111/112 Coupe
Mercedes Complete MBZ Brake System Service and Repair Resources
Recently, I set out with the goal to provide our customers with all the resources they would need to troubleshoot and repair the brake systems on their own cars. As your favorite Benz ages brake problems will arise and they can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. Since brakes are a safety related system it is also VERY important that any repair work be done properly and with great care.
NEWS FLASH! Club Mercedessource is Here! - with Member ONLY Benefits
Announcing Club Mercedessource! For a long time now we have been trying to find a way to reward friends of Mercedessource. We decided the best way to do this would be through a membership subscription that would automatically change one's access level on our website. Once you join you will be able to gain access to all the unique club products and services
Here is a summary of current key benefits:
Mercedes Brake Bleeding Equipment and Procedures Manual
FREE SHIPPING
Mercedes Digital Caliper Metric and SAE - On Clearance
A Must Have for Ajusting Diesel Fuel Injectors
If you work around your Mercedes much this is a great tool to have. The quality is exceptional for the price. It will reset to measure in both inches and millimeters. For a limited time I will even include a spare button battery at no extra cost.
If you are going to test and tune your diesel fuel injectors this is a must have tool! It is the best way to determine the current thickness of the pressure adjusting shim washer in each injector and to help choose the proper replacement. We are committed to helping you service and overhaul this critical maintenance component. Digital caliper is six inches in length.
Best Use of Anti-Seize Compound - July 22
Proper use of anti-seize compound can make future bolt removal a snap. If you have ever broken off a bolt during removal, I bet you wish someone had used it when it was originally installed!! The best place to use this compound is where steel comes in contact with aluminum. In the picture above, I am using it on the bolts for the aluminum thermostat housing. This is a great example as these small bolts are often broken off when changing a thermostat. Anti-seize can help prevent dissimilar metal corrosion, particularly in areas where they use salt on the roads. I wipe a thin film of this compound on my wheel hubs when installing aluminum alloy wheels. Keeps them from seizing together over time.
Preventing Rust Along Bottoms of Doors
This is a very common problem on almost all older Mercedes, even if they dont live in the rust belt. Any rain water that gets into the doors through the scraper seals has to get out somewhere. That is where the problem begins. Rust begins at the drain holes along the bottom edge of the doors. If not checked early, it can grow into some pretty big rust holes and eventually rust through the outside door panels.
The only permanent cure I have found is the use of Miracle Paint. This super tough coating loves to stick to rust and forms a permanent moisture barrier to stop rust in its tracks. Remove your door panels and coat inside the door bottom about 2 inches up from the drain holes. Let the Miracle Paint drip through the holes to seal the edges of each hole (this is critical). You can lightly wipe it off - but no NOT wipe it completely off the edges of those holes.
Old Benz Owners: Keep an Eye on the Front Wheels
I have been working on the 1966 230 that we just received. After removing the hubcaps and beauty rings I came across something very puzzling on the right front wheel. As you can see in the picture it is just covered in grease.
Mercedes Get a Shipping Discount on Your Order in JULY!
Spend $249 or More and Receive $20 Off Your Total
Place any order of $249.00 or more (not including sales tax and shipping charges) during July and receive a $20.00 discount.
PLEASE NOTE: Discount is NOT automatic. You must enter Coupon Code: JULY20 during checkout. The $20 will be subtracted at the bottom of your order total.
You can choose any shipping method desired.
Dont Forget to Lube Your Linkages - July 1
Keeping your throttle linkage ball joints and pivot points well lubricated is very important. I have seen throttles stick wide open due to this neglect and that can be very scary. This procedure becomes even more important on cars older than 20 years and especially on those that are not driven regularly. This applies to both diesel and gas vehicles. You want a lubricant that is not too greasy (that will just attract dirt and grime. You want a lubricant that does not dry out (like WD-40- I don't like that product....). Automatic transmission fluid makes a ideal lubricant for this purpose. Use an oil can or even a Q-tip to lube each ball joint and pivot point. Do it at least once every 6 to 12 months. Doing this will also make your ball socket joints last longer!
Mercedes Kent Introduces Image-by-Image instructions - In Color!
More pictures in COLOR and fewer words
I have known for years that many people would rather look at pictures than read text - especially when it comes to technical instructions. Much like Mercedes with their cup holders, I have fought cutting back on the text for years. I have always felt it is important to understand the theory before one can troubleshoot and repair a mechanical problem. Writing the theory usually involves dealing with a large amount of text.
Clean Your Brake Parts Properly - Health Safety Tip 6/24
Brake shoe and pad dust can be hazardous to your lungs. When cleaning brake components always wear a quality air respirator and NEVER use compressed air. Brake cleaner works, but those fumes are not too health friendly either. Here is a tip that can get your old brakes sparkling clean and keep your lungs clean at the same time.
Save Your Fluid During Brake Maintenance- Tip for June 17
When replacing flexible brake lines or brake calipers I prefer to minimize brake fluid loss. This can do two things: 1. Minimize spills and clean-up. 2. Make it easier and safer to bleed the air out of your brake system (especially on vehicles equipped with ABS).
The trick is to have something ready to plug the metal brake line IMMEDIATELY after removing it from the flexible brake hose. I use wooden golf tees for this.
Mercedes Technical Videos - Learn to do it Yourself the Easy Way!
TECH VIDS HAVE ARRIVED
Tip of the Week 6/8/10 - Keep a Good Smell Out
A few days ago I fired up my 1971 300SEL 3.5. Within a minute after start up I could pick up a faint smell of gasoline fumes. I immediately shut the engine down. I learned a long time ago flying airplanes you don't ignore fuel smells or strange noises. I looked under the car and could see fuel dripping down the back of the engine block and onto the garage floor. Without even opening up the hood I had a pretty good idea what I was going to find.
Mercedes Specialty Tools - New Arrivals!
Tools to make the job easier
Mercedes Emergency Brake Spring Puller
For all 113 111 108 109 114 115 107 116 123 126 201 124 chassis 1968 to 1995
This tool will greatly ease installation of new emergency brake shoes. Without it you could end up spiting nails! Don't ask me how I know that!! No instructions included but easy to use.
To order a new set of emergency brake shoes with instructions CLICK HERE
Mercedes Spark Plug Boot Removal Plier
Works on all gas engines - A must have for 102 and 103 engines (201 and 124 chassis)
This tool is the only way to remove the spark plug connectors without damaging the wire or boot. If you own a gas engined mercedes this is a MUST HAVE tool!
Mercedes Automatic Transmission Shifter Bushing Installer
Gets up into tight places - highly recommended for 124 and especially 201 chassis
Works on all models from 1968 to 1995 that just the nylon shift linkage bushings located on the transmission shift arm and the shift control arm. This special tool will allow you to install new bushings in record time. On some 124 and 201 models you would normally have to remove the transmission shift arm due to limited space. But with this tool you can reach up into the transmission tunnel and squeeze the bushing right onto the arm. This is one clever tool. NO INSTRUCTIONS included. To order bushings separately CLICK HERE.
Checking Automatic Transmission Fluid Level - Tip of the Week 6/3
For accuracy, the transmission fluid level should be checked after the car has been driven at least 15 minutes with the engine running and the gear selector in park. ALWAYS use a lint free cloth when wiping the dipstick. A small piece of chamois cloth is preferred. If not available, then wipe with your fingers and clean your finger off on a cloth. Any dirt or lint allowed to enter the transmission can jam the small valves in the valve body and prevent the transmission from shifting properly.
Mercedes PERMATEX brand All Engines Non Hardening Form - A - Gasket Sealant
NO SILICONE!
Permatex Brand Form-A-Gasket Sealant in a 1.5 oz tube
This sealant is slow drying and non-hardening. For use in -65 - 400 Degrees F for sealing cut gaskets and cut parts with low adhesion
Tip of the Week 5/30/10- Preventing Brake Rotor Chatter
Brake disk chatter can be very annoying. It is the vibration or shake you will feel when you press on the brake pedal, particularly when braking from high speed. At low speed you will feel a pulsing in the brake pedal as you come to a stop - almost like a tire is out of round. This is usually cause by a brake disk that is out-of-round ( or like a potato chip). If it has been occurring for a while and has progressively gotten worse rotor replacement is the only cure ( resurfacing Mercedes brake rotors is not recommended and most likely will not be a permanent cure). If it happens right after installing new rotors then you should act immediately to fix the problem BEFORE the new rotor is permanently damaged. Here are the actions you should take:
Mercedes All Models Onboard Battery and Alternator Condition Tester
Here is a handy little device that will allow you to easily check the condition of your battery and the output of your alternator. You can install in your engine compartment with the supplied velcro and hook it permanently to your battery posts. Since it is only on when you push the test button it will not drain your battery.
I particularly like to install it in cars that I don't drive all that often. It allows me to monitor the charge of the battery without having to pull out one of my other testers. Great for the wife's car. If she ever has a starting problem you can have her push the button to determine if it is a battery or charging issue...
Here you see it installed in my own 1959 220SE.
Mercedes ALL Models Wheel Mount Alignment Pin
This makes installing a wheel a breeze....
Mercedes All Models 382 Pc. Standard O-Ring Assortment in Case
Must have for any Mercedes D.I.Y.er
This must have kit is not only metric but the rings are made out of nitrile which holds up better to oil, grease, hydraulic fluid and even water. Kit contains 30 different common Standard sizes ranging from 1/8 inch to 1 3/4 inch inside diameter.
Just being able to use one or two of these o rings in an emergency to solve a leak or prevent a trip to the hardware store will pay for the kit. Just think of having 382!!!
PLEASE NOTE: Oring case can vary in color
Mercedes Universal D.I.Y. Gasket Making Kit - NEW!
For all Mercedes engines and mechanical components requiring gaskets
Have you ever been working on your engine or other mechanical component only to discover you need a new gasket? Knowing Murphys law all too well, it always happens when you don't have the time to order and wait for one to arrive by mail. Every D.I.Y. mechanic should have a good assortment of gasket material in his or hers tool box. High quality gasket material is not always easy to find and you have to buy it in large rolls that you may never use.
Mercedes Non Tilting Sunroof Seal and Glide Replacement Manual
FREE SHIPPING
If you have ever thought about replacing the seals in your sunroof here is a chance to read the manual so you can gauge the difficultly of the job. Seals and other repair parts can be purchased separately at a later date. Both the front and side seals can be replaced without removing the sunroof panel from the car. That makes replacing those seals relatively easy.
Mercedes Non Tilting Sunroof Side Seal - Set of (2)
Fits all sunroofs from 1962 to 1985
New high quality GENUINE OE set of 2 sunroof side seals. These are increasing in price and becoming more difficult to obtain. They can be replaced without removing the sunroof panel. No instructions included. Fits 111, 112, 108, 109, 114, 115, 116, 123 and early 201 and 126 chassis.
Instructions are available separately. CLICK HERE to order manual
Mercedes Whats Wrong with My Key? - New Ignition Lock Replacement Manual & Kits
Mercedes Chassis Fuel Tank Sending Unit
Fits 110 111 112 113 108 109 114 115 Chassis All 1961 to 1976 Models List Below
Mercedes Hirschmann Antenna cleaner - (2) Pack
For use on all Antenna mast styles
All these old Mercedes need a little lubrication, especially on the antenna mast. Here is an easy to use packet of antenna mast cleaner made by the best - Hirschmann. Take care of your antenna mast and your antenna motor will be good to you! Also for use on manual antenna masts. Sold in a pack of (2).
Membership in our unique club has its rewards. Members get instant access to a special troubleshooting and repair help section and can post technical questions to Benz Aid.
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