GL450 brake replacement

[txgibson]

Does anyone have any experience changing brakes on the GL450? I have seen references about ceramic pads. I also wondered if the rotors have to be turned, replaced, etc. The dashboard indicator light is on. Is the dealer the only one that can reset it? Is this a tough job? Money is tight right now and I am sure the dealers and repair shops will charge a lot. My husband has done repairs in the past but seems reluctant to perform this task. Any advice and information would be helpful. I would also appreciate any repair shop referrals in the Dallas area.

[lkchris]

It is unwise to attempt DIY without having the Mercedes instructions at hand. This in addition to the steps includes recommended rotor thickness figures and tightening torque values.

You can either purchase a service DVD for your vehicle (800.for.merc) or subscribe for a day and download the procedures (http://www.startekinfo.com).

Mercedes rotors are replaced and never "turned."

There is nothing to "reset" as regards the light. When pads are of sufficient thickness, the light does not activate. Since yours has, it will require a new sensor or two.

Note when replacing rotors that Mercedes prohibits reuse of bolts mounting calipers, so be sure to obtain new ones from Mercedes.

Mercedes provides for free a subscription to its spare parts system, where you can enter your VIN and learn all part numbers required for pad kits, rotors, mounting screws, etc.
http://epc.startekinfo.com

Parts are probably cheaper from a Mercedes dealer selling online, e.g. http://www.getmercedesparts.com

You're going to need a 9mm allen driver, i.e. tool for driving with a ratchet wrench.

Finally, note that the wheels on GLs are huge and heavy, so reluctance to proceed based solely on that is understandable.

[txgibson]

Thanks so much for the information, Kent! I will share it with my husband. The only thing I am unsure that you noted was the sensor information. My multifunction display on the dashboard states brake wear-visit work shop. That doesnt have to be reset somehow? When the pads are installed, it will disappear from the display messages?

[txgibson]

Kent, my husband understands the brake pad sensors. I thought the computer had to be reset.

[obsessed]

Originally Posted by lkchris

It is unwise to attempt DIY without having the Mercedes instructions at hand. This in addition to the steps includes recommended rotor thickness figures and tightening torque values.

You can either purchase a service DVD for your vehicle (800.for.merc) or subscribe for a day and download the procedures (http://www.startekinfo.com).

Mercedes rotors are replaced and never "turned."

There is nothing to "reset" as regards the light. When pads are of sufficient thickness, the light does not activate. Since yours has, it will require a new sensor or two.

Note when replacing rotors that Mercedes prohibits reuse of bolts mounting calipers, so be sure to obtain new ones from Mercedes.

Mercedes provides for free a subscription to its spare parts system, where you can enter your VIN and learn all part numbers required for pad kits, rotors, mounting screws, etc.
http://epc.startekinfo.com

Parts are probably cheaper from a Mercedes dealer selling online, e.g. http://www.getmercedesparts.com

You're going to need a 9mm allen driver, i.e. tool for driving with a ratchet wrench.

Finally, note that the wheels on GLs are huge and heavy, so reluctance to proceed based solely on that is understandable.

Changed front pads and rotors. Thanks for input. One small issue - didn't note sensor position when removing. New sensor has small bump, I assume this is the wear part and goes towards the rotor. Seems strange as wires come out the same side, putting them close to rotor. Do I have it right?

[jandmtv]

The side of the sensor that goes towards the rotor should not have any wires comming out of it. Please take and post a pic of the sensor if you can. I could be wrong but the side with the wires, should be faced toards the outside of the car (away from the rotor)

[obsessed]

Originally Posted by jandmtv

The side of the sensor that goes towards the rotor should not have any wires comming out of it. Please take and post a pic of the sensor if you can. I could be wrong but the side with the wires, should be faced toards the outside of the car (away from the rotor)

Thanks. Agree, the side with the wires goes towards outside of car but since the sensor goes on inner pad, the wires and the bump on the sensor go both towards outside of car and the rotor

I tried the startekinfo thing for $18 for 1 day - very hard to navigate but somehow I did ultimately stumble on picture confirming the way I installed it.

[GLguy]

what did you use to lift the truck?

[obsessed]

Originally Posted by GLguy

what did you use to lift the truck?

I used a Harbor Freight 3 ton floor jack and did one wheel at a time. I lifted at reinforced jack points indicated in manual for the car's own jack.

I would NOT recommend using the jack supplied with the car, it is very unstable. I actually thought I'd try it as the manual emphasizes using only the supplied jack - big mistake - the car fell off it as I was lifting - on a flat floor in my garage! It wasn't a big deal since I was clear of the car and tire was still on but if that happened while I was working on the brakes with the wheel off ... No one in my family will ever use the supplied jack again.

[GLguy]

thanks