Hi fellers,

So my 2004 CLK a.k.a. Juno is stuck in a garage for a year now (well, I do take her for a spin every 1-2 weeks, dry weather permtting) and when I replaced the engine oil a few weeks ago I couldn't help but notice that she'd benefit from new brakes. So, my next job on the to-do list is to replace discs, pads, brakes hoses and fluid but I'd also like to remove the calipers, sand blast them and give them a few coats of silver hammerite.

That said, do you gents know if I'll be able to drop the calipers without Star? I recall reading somewhere that one needs a Star to cycle them, however I can't recall if that was in relation to ESP brakes or SBC specifically - if it's the latter than I'm sorted I'll appreciate your feedback folks, and thanks!

most descent cars need just brake pads for a 04 , not that old .if you are unlucky and have that electronic brake system , you could unplug the module for SBC .then back in when you are done .

 

Thanks Alain, I'm confident that CLK's never got the SBC / Senstronic, that said I'm unsure if you don't need Star given that it does have ESP.

 

No STAR required for ESP. If you disconnect the battery (don't have to for brake job), you will have to resynchronize the steering angle sensor by turning the steering wheel lock to lock a couple of time.

You might be thinking about the ABS pump. I believe some people use STAR to cycle the pump to bleed it out completely. You should be fine bleeding the brakes out the regular way or with a power bleeder.

Save yourself some headaches if you are going to refinish your calipers. Clamp off the hose about 3-4 inches from the top and disconnect hose from the caliper. You don't want to let all the fluid drip out of the system with the caliper off. Air will get into the ABS system.

When reinstalling, cut the old hose off below the clamp. This way you can run the new hose thru the grommet and reattach it to the caliper when remounting. Doing this will minimize the time having the brake line open.

I use these:

Fluid Line Clamp Set, 4 Piece

Amazing deals on this 4Pc Fluid Line Clamp Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.

www.harborfreight.com

 

Great stuff, thanks a million @260e crusier for the advice and guidance - sounds like a plan. I have the power bleeder and I also have the clamps so I'm all set - bar the new parts which are due next week.