How to Replace the Brake Pads on a 2004 C230 Sport

1. Park the C230 on a flat surface, turn off the engine and apply the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with the tire iron or 18-mm socket and breaker bar. Place tire blocks behind the rear tires to prevent the Mercedes from rolling backward while the front of the vehicle is elevated.
3. Place the floor jack under one of the lifting points on the frame of the C230. Look for the section of the undercarriage near the side skirts of the vehicle--do not place the jack under the fender as the body material is not strong enough to bear the weight of the car.
4. Lift the front of the Mercedes until the front tires are at least 3 inches off the ground. Place jack stands under the axles and lower the car onto the stands. Remove the lug nuts and take the front wheels/tires off.
5. Remove the two caliper bolts with the 12-mm socket and ratchet. The caliper brackets the brake rotor and rake pads. The bolts are located on the back side of the caliper, near the outer edge. Lift the caliper from the rotor and caliper bridge. Rest the caliper on top of the steering arm; do not let the caliper hang by the brake line.
6. Pull the top edge of each brake pad from the caliper bridge.
7. Inspect the brake rotor for scoring and the caliper bridge for cracks and warping. Severely scored rotors should be replaced immediately. Replace the caliper bridge if necessary.
8. Place the new brake pads into the slots of the caliper bridge.
9. Place the caliper press against the caliper piston extending from the inside of the brake caliper. Force the piston into the side of the caliper to make room for the new brake pads. Remove the tool once the caliper piston is depressed within the side of the caliper.
10. Place the caliper over the brake pads and caliper bridge. Screw in the caliper bolts by hand before tightening them with the 12-mm socket and ratchet. Return the wheel to the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Move to the opposite side of the car and replace the other set of brake pads.
11. Lift the front of the Mercedes with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the front tires to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with the 18-mm socket and ratchet.