How to Change the Brakes on a 2003 Mercedes C320


1. Loosen the lug nuts with the tire iron or 17 mm socket and ratchet. Lift the Mercedes' tires off the ground with the jack and place jack stands under the wheel axles. Lower the vehicle onto the stands and remove the lug nuts. Take the wheels off.
2. Place a screwdriver into the upper brake pad pins slot and tap the back of the screwdriver to force the pin through the back side of the caliper. Repeat the process for the lower pin.
3. Squeeze the brake pads against the side of the caliper with a pair of channel lock pliers to force the caliper pistons into the sides of the caliper. The pistons press the pads against the rotors during braking. Open the pistons to aid in removing the worn brake pads and rotor, and to make room for the thicker new brake pads.
4. Slide both brake pads from each brake assembly and discard them. Remove the two caliper bolts on the back side of the caliper with a 14 mm socket and ratchet. Lift the caliper from the rotor and rest it on the steering arm above the wheel hub. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake line.
5. Remove the rotor retaining screw with a No. 3 Phillips-head screwdriver. Pull the rotor from the wheel hub. Spray chain lubricant behind the rotor or tap the disc's outer surface with a hammer to remove a stuck rotor.
6. Clean the new rotor and wheel hub with brake parts cleaner and a cloth towel. Place the new rotor onto the wheel hub and align the hole of the disc with the one on the hub for the retaining screw. Replace the screw with the screwdriver.
7. Apply brake grease to the back side of the new brake pads and caliper slide pins. Place the new pads onto the inner sides of the caliper. Place the caliper back over the rotor and screw in the caliper bolts with the 14 mm socket and ratchet.
8. Slide the brake pad pins back into place from the back side of the caliper. Replace the wheel onto the Mercedes' wheel bolts.
9. Repeat steps 2 through 8 for each additional brake that requires changing.
10. Lift the vehicle with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron. Move to the driver's seat.
11. Start the engine. Press the brake pedal slowly to the floor. Release the pedal and depress it two more times until the brake pedal response returns to normal. Pull the hood release lever located under the dashboard on the driver's side and move to the front of the vehicle.
12. Lift the hood. Remove the master cylinder cap located on the right side of the C320's engine. Place a funnel into the container. Fill the reservoir with brake fluid as needed. Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the hood.