Disc & Drum: Description

Service brake system utilizes 4-wheel disc brakes, hydraulically-operated by a tandem or stepped tandem master cylinder and power brake unit. Stop screw is on top center of stepped tandem master cylinder and bottom center of tandem master cylinder.

Master cylinders, manufactured by Bendix, Girling and ATE incorporate 2 or 3-chamber reservoirs. A fluid level sensor contact is built into each chamber. A dash panel warning light is activated when brake fluid level is low or when pressure differential between two brake circuits is caused by loss of fluid in one circuit.

Floating type front disc brake calipers are used on the 190, 380 and 500 series; fixed calipers on other models. On 300 series sedan, rear disc brake caliper has larger inside bore diameter than other models. Parking brakes are cable-actuated, internal expanding shoe-type, housed in rear brake rotors.

All models have brake pad wear indicator and differential pressure warning indicator. Wear indicator for 380 and 500 series operates on inner pads only.

On 300SD, 380 and 500 series, the AUTOMATIC BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) is standard (optional on 190 series). See Mercedes-Benz AUTOMATIC BRAKE SYSTEM (ABS) SYSTEM article in this section.

On diesel models, a vacuum pump is incorporated to supply vacuum to power brake unit.