I just replaced my front and rear rotors (new pads as well) on my 2002 ML500. I did not break into the fluid lines and now I am not getting full pedal. It seems low and soft feeling. The pedal was fine before I put pads/rotors on. They were close to needing replacement so I did it before they started making noise. Do I need to bleed the system? How is this done? Any info would be great.

After replacing the brake pads on individual rotors I start the engine and apply the brakes until I get a firm pedal, then proceed to the next wheel. You might try that if you haven't already. It wouldn't seem that you'd get air in the system by merely pushing the pistons back into the calipers. Have you checked the brake fluid level in the master cylinder?

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Fred Hoelzle

I have had the same problem with my Volvo....

I had the front rotors replaced and all brake pads replaced...

Then the breaks felt.... spongy!

The new parts made the pedal sink into the floor much more before the car would actually really start to stop.... I was very concerned thinking it was a the master cylinder..., I had the system bled... (made no sense as not lines were never touched, but I was desperate!) (Made no difference)

I applied some anti-glazing brake spray on all rotors, made no difference and made my rims pink for a week...(THAT DOES NOT HELP WITH THE GIRLS LEMME TELL YA!) ewww!

After 2,000miles however the brakes started to progressively get their feel back... now it is back to normal!

So I guess you can try a few 40 to 0 zero quick stops... that should decrease the time needed to properly "break in the brakes"... just my suggestion...

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2006 BMW M5 "Heidi" @ 109,000 miles
2005 MBZ C55 AMG "Lorelai" @ 165,000 miles
1991 MBZ 300E "Benzachino II" @ 165,000 miles
1990 MBZ 500SL "Shoshanna" @ 118,000 miles

(On the hunt for a good used M103 engine as of 6/10/23, PM me if you have one to sell!)