560 Sticky Brakes - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 06-17-2003, 10:47 AM

87 560 SL with 30K miles. Brakes have a tendancy to grab hard and quick at low speeds especially when comming to a stop. It is also very bad when backing-up. Almost like the ABS is working though the pedal does not soften. Squeaking is very bad too. Both pads and rotors were replaced by previous owner before we acquired the vehicle--by Ed Potter Mecedes in Columbus so the parts have to be MB. The vehicle was driven less than 3K miles in two years after the brake job was performed.
Is this just a matter of needing more mileage to wear-in the new parts or could there be an ABS problem? The squeaking is also very annoying when stopping.
I can't say I have a good perception of the dealer where the work was perfromed but I have to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume the work was done correctly.
Any suggestions?
Thanks.

DavidSoine · #2 06-19-2003, 12:17 AM

After taking the car for a drive, feel the wheels with your hand - are there one or more that are real hot or a lot hotter than the others? This could indicate a brake caliper that is hanging up. A problem that needs immediate attention if you drive the car a lot.

I have a lot of brake noise on the wheel where the caliper is hanging up. New rear lines, rotors and calipers are on my to-do list.

I don't know about the grabby brakes, tho.

best,

Dave
87 560SL

#3 06-20-2003, 10:19 AM

Thanks, Dave. I did a search on brakes but nothing similar to what I am experiencing was indicated other than the squeaking--which I will attempt the suggested remedies for. The grabbing can be very annoying, more so than the squealing, so I will check wheel temp after a drive. My wife and I only drive the car on nice weekends so it really doesn't get much use--which makes me hope it is just a matter of needing more wear--though it's probably not that simple.

Regards,

Dave

sublettd · #4 06-20-2003, 11:39 AM

Sounds to me like you've got a problem with the brake calipers. Had a similiar problem with my SL where the car would just "break right" when applying the brakes above 60mph. Replaced all kinds of stuff on the front-end before doing the calipers...which is what stevebfl told me the problem likely was...and no more braking difficulties.

#5 06-20-2003, 01:22 PM

Thanks for the insight. I was really hoping it might not be calipers. With so few miles, I am surprised this would be a problem though I can appreciate deterioration after so many years. Age does have its' drawbacks sometimes.

sublettd · #6 06-20-2003, 02:57 PM

Yeah, the calipers were probably the most expensive part I replaced in the front end. However, I've seen the 107 ATE calipers on eBay for about $125.00 each, which isn't bad. I'm thinking I paid close to $200.00 per caliper when mine were done.

cbdo · #7 06-20-2003, 10:55 PM

Had a similar problem in which the key defect was a very rusty, sticking parking brake mechanism. The shop had to replace most of it and all of the brake misbehaviors went away. There's still a very slight pulsing when stopping, but not enough to change my basic strategy of using up more of the pads (still >25% left at worst) before doing pads and rotors.