1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE Rear Brake Caliper Rebuild

Making progress on the repair of the rear brakes on this 1970 Mercedes-Benz 280 SE, this video documents a procedure one can use to recondition the brake calipers. The calipers in this application are made by ATE and are of the fixed, two piston type.
As is often the case in older vehicles (and some not so old), the deterioration and subsequent failure of the outer dust boot sets up a corrosion process on the outer piston bore, causing the piston to eventually seize. Typically, there is enough hydraulic pressure to force the piston out against the rotor during braking, but not enough force to make it retract from the rotor.
So the pad(s) remain held against the rotor, eventually burning them up. This is ultimately what happened to this Mercedes on the driver's side rear caliper, outboard piston. The rotor ended up being cherry red it was so hot, making it possible for the car to catch fire. I was fortunate it did not.
Though this video deals with a 1970 W108 chassis Mercedes, many of the concepts, procedures, and tips can be applied to modern vehicles. Especially those vehicles that use two, four, or six piston fixed calipers. Brake calipers are largely identical in basic design and function across different manufacturers and different years. (3/31/2013)

[@ellisdent2841]

Thank you so much, people like you that take the time to show the rest of us your work are very special. thank you for sharing.

[@miker3640]

Thank you for taking the time to so this. I like how you explain every step. You give the DIYer confidence to do these repairs themselves. I am certain you are helping many. Thank you and great job!

[@newdaddyholmes]

Thank you so much for making this video! My caliper was sticking as well and i didnt know where to start. This is exactly what i needed. Great job!

[@johnnythumper409]

You did a great job. I am very grateful. Wonderful demonstration. I hope you do more. I own a 1977 450 sl. and I need all the help I can get. Once again "GREAT JOB'

[@lysippus]

classic auto repair can be very satisfying

[@shadowrider460]

I'm with you there. At the time I did this job, new calipers were around $300 a piece! I guess that's not bad for a 43 year old car, but way more than I was willing to spend. Maintaining your bank balance is good. That way, you can buy even more parts! :-)

[@stanf7862]

Nice video, thanks for you work and time.

[@aboaliali7915]

good and clear,thanks

[@shadowrider460]

You're welcome. I hope this video helps. Good luck with your repair. Most of the time, you can just purchase new calipers but with a 43 year old car, that's becoming less and less of an option. Besides, rebuilding them myself allowed me to maintain the originality of this vehicle.

[@andyt5116]

hey from NZ.. just pulled calipers off my 71 250 W114.. tried to remove rotor hub as it has sqweak internally.. didnt come off after undoing center bolt.. any suggestions?

[@tommymac3029]

Great video. I was able to R & R the pistons and seals. All went together without issue, however I can't seem to get the dust covers to on over the shoulder surrounding the piston. If anyone has a suggestion on how to do this, please post a reply. Thanks!

[@hetmanbasza]

Have you had re-freeze happen to you where pistons were frozen once?

[@DonavanAarons]

Save a ton of difficulty and just split the calliper

[@MMWA-DAVE]

feed the cat ;)