the parts from ECP they had another sale on (surprise, surprise). Will have a go Saturday with this

Make sure when fitting the pads that they are a loose fit in the caliper and not difficult to push in place.
The Brembo pads I fitted to my previous E55 needed the paint filing off on the outer pad edge as they were a tight fit.
Don't forget a dab of brake grease on the back of the pads and the edges too.

 

[Alexsdad]

Cheers for all the advice, going to have a go at this on the olde driveway tomorrow. I’ll be honest I’ve been changing brakes on cars for almost 30 years, and this set up on this E class is making me nervous!’

 

[Alexsdad]

Brakes all done ‘yay!!!’ Followed the step posted on here, started her up, and no warnings on the panel!! Just took her out for a test run, and the passenger wheel feels hotter than the drivers, hopefully it’ll bed itself into place.

Cheers for answering the post, YouTube sometimes makes you doubt yourself doing things like this

 

[AMGeed]

Keep an eye on the wheel running hot.
The pad may not be retracting when the brakes are let off.
A bit of filing may be in order.

Glad everything went to plan.