Rear Brake replacment on 97 E320

Any tips or gotchas on rear brake replacement for my 97 E320?
I am concerned that it may be more difficult than replacement of the front brakes.
Is there any insight that this forum can provide?

Thanx
deelight10

I am about to embark upon the same journey -- changing pads and rotors on a '96 E320. While I cannot answer your question, I do have a couple of my own. To wit:

1) I am replacing pads (maybe rotors) at the request of the idiot warning light "Brake Lining Wear". Is there anything special about picking the right brakes to replace (front vs. rear) or just visual inspection.

2) After replacement, will the warning light go off automatically, or does it need to be reset somehow?

3) Are OEM pads the only way to go or should I get a high end aftermarket brand?

Opinions welcome!

Thanks,
Jimmy

be sure to release the parking brake first.

need a heavy hammer to blow the flat surface (not on the face in contact with the pad) for it is a bit stucked on the flange.

there is a brake pad sensor, you must replace this when the indicator lamp goes on already. if not, can re-use again.

original part is good for it has less brass/copper mix on it and can extend the life on the brake disk.

Not many owners understand the problems with cast-irons used in brakes. Manufactures are not using the latest sciences and technology to reduce “Austenite” in the cast-iron in all probability due to the costs involved.

There are a few companies in the states who employ deep cryogenic tempering. Cryo-Treating is a complex process but, performed properly it promotes better heat absorption in cast-iron by reducing its’ properties of Austenite and porosity by changing these weaker deposits into more uniform particles know as "[URL=http://www.msm.cam.ac.uk/phase-trans/2002/martensite.html]Martensites[/URL]". With the addition of gas-porting and using combinations of Carbon or Kevlar materials in the brake pads the stopping power is improve dramatically.

ART has been helping owners who are experiencing warped or warn rotors for years.

Here are just some of other forums where you can find owners having problem with stock brake rotors.

http://www.nissantitan.info/forum_posts.asp?TID=882&KW=titanmom
http://www.turbodieselregister.com/forums/showthread.php?t=109818
http://www.ford-trucks.com/articles/sept2000/art1.html
http://fordtrucks.com/forums/showthread.php?t=262823
http://www.fordexcursions.com/forums/posts.php?threadid=4090
http://www.fordexcursions.com/forums/posts.php?threadid=1265&page=1&rpp=10

Ehatever you do, don't settle for cheap break pads. The dust they create is annoying. Spending a few x-tra $$ will save you a lot of elbow grease cleaning the wheels. Get the stock replacement.