Symptoms
Squeal or chatter, uneven or thin pads, or a pull under braking. One owner traced a rear portal running 70 °C to a sticking rear pad.
The fix, step by step
- Chock the truck and release the air system pressure as the manual describes.
- Support the axle and remove the wheel.
- Remove the pad retaining pins and springs and push the pistons back carefully, watching the fluid reservoir level.
- Clean the caliper, fit new pads, pins and springs, and check the pistons slide freely.
- A full truck takes three pad sets: the front axle has four calipers and the rear two.
- Bed the pads in gently.
Tools & part numbers
- Wheel dolly or tire bar
- piston spreader
- brake cleaner
- torque wrench
Where to buy the parts
Brake pad set, soft compound (6-lug axles incl. U1300L; 3 sets per truck)Expedition Imports ↗Amazon ↗
Brake parts search, UnimogExpedition Imports ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Mercedes-Benz Unimog U1300L (435) parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.