If you think your MERCEDES BENZ needs brake repairs, don't take chances.
Repair them now! The integrity of your MERCEDES' braking system is
critical-it keeps you and your family safe.
Brake repairs and parts for MERCEDES brakes
may be expensive. That's because brake rotors
for MERCEDES BENZ and other imported cars, unlike
those for domestic models, are made thinner
to save weight, and this means they can't be
"turned"-they have to be replaced instead. MERCEDES
brake rotors are also more sensitive to warping
from heat, and brake overheating is the second-most
common cause of failure (wear and tear are first).
Here are some tips for saving money on MERCEDES
brake repairs and parts:
Use Your Eyes To Inspect Your Brakes
Take a good look at your brakes' condition at
least every six months. Inspect your MERCEDES
Brake Rotors (discs) all the way around the
surface—on both sides—for concentric
scoring (grooves) or other obvious defects.
If you find any problems, replace your MERCEDES’
rotors immediately. Rotor discoloration may
be the result of overheating and requires inspection
by a qualified MERCEDES technician.
MERCEDES Brake Pads will normally match rotor
scoring, but you should also check for uneven
wear, breakage or cracking on the friction surfaces.
If you find any defects replace the pads immediately.
Many models have brake-pad sensors to warn you
of pad wear. If your MERCEDES uses sensors,
replace these at the same time you install new
pads.
Also regularly inspect your MERCEDES Brake
Drums (if equipped on your model). Check for
the same flaws noted above. The drums should
not have deep grooves or a deep "trough"
worn into them where the shoes ride. MERCEDES
Brake Shoes should be evenly worn and have no
rivets protruding to the friction surface.
When you inspect your brakes, check the calipers,
wheel cylinders, hoses and fittings for any
signs of leaking hydraulic fluid. Examine the
master cylinder, reservoir and proportioning-valve
assemblies. Replace or rebuild these parts as
required. All OEM Auto Parts.com stocks the
MERCEDES MLK Brake Caliper Kit and other rebuild
kits—they can save you money.
A "spongy" brake pedal, or one that
has moved closer to the floorboard, also needs
a hard look. Sticking calipers, pad wear, low
fluid levels or hydraulic-system problems could
cause these conditions. If you can't "pump
the brakes up,” you definitely have hydraulic
problems that will need work. If you always
have to pump them up, your hydraulic fluid needs
replacement at the very least.
Use Your Ears To Inspect Your Brakes
To use your ears to check your brakes, know
how your brakes should sound and listen for
odd noises. Most breaks will give a slight brushing
sound as the pads lightly touch the rotors.
This is normal. But be alert to other sounds—such
as squeaking, which indicates dust or dirt on
the brakes, loose pads vibrating when brakes
are applied, or worn pads. Rhythmic noises might
indicate a warped rotor—rather than a
solid squeaking noise, the sound pulsates. The
brake pedal will also pulsate underfoot in extreme
cases. Constant brake noise is never a good
sign and any grinding noise spells real trouble!
If you notice any problem at all, get it repaired
immediately. Postponing brake repair is extremely
dangerous. Overstressed rotors and drums may
break apart. Brakes that are too worn, or damaged,
may not stop your MERCEDES in an emergency.
The longer you delay fixing brake problems,
the more you increase the likelihood of harm
to yourself and your passengers. Badly worn,
warped or overheated rotors can also damage
wheel bearings and wheel-hub assemblies. These
parts can cost more than the brakes themselves.
Even if you enjoy doing your own repair work,
you should have your MERCEDES brakes examined
by a qualified technician every few years. Checking
brakes for "run-out," warping, wheel-bearing
play, proper proportioning balance, and other
performance factors are complicated processes
that can’t easily be accomplished in your
home garage. Professional inspection can also
uncover hidden underlying problems that may
eventually become costly or dangerous.
