ML brakes - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

smurtaza · #1 01-03-2003, 02:45 PM

My 00 ML 320 has started flashing the brake wear light, meaning when I press the brake paddle light comes on and goes away when paddle is released. Is it normal for ML to do that? I thought (atleast for BMWs) once the brake wear sensor touchs the disk, the brake wear warning light stays on till the sensor is replaced.
How hard it is to replace brakes on ML? Any gotchas? I have done it on 98 E320 in the past, pretty simple. Is is normal for the factory pads to wear out at 27K miles?

Gilly · #2 01-03-2003, 08:41 PM

27,000 is a small bit early, not to any extreme though.
The pads are pretty easy to replace, if you can do a 210 chassis, you can manage this.
This is normal operation of the brake pad wear sensor, yes. There is no reset procedure like the BMW's, but yes, you only see the light come on when it's actually making contact with the rotor.

The ML brake pad kit from MB include removeable metal caps for the sliding area on the caliper bracket. The sensor comes as part of the left inner pad, so you don't need to worry about the sensor if you get the MB pads.

The ML's are especially prone to squeeling. I always use an MB approved anti-squeel grease called MolyKote. This is kind of a copper colored paste for use on the sliders and the brake backing plates.

I would be surprised if the rotors are worn out, I believe the min. service spec is 23.0 mm.

Gilly

tryan · #3 01-05-2003, 12:41 PM

the short pad life may be due to the stabilty or 4-matic function.

smurtaza · #4 01-05-2003, 06:17 PM

I changed the brakes yesterday. It was one of the easiest brake jobs I have ever done. Thirty minutes per side, jacking up the car, removing and specially putting back the wheels took most time.

Short brake pad life can be because of ESP and 4ETS especially in Minnesota where it gets used a lot in winter driving.

tabo · #5 01-05-2003, 10:34 PM

The ML is a heavy car therefore the brake pads will wear down faster?

Fast Robert · #6 01-06-2003, 10:50 AM

Replaced the front brakes last weekend.

Super easy change.

Mintex pads (available online here) include the sensors as well.

Used Permatex disk brake quiet as part of the swap. No squeal thus far.

tabo · #7 01-06-2003, 11:20 AM

Great Choice, I don't think you'll ever go back to OEM the brake dust is like nothing =) Its time to buy new mags haha

Darkmann · #8 01-06-2003, 02:44 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by gillybenztech
27,000 is a small bit early, not to any extreme though.
The pads are pretty easy to replace, if you can do a 210 chassis, you can manage this.
This is normal operation of the brake pad wear sensor, yes. There is no reset procedure like the BMW's, but yes, you only see the light come on when it's actually making contact with the rotor.

The ML brake pad kit from MB include removeable metal caps for the sliding area on the caliper bracket. The sensor comes as part of the left inner pad, so you don't need to worry about the sensor if you get the MB pads.

The ML's are especially prone to squeeling. I always use an MB approved anti-squeel grease called MolyKote. This is kind of a copper colored paste for use on the sliders and the brake backing plates.

I would be surprised if the rotors are worn out, I believe the min. service spec is 23.0 mm.

Gilly

Gilly, if the rotors aren't warped, do they need to be turned for the new pads??

Gilly · #9 01-06-2003, 08:42 PM

No, no machining of the rotors. If the rotor thickness is above the service spec, just hang the pads.
There is a service spec and a min. thickness, the service spec is usually about .4 or .5 thicker than the min. thickness.
The service spec is what MB feels is too thin to be putting on new pads, as the rotors will be well below the min. spec before the pads are worn out.

Gilly