1991 MERCEDES-BENZ 500SL Brake Service (ONLINE REPAIR MANUALS)

The four wheel Anti-Lock Brake system (ABS), Figs. through , uses a control unit, hydraulic actuator and wheel speed sensors to control brake fluid pressure and prevent wheel lock during severe braking conditions. With this system, directional stability is improved and steering is maintained even during braking on wet, sandy, snowy or icy road conditions.

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BRAKE CALIPER, REPLACE

EXCEPT 190D & E, 260E & 300CE, E & TE

• Open caliper bleeder screw, and pump brake fluid from rear brake circuit.
• On 1st version (early production) vehicles or vehicles with starting torque compensation, disconnect and cap brake line from caliper assembly, Fig. .
• On 2nd version (later production) vehicles, loosen frame floor bracket brake hose from brake line. Disconnect brake line from caliper. Cap all open connections.
• On all models, loosen locking plate, if so equipped.
• Remove caliper attaching bolts.
• Reverse procedure to install, noting the following:
• Wh...

On Vehicles Equipped With Anti-Lock Brakes Refer To "Anti-Lock Brake Systems."

On 400SE, 400SEL and 600SEL, then tandem master cylinder with a built in switch over valve must be replace as an assembly with the brake booster.

On models except 400SE, 400SEL and 600SEL, refer to Figs. through , for master cylinder service.

DISASSEMBLE

• Position cylinder in suitable soft jawed vise.
• Remove expansion tank, then remove cap and strainer.
• Using suitable mandrel, push piston inward.
• Using suitable pliers, remove cylinder pin from housing.
• Remove piston locking ring.
• Remove piston with s...

300SE & SEL, 420SEL, 560SEC, SEL & SL

• Loosen each LH and RH shouldered bolt from rear axle.
• Raise and support vehicle.
• Rotate wheel until threaded hole, from which the shouldered bolt has been removed, faces forward and up at about a 45° angle on models with diagonal swing axle and exactly forward on models with diagonal swing axle and starting torque compensation.
• Insert suitable screwdriver through hole of wheel rim brake disc and rear axle shaft flange. Engage screwdriver with adjustment star and turn adjusting star until star can no longer be turned. Turn back adjusting...

On Vehicles Equipped With Anti-Lock Brakes Refer To "Anti-Lock Brake Systems."

Whenever new brake components are installed in the hydraulic system, it is recommended that the entire system be bleed. It may sometime become necessary to flush out the system due to the presence of mineral oil, kerosene, gasoline, etc., which will cause swelling of rubber pistons so that they become inoperative.

Pressure bleeding is recommended for all hydraulic brake systems, follow pressure bleeder manufacturers instructions. To remove air bubbles from master cylinder, with brake pedal bleeder scr...