Photo DIY- "Undercarriage/Brake" Inspections.

13688 Views 8 Replies 7 Participants Last post by mleskovar, Jan 5, 2015

G-AMG

Discussion Starter · Aug 18, 2013

To be honest, I'm not particularly fond of the very complex Maintenance Schedule on the New generation vehicles. Perhaps I'm a Dinosaur....

Anyhooo, it's a 20,000 interval, so I thought I would post what "I" do as a General Undercarriage Inspection around that Mileage.

M-B has steered away from inspections which USED-TO require opening something up to inspect fluid level...(ie. Differentials), and has, instead, changed it to "Check for Leaks". The logic being, "It is a Closed System... sooo, unless there is a Visible Leak, then the Quanity Inside is 'OK' ".

Use a Pry-Bar to Tweek on all of the Suspension component. Check to Rubber Boots for Tears, etc.

Examine the Brakes/Rotors for any Cracks, and for Thickness of Pads/Rotors. A "Quick Visual Inspeciton" will have the Pad Liner being THICKER than the Backing Plate. Make sure there are No Cracks in the Rotors.

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regnant

· #2 · Aug 19, 2013

You must be one of the greatest DIYers , I believe Wheeler Dealer's Mike would make an offer for you to work with him as well :thumbsup:
Thanks for the pics, I was not aware of the bolts in that shape

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Floobydust

· #3 · Oct 25, 2013

G -

Nicely done! BTW, do you know what the spec is for minimum rotor thickness is? Is it the same across the entire E class or does it vary by model and equipment?

Thanks!

- FD

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G-AMG

Discussion Starter · #4 · Oct 26, 2013

Floobydust said:
BTW, do you know what the spec is for minimum rotor thickness is? Is it the same across the entire E class or does it vary by model and equipment?

Fooby,

Yes, it varies significantly in between the various models, AMG, etc.

For my 212.056 the Values are:

NEW- 22mm
WEAR LIMIT- 19,4mm
WEAR LIMIT FOR MAINTENANCE SERVICE- 20mm

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PeterUbers

· #5 · Nov 6, 2013

I hope my stealership is as thorough as you! nice write up

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jreash

· #6 · Nov 7, 2013

G-

Have to add my thanks to others. I've been following this forum for 3 years now (2011 E350) and your DIY write-ups are an immense help. The oil change write-up is a classic. I just completed my 6th oil change since you outlined the 'step by step'.

Safe Travels!

Jim

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Aquinob

· #7 · Dec 31, 2014

Nice writeup. Are both flex discs pretty much open to access from the bottom as it seems from the pictures? I did them on my 98c230 this last summer and there was a bit of interference parts that had to be removed including the back half of the exhaust, transmission mount and heat shield. I'm guessing there is a bearing and carrier sitting in the middle somewhere that also needs to be checked, though I doubt you would see much just looking at it. I doubt there would be issues with the discs till at least 8 to 10 years and maybe close to 100k miles, but you never know.

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G-AMG

Discussion Starter · #8 · Dec 31, 2014

Pictures don't lie! ;^)

No, nothing in the way to prevent examination of the Flex Discs... The Carrier Bearing? Visual Inspection will do you No Good. If you REALLY want to know, Grab the Propshaft and give it a good shake. There should be some Jiggle if the bearing is bad.

To answer your question? I have two vehicles circa 180,000 miles on the Original Flex Discs. Only the MINUTEST Hairline cracks, which is still Within Normal Limits.

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mleskovar

· #9 · Jan 5, 2015

Excellent write up. If anyone believes all dealers perform a like inspection I have a bridge to sell you:smile I think the rotor specs are stamped on the rotor hubs.

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Photo DIY- "Undercarriage/Brake" Inspections.

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