Brake Fluid, Brake Pad and Caliper Installation Information
A. Brake Fluid (DOT-4)M-B brake fluid will now be available only in 0.75 and 5 liter containers. Supplies of the 0.5 and 1 liter containers should be used up.
Brake fluid is produced in a clear or yellow tint and should be stored by itself, clearly separated from other fluids, and dispensed only from its original container.
Do not contaminate the brake system with oil or grease when performing brake system maintenance such as: bleeding, adding or changing of brake fluid, and repair of brake system components. Before checking or replacing the brake fluid, clean oil or grease from hands. Even traces of it in the master cylinder will result in the swelling of the rubber cups in a short period of time.
If mineral oil contamination is indicated, by the swelling of the reservoir cap gasket, the entire brake system (including the reservoir) must be thoroughly flushed with new brake fluid and the master brake cylinder replaced, or rebuilt with all new rubber parts (repair kit).
CAUTION: The wide-spread practice of cleaning the reservoir (e.g. when replacing the master cylinder) in a "Solvent filled parts-washer" can be detrimental to the seals, due to the usually high accumulation of oil and grease in the solvent. Use only clean denatured or isopropyl alcohol for cleaning of brake parts.
WARNING: During vehicle operation, the boiling point of the brake fluid is continuously lowered by the absorption of moisture from the atmosphere. Under extreme operating conditions, the moisture content can lead to the formation of vapor in the system, thus reducing the system's efficiency. The brake fluid must therefore be replaced every year (preferably in the spring).
After replacing the brake fluid, enter it in the maintenance booklet and affix the "Renewal of brake fluid" sticker to the brake booster, noting the next required replacement. In addition, be sure to inform the customer when the next brake fluid change is necessary.
IMPORTANT: Handle brake fluid with care. For additional information, refer to the service microfiche, job no. 42-010.
Parts Information
Part Name Container Part Number
M-B brake fluid 0.75 liter 000 989 07 07 10
(DOT 4) 5.0 liter 000 989 07 07 13
B. Installation of Brake Pads
Please observe the following points, when installing brake pads:
1. We only recommend the installation of factory-approved brake pads.
NOTE: The factory-approved brake pads for our various models conform fully to all Federal and State legislation on the subject. Always refer to the latest Parts Microfiche for the respective part numbers.
2. In vehicles with brake pad wear indicator, the brake pad sensor need only be replaced if damaged, if conductor is exposed, or if the insulation of the sensor pin has been worn off by the brake rotor.
FIGURE 1 TOP:MANUFACTURER IDBOTTOM:BATCH NUMBER:
3. White numbers (usually four digits) stamped on the brake pad backing plate, identify the particular batch from where the brake lining material originated (Figure 1). It is essential that only brake pads having the same batch numbers are installed in both front brake calipers. This helps to avoid pulling tendencies, due to differing coefficients of friction. Brake pads should be exchanged in sets only (1 set = 4 pads).
4. The brake caliper pistons should be retracted only with Piston Return Pliers, Special Tool No. 000 589 52 43 00. If inappropriate tools are used, there is a danger of damaging the piston or the dust seal. On a car with brake pad sensors, avoid pinching the cable or cable guard.
5. The brake pads should be removed only with the following tools:
Impact puller - 123 589 06 33 00 or Seized brake pad puller - 123 589 07 33 00
6. Before installing new brake pads, brake discs that are greasy, rusted or discolored (blue-black) must be sanded to a bright finish with a cleaning pad (Special Tool No. 115 589 00 28 00, 116 589 00 28 00, or 115 589 01 28 00). Refer to the Special Tool Microfiche for model application.
FIGURE 2 COAT EDGES OF BACKING PLATE WITH MB BRAKE PAD PASTE. (PART NO. 001 989 10 51):
7. Apply a light coat of heat-resistant lubricant (MB Brake Pad Paste, Part No. 001 989 10 51) to the edges (arrows, Fig. 2) of the backing plate, before installing the brake pad. This will reduce brake squealing and ease brake pad removal.
FIGURE 3:
8. When installing brake pads in the floating brake caliper, ensure that the spring clip
(16) is parallel to the upper edge of the brake lining. The cylinder housing (2 0) must be fastened with a new self-locking bolt on the anchor plate (21). Refer to Fig. 3.
FIGURE 4 A = TAB (SPRING RETAINER):
9. When replacing a cross spring (ATE) or pad retaining spring (Bendix, Girling) on fixed brake calipers, make sure that the correct spring is installed. Refer to the table on page 6. This table also applies to model 126.043 (rear brakes only).
10. Always refer to the service microfiche when installing brake pads. (Brakes, job no. 42-160)
C. Installation of Brake Calipers
When fastening the brake caliper to the steering knuckle or wheel support, the following should be observed:
1. The Self-locking bolts must only be used once.
2. In case of repairs on models 107, 114, 115, and 116, always install the brake calipers with the locking plate, even if self-locking bolts are used. If the locking plate is not used, the self-locking bolts may contact the mounting bore chamfers on older calipers. New calipers have a decreased chamfer angle on the mounting bores, eliminating the need for the locking plate.
The locking plates are included in the respective repair kits or can be ordered individually.