Silver alloys out. Gunmetal alloys in.

SimonRoma said:

Nice pic well done!! But why fit only new rear brakes, it is fairly standard to replace all 4 discs and pads when the brakes need an update...

Click to expand...

Thanks!
What actually happened was I had been experiencing a knocking noise while braking. I could have sworn it was a cracked disc on the OSF, but garage looked over the front and said there was nothing wrong with them. However, they said the rear discs and pads were in need of replacement, so asked them to go ahead with it. Far too cold outside for me to do them myself. That's a June-August job for me!
Days later, I got the wheels refurbed at another garage. Picked the car up 2 days later with the newly painted wheels, and after a couple of short runs of around 2 miles each, I noticed a burning smell. Initially though it was something stuck to the exhaust, but then found the NSF disc was VERY hot, so it now looks like an issue with the front caliper sticking.
Me thinks the front brakes aren't as good as the garage thought they were. So anyway, car booked in for Monday.

On the subject of replacing ALL discs/pads at same time, I've never done this. Only same axel. On my '92 500SL for example, I put new rear discs, pads, calipers and flexi hoses on the rear axle, 5 years back. The front ones are still going strong and will likely last another year or so.