W211 Changing disc pads

[seabadger]

Can anyone tell me how best to disable the SBC on the new E Class before attempting disc and pad changes. I've got 85k up and need to act soon.

I've read about several options:-

"Options so far are a startac computer (I don't have one), the official routine which involves lifting the whole car and rotating certain wheels in a specific format (Whats this?), disconnecting the pump SBC plug (An indie did this when towing my car but I dont know whether they reset it on the computer later) or disconnecting both batteries (does it need a computer to reset things when reconnecting?)"

Did the writer do it himself or bottle out and take it in to the garage?

 

[television]

Hello and welcome, I will have the same problem soon, I do everything myself where I can.
The MB progamer puts them into the sleep mode, you then wait 15 mins and disconnect both batteries. After the work you re program the SBC system.

Now as far as I can see if the batteries were disconnected and the pedal pumped a few times this must de pressurise the system.

There is a bit in WIS that says if you want to do it yourself,ask the MB dealer.

any thoughts

Malcolm

 

[jberks]

Did the writer do it himself or bottle out and take it in to the garage?

I bottled - sorry!

 

[seabadger]

W211 Brake pad changing

Hi Malcolm and thanks for the welcome,

The MB dealer said 'Book it in' and told me scary stories about pistons coming out of the caliper if there was any voltage drop whilst doing the work. They would probably charge 1 hour for each end @ £98.50/hr + VAT.

Parts prices as follows

Pads, discs and bolts for front end total £198.13 inc VAT

Pads, discs, bolts and sensors for back end total £141.97 inc VAT

Parts prices are reasonable enough but I'd rather do the job myself. Too much hassle - booking in, getting there, loan car and getting back etc.

It's a great pity that MB have just about eradicated any home maintanence jobs. Have you done an oil change yet?

I'm hoping that Jberks has the answer!

Regards

 

[television]

In the next couple of days I will read all of the MB WIS pad changing info.

I think the storry you was told is incorrect, if the SBC goes down of fails you still have normal brakes. If the SBC pump was unpluged then there is nothing to push the pistons out.

The chances are that I will buy a diagnostic MB dedicated reader. OK nearly £2k or some are £2.5k but over the period that I own the car it could earn its keep,plus I could do fault finding for other people.

Malcolm

 

[seabadger]

Malcolm,

You are right - with the SBC plug disconnected the brakes worked fine - much to my relief cos I was steering the dead Merc in the tow. What I don't know was whether they reset the system on the computer before giving me the car back.

If I disconnect the SBC plug to do the brakes, can I just reconnect it after the job is done? If I need a computer to reset anything I'll finish up having to take it in.

Cheers

 

[television]

Malcolm,

You are right - with the SBC plug disconnected the brakes worked fine - much to my relief cos I was steering the dead Merc in the tow. What I don't know was whether they reset the system on the computer before giving me the car back.

If I disconnect the SBC plug to do the brakes, can I just reconnect it after the job is done? If I need a computer to reset anything I'll finish up having to take it in.

Cheers

There are two ways to look at this. as I said earlier, if the batteries were disconnected as they have to be anyway. What wrong with pumping the brake pedal 50 times to dispence with any pressure. carefully prise back the old pads, if they go back easily then it is safe, and the new ones can go in.

If the SBC plug was withdrawn, it may record a fault, but I do not see why as it is no different to disconnecting the batterries. At the worst you may have to drive to an indie or MB and ask them to switch it on or clear the code.

What do you think. I always use the EBC Red ceramic pads they work well and help to keep the wheels clean, they do them for the rear now as well

Malcolm

 

[type49]

Disconnecting the SBC "should" in thery, prevent anything happening to the calipers whilst repair work is being carried out. However, 200 bar of brake fluid pressure will still be stored in the accumilator ( yes 200 ). They're your fingers - be careful!!

 

[television]

Disconnecting the SBC "should" in thery, prevent anything happening to the calipers whilst repair work is being carried out. However, 200 bar of brake fluid pressure will still be stored in the accumilator ( yes 200 ). They're your fingers - be careful!!

Thanks for that,its almost as much as a common rail, I will look at the accumilator in WIS and replacing it or discharging..

Malcolm

 

[seabadger]

Malc,

Sounds plausible. I don't see pads for W211 on the EBC website.

Thanks for the tip. I'll see if I get any other advice.

I'll let you know which option I take.

Cheers

 

[television]

Malc,

Sounds plausible. I don't see pads for W211 on the EBC website.

Thanks for the tip. I'll see if I get any other advice.

I'll let you know which option I take.

Cheers

And I will post anything that I can find over the next couple of days.

malcolm

 

[television]

Have a look here for your pads

http://www.brakes4u.co.uk/categories.asp?cat=5121

Malcolm

 

[GEORGEROV]

Wouldn't worry too much about the stored pressure in the sbc system (or common rail systems for that matter). The pressure is soon alleviated when you dismantle a union . High pressure in common rail systems needed for orifices in the micron/thou range . emergency stop on brake pedal will be near 200 bar(3000 psi).

 

[seabadger]

Malc,
The EBC site only shows standard replacement pads for the W211. I don't think they do the Red ones. I like the idea of dust free pads though.
I'll stick with the Genuine Merc Pads as they come with sensors, replacement bolts and a bit of grease included in the pack. This way I'll stay copper grease free!
Mercedes Front pads £59.30 +Vat.
Just wondering why if the SBC plug is disconnected should it be necessary to disconnect the battery? If you disconnect the battery (which is a hassle in the boot) you have to reprogram side windows, sort the clock out etc.

I did my first oil change yesterday and am pleased that I was able to reset the service indicator just like it says in the book. Sweated a bit getting the oil filter housing unscrewed there isn't much room to get a standard cartridge filter clamp in and turn - even less to tighten up, but I managed it.

Buoyed up with that success I'm definitely going for the Brake Service now.

Cheers

 

[seabadger]

How many batteries has your car got? Mines only got one?

 

[seabadger]

No one will be going near the brake pedal once the calipers are off and I won't be disconnecting any unions on the hydraulic or the vacuum systems.....???????

Can anyone confirm where the sbc plug is?

 

[carabind]

I think you've got two (like me). main one is in the boot, the other I've no idea (but know its far smaller)

 

[carabind]

Don't think keeping people away from just the brake pedal - If teh batteries are still connected , even opening the doors will fire up the SBC pump and pressurise the system and if you handling the caliper then, it could give your fingernails a good trim as the pistons exit with 200 bar of pressure behind them...................

 

[seabadger]

................Is your advice to take the car in to a garage?

 

[seabadger]

..............interesting, but not very helpful.......this must be the invisible emergency backup..........I hear these scary stories in the MB service depts........do you work for MB by any chance?