How to Change the Front Brake Pads on a #039;82 Mercedes Benz 300


New 'shoes' for your Mercedes
1. With wooden blocks, bricks or cinder blocks, chock the rear wheels of your Mercedes 300 to keep it from rolling backward.
2. Use the lug nut wrench to loosen the front wheel lug nuts on both front wheels, but do not remove the lug nuts completely.
3. Use the floor jack to lift the front end of the vehicle and lower the vehicle frame securely onto the jack stands. Remove the wheel lug nuts and remove the wheels.
4. Remove the cap from the master cylinder located on the brake assister manifold mounted on the driver's side of the firewall.
5. Locate the bolts that secure the brake caliper onto the spindle. The bolts are located on the back of the caliper. Due to the vehicle's age, the bolts might be rust-welded. Spray the bolts with a penetrating oil like WD-40 or Liquid Wrench and let the bolts sit for one hour. This reduces the possibility of breaking a bolt. After one hour, remove the bolts that secure the caliper with a socket and ratchet.
6. Pull the caliper off the brake rotor and pull front brake pad out of the caliper. Do not remove the back brake pad at this time.
7. Place a pair of pliers over the rear brake pad and over the back side of the caliper. Squeeze the brake pad into the caliper with the pliers. This pushes the brake caliper piston back into the caliper and provides sufficient room to install the new pads. Discard the back brake pad.
8. Place the new brake pads into the brake caliper. Slide the caliper over the rotor while you hold the pads in place.
9. Thread the bolts into the brake caliper and tighten them with the socket and ratchet.
10. Repeat the process on the passenger side.
11. Place the wheels onto the Mercedes and tighten the lug nuts by hand. Use the floor jack to lift the Mercedes off the jack stands and remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
12. Place the cap on the Mercedes' master cylinder and press on the brake pedal to seat the new pads.