How to Change Front Brake Pads on Mercedes W204

Video Tutorial

[Video placeholder: Demonstrates front brake pad replacement for Mercedes W204]

Important Information

⚠️ Important! This replacement procedure is applicable to various Mercedes-Benz models, including:

• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class T-modell (S204) C 250 CGI (204.247)
• MERCEDES-BENZ SLK (R172) 250 1.8 (172.447)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 180 CDI (204.000)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 200 CDI (204.001)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Saloon (W204) C 250 CDI 4-matic (204.082)
• MERCEDES-BENZ SLK (R172) 200 1.8 (172.448)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class T-modell (S204) C 200 CDI (204.201)
• MERCEDES-BENZ E-Class Saloon (W212) E 200 NGT (212.041)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class T-modell (S204) C 180 CGI (204.249)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class T-modell (S204) C 250 CDI 4-matic (204.282)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Coupe (C204) C 220 CDI (204.302)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Coupe (C204) C 250 CDI (204.303)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Coupe (C204) C 180 (204.349)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class Coupe (C204) C 250 (204.347)
• MERCEDES-BENZ C-Class T-modell (S204) C 180 CDI (204.200)
• And approximately 67 other models.

Note: The steps may slightly vary depending on the car's design.

Tools Required

List of tools you'll need for the replacement:

• Wire brush
• Nylon cleaning brush
• WD-40 spray
• Electronic spray
• Brake cleaner
• Anti-squeal paste
• Ceramic grease
• Torque wrench
• Combination spanner #17
• Drive socket #13
• Wheel impact socket #17
• Ratchet wrench
• Long nose pliers
• Brake caliper wind back tool
• Crow bar
• Wheel chock

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Replacement Procedure

Tips from AUTODOC experts:

• Perform the replacement of brake pads in complete sets for each axle for effective braking.
• The procedure is identical for all brake pads on the same axle.
• Ensure the engine is switched off before starting any work on the Mercedes W204.

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

Open the bonnet. Unscrew the brake fluid reservoir cap.

[Image description: Car bonnet open, brake fluid reservoir cap being unscrewed.]

Step 2: Secure the Wheels

Secure the wheels with chocks.

[Image description: Car wheel secured with chocks.]

Step 3: Loosen Wheel Bolts

Loosen the wheel mounting bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.

[Image description: Wheel bolts being loosened with a socket wrench.]

Step 4: Raise the Car

Raise the car. Ensure the jack is on a flat, even surface and that the car is additionally secured with jack stands.

[Image description: Car being raised with a jack.]

Step 5: Remove Wheel Bolts

Unscrew the wheel bolts completely. Use wheel impact socket #17.

[Image description: Close-up of a hand using a socket wrench to remove wheel bolts.]

AUTODOC recommends: To avoid injury, hold the wheel steady while unscrewing the fastening bolts on the Mercedes W204.

Step 6: Remove the Wheel

Remove the wheel from the hub.

[Image description: A car wheel being removed from the hub.]

Step 7: Detach Wear Sensor

Detach the connector of the brake pad wear sensor. Use long nose pliers.

[Image description: Close-up of a brake pad wear sensor connector being detached with pliers.]

Step 8: Spread Brake Pads

Spread the brake pads apart. Use a crowbar.

[Image description: A crowbar being used to spread brake pads.]

Step 9: Clean Caliper Fasteners

Clean the brake caliper fasteners. Use a wire brush and WD-40 spray.

[Image description: Brake caliper fasteners being cleaned with a wire brush and spray.]

Step 10: Unscrew Caliper Fasteners

Unscrew the brake caliper fasteners. Use a combination spanner #17 and a drive socket #13 with a ratchet wrench.

[Image description: Brake caliper fasteners being unscrewed with a socket wrench and ratchet.]

Step 11: Remove Fastening Bolts

Remove the caliper fastening bolts.

[Image description: Close-up of brake caliper fastening bolts being removed.]

Step 12: Remove Brake Caliper

Remove the brake caliper. AUTODOC tips:

• Tie the caliper to the suspension or body with a wire without disconnecting it from the brake hose to prevent brake system depressurization.
• Ensure the brake caliper is not hanging solely by the brake hose.
• Do not press the brake pedal after the caliper is removed. This can cause the piston to fall out, leading to brake fluid leakage and system depressurization.

[Image description: Brake caliper being removed from the hub assembly.]

Step 13: Remove Brake Pads

Remove the old brake pads.

[Image description: Old brake pads being removed from the caliper bracket.]

Step 14: Clean Brake Caliper Bracket

Clean the brake caliper bracket from dirt and dust. Use a wire brush and brake cleaner.

Tip: Measure the brake disc thickness. Replace the disc if it has reached its wear limit.

[Image description: Brake caliper bracket being cleaned with a wire brush and spray.]

AUTODOC recommends: After applying spray, wait a few minutes. Check the brake caliper bracket, guide pins, and boots. Clean them and replace if necessary.

Step 15: Apply Anti-Squeal Paste

Treat the brake pads in the areas where they contact the brake caliper bracket. Use anti-squeal paste.

[Image description: Anti-squeal paste being applied to the contact points of new brake pads.]

Step 16: Install New Brake Pads

Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket.

[Image description: New brake pads being installed into the caliper bracket.]

Step 17: Clean Brake Caliper Piston

Treat the brake caliper piston. Use a nylon cleaning brush and brake cleaner.

[Image description: Brake caliper piston being cleaned with a brush and cleaner.]

AUTODOC recommends: After applying spray, wait a few minutes.

Step 18: Retract Brake Caliper Piston

Press the brake caliper piston back into the caliper body. Use a brake caliper wind back tool.

[Image description: Brake caliper piston being retracted using a specialized tool.]

Step 19: Install Brake Caliper

Install the brake caliper back onto the hub and secure it.

[Image description: Brake caliper being reinstalled and secured.]

Step 20: Install Fastening Bolts

Install the caliper fastening bolts.

[Image description: Caliper fastening bolts being inserted.]

Step 21: Tighten Caliper Fasteners

Tighten the brake caliper fasteners. Use a combination spanner #17, drive socket #13, and a torque wrench. Tighten to 34 Nm torque.

[Image description: Torque wrench being used to tighten caliper fasteners to a specific torque value.]

Step 22: Treat Wear Sensor Plug

Treat the brake pad wear sensor plug with dielectric grease.

[Image description: Dielectric grease being applied to a brake pad wear sensor connector.]

Step 23: Attach Wear Sensor Connector

Attach the connector of the brake pad wear sensor.

[Image description: Brake pad wear sensor connector being attached.]

Step 24: Clean Wheel Rim Mounting Seat

Clean the wheel rim mounting seat on the hub. Use a wire brush.

[Image description: Wheel hub mounting seat being cleaned with a wire brush.]

Step 25: Treat Rim Contact Surface

Treat the surface where the brake disc contacts the wheel rim. Use ceramic grease.

[Image description: Ceramic grease being applied to the wheel hub contact surface.]

Step 26: Clean Brake Disc Surface

Clean the brake disc surface. Use a brake cleaner.

[Image description: Brake disc surface being cleaned with a cloth and brake cleaner.]

AUTODOC recommends: After applying spray, wait a few minutes.

Step 27: Install Wheel

Install the wheel onto the hub.

[Image description: Car wheel being installed onto the hub.]

Step 28: Screw in Wheel Bolts

Screw in the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17.

[Image description: Wheel bolts being screwed in by hand or with a tool.]

Step 29: Lower and Tighten Wheel Bolts

Lower the car. Working in a cross pattern, tighten the wheel bolts. Use wheel impact socket #17 and a torque wrench. Tighten to 130 Nm torque.

[Image description: Car being lowered, wheel bolts being torqued to specification.]

AUTODOC recommends: Warning! To avoid injury, hold the wheel steady while screwing in the fastening bolts on the Mercedes W204.

Step 30: Remove Jacks and Chocks

Remove the jacks and wheel chocks.

[Image description: Jacks and chocks being removed from under the car.]

Step 31: Final Checks

Tighten the brake fluid reservoir cap. Close the hood.

[Image description: Brake fluid reservoir cap being tightened and bonnet closed.]

AUTODOC recommends:

• Without starting the engine, press the brake pedal several times until you feel significant resistance.
• Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank and refill if necessary.

Tip from AUTODOC: Slow down smoothly for the first 150-200 km after the brake pads replacement. Avoid unnecessary and sharp braking to a stop.

✅ WELL DONE!

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Disclaimer

This document provides general recommendations for repair or replacement work. AUTODOC is not liable for any loss, injury, or property damage resulting from incorrect use or misinterpretation of the information. AUTODOC is not liable for any mistakes or uncertainties in this guide. The information is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional advice. AUTODOC is not liable for incorrect or hazardous usage of equipment, tools, or car parts. AUTODOC strongly recommends caution and adherence to safety rules. Using low-quality auto parts may not guarantee road safety.

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