Brake Parts Reccomendations? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Jack M · #1 08-07-2013, 03:04 AM

My 1986 560SL

149,000 Miles

I am thinking about having new Pads, Rotors, brake hoses , fluid and parking brake shoes replaced. No brake light has come on in the instrument cluster. I am having squealing when I brake. Gotten worse this past month. Brakes smooth, straight no shudder, etc.

I will probably pull the wheels this next week but would like to determine if I can do it, or is it better to pay the "$2.00" and have some one who knows what they are doing. Any recommendation for a MB Mechanic is also appreciated.

What would be good replacement pads Low dust , Ceramic Pads?

Not the cheapest rotors but good quality if I need them. What would be the minimum for rotor thickness before replacing if not scored. And what should I not forget to do while it is all apart.

What would seem like a fair price to have it done by a MB Mechanic. I live in Los Angeles. San Fernando Valley.

Maki · #2 08-07-2013, 10:19 AM

You may just have some glazing on the pads. I'd take the car out for four or five rounds of good, hard braking -- 60 mph to zero, hard enough to feel the feel the seat belt restraining you -- before dropping a ton of money on parts.

Is this car driven mostly around town?

Jack M · #3 08-07-2013, 04:59 PM

HI Yes I try to get it out 2x a week not always successful. I will take your advice and to this. Do you think I should pull at least one wheel first? Jack

Maki · #4 08-07-2013, 06:26 PM

Can't hurt to have a look, but I'd do the braking exercise first if it were my car. The idea is to get the brakes nice and hot to burn off any glazing on the pads and rotors. It really sounds as though your brakes are stopping straight and smoothly; they're just squeaky, right?

You might want to flush the brake fluid while you're doing your inspection. Every other year is recommended. Fluid can collect moisture and cause brakes to fade (the pedal goes soft) under severe use.

ericdee · #5 08-07-2013, 11:25 PM

I'd just drop a new set of OEM pads in there. Also I live in the SF Valley. If you like I can help you with it. PM me.

Jack M · #6 08-08-2013, 03:55 AM

OK Eric, I will give Maki 's suggestion a try and see if there is a change. If not then pull a wheel and look at the pads.

gerryvz · #7 08-08-2013, 04:12 AM

The factory and OEM pads (Textar, Jurid, Pagid) pads tend to dust too much although they feel very nice. I'd recommend a quality aftermarket pad that won't dust nearly to the extent of the factory pads, yet still provides excellent stopping power.

Akebono "Euro" pads (available cheapest via Amazon.com) are an excellent pad and highly recommended. When you install them, make sure to use the MB brake grease on the backs and especially the sides of the pads to eliminate squeal.

Cheers,
Gerry

Maki · #8 08-08-2013, 10:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gerryvz

The factory and OEM pads (Textar, Jurid, Pagid) pads tend to dust too much although they feel very nice. I'd recommend a quality aftermarket pad that won't dust nearly to the extent of the factory pads, yet still provides excellent stopping power.

Akebono "Euro" pads (available cheapest via Amazon.com) are an excellent pad and highly recommended. When you install them, make sure to use the MB brake grease on the backs and especially the sides of the pads to eliminate squeal.

Cheers,
Gerry

+1 on the grease. You might also try applying it to your current pads.

Another quality brake pad is Hawk HPS. They're relatively low dust (not as low as the ceramics) and deliver great stopping power. I use them in all my cars. They do squawk a little when cold, but they quiet down after the first stop. Hawk Performance Brake Pads: High Performance Street

meltedpanda · #9 08-08-2013, 10:40 AM

If they have them for your car I would rec. Zimmerman rotors ( with the Z coating ) and Akebono ceramic pads, dust will be nearly non existant and the rotors do not require any special break in

Jack M · #10 08-10-2013, 02:31 AM

HI All

Akebono Does not make front pads for the 560SL, may make rears.
Next best choice For Pads? Will check on Zimmerman rotors. Thanks Jack

gerryvz · #11 08-10-2013, 02:32 AM

Hawk makes a ceramic pad for the front of the 560SL, available for good price on Amazon.com.

Maki · #12 08-10-2013, 10:06 AM

I'd still recommend HPS over ceramics. They stop better -- Hawk says so, and they make both compounds. They do produce a little dust, but like many other metallic brake compounds, the dust is a tan color that doesn't cake like the OE carbon compounds.

The reason I recommend them is from this experience: I was driving in downtown Milwaukee one afternoon in heavy traffic and merged into a tight spot behind a semi. As soon as I pulled in behind the truck, he braked so hard that the tires on his trailer smoked. Fortunately, I had better brakes than he did.

The HPS pads impressed me that day and made me a loyal customer. You only have to *really need* them once to recognize their value.

Jack M · #13 08-12-2013, 10:50 AM

Hello Again. Well after multiple hard stops the squeeks have gone away.

I think that I will Have the tires rotated. For a few dollars I will be able to get a visual on all 4 wheels. Even though the brake light has not come on in the cluster it has been many miles since I have examined the brakes.
Thank you all for your help and suggestions.

Jack

Maki · #14 08-12-2013, 11:08 AM

Inspection is always a good idea. And so is a brake fluid flush if it hasn't been done recently. DOT 4 fluid is cheap and easy to change.

Also, the brake hoses can degrade over time regardless of how much the car is driven. If they're original, you might consider replacing them at some point.

Glad to hear the problem is fixed without putting a dent your wallet!