Do I need new brakes?

[Mercedes Guy]

Today I noticed that when I brake hard I hear sort of a grinding noise coming from the front right wheel. I've never heard this noise before today. I also notice that my brakes squeak a little bit. They never used to do that either. It's a 1992 190E that I bought used about two years ago, so I don't know how many miles are on these brakes. Do these symptoms sound like I need new brakes? Since this is my first Mercedes I have no idea what new brakes should cost. Are they going to be expensive? I haven't been looking forward to the day it has to be worked on since it will probably be expensive. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[Mike Murrell]

2 years old - grinding noise - you need to have it looked at by someone who understands your MB. Your pads may be worn down to metal, hence the grinding noise. If so, your rotors(don't know which ones or how many) will also need changing.

It's impossible to predict what this will cost, but again, go to someone who works on MBs. Stay away from Midas and the other national chains; Brake-O type operations.

You might put off an oil change, but bad brakes can cost you and others their lives. Have it fixed soon.

[William]

When your brake pads are worn down, to the point of needing replacement, you should see a warning light on the dash. It could be, however, that the previous owner, at one time or another, changed the front brake pads and the sensors were not reinstalled.

Since you say you're getting a noise in the right front wheel when you "hard brake", there's obviously something going on and I suggest that for starters you remove the right front wheel and take a peek at your brake pads. I usually do a quick inspection anytime I take the car in for wheel rotation and balance.

In the meantime, I'd try to avoid hard braking because if the pads are completely worn down to the metal, you could be trashing your right front rotor.

I've found that anti-squeak lubricant will usually cure squeaking brakes. Also, I never use anything other than Mercedes brake pads because I once had a horrible experience when I made the mistake of using aftermarket pads. It's my understanding that Mercedes uses what they call a "soft pad" to minimize noise and anything else can cause excessive heat and warped rotors. Warped rotors is precisely what I experienced.

If you're looking for the cost, you can't make a reasonable estimate without a full inspection, front and rear. There's always the question of whether or not rotors need to be replaced and if so, you'll be looking at a higher cost. (As a minimum, most brake shops will "turn" the rotors on a lathe and bring them back to "smooth and true" condition unless you tell them otherwise.) You'll also want to inspect your calipers and hope that there's nary a sign of fluid leakage.

I hope this helps.
William

[Hatterasguy]

Not to mention you could ruin your calipers. A simple cheap pad change could turn into a new rotor, caliper, line, fluid etc repair. Don't put off repair work it only gets more expensive. MB does not recomend turning discs either, their cheap replace them.

[Jackd]

A normal front brake job on a Mercedes is cheaper than doing it on a Honda Accord.
Front rotors on your car are about $50.
same for the brake pads.
Total parts $150.00 (assuming the calipers are OK)
One hour labor..
JackD

[bluestripe67]

If I may ad to the excellant advise. Don't buy any pads or rotors other than MB. I did once and all I got was noisy breaking, akin to light grinding. Never again. I have struck up a friendship with a service station owner and he lets me buy my MB parts from the dealer at his cost and I do the work. How sweet it is!

[samiam4]

I've always had good sucess with Textar yellow box pads for MB's. Some models are much more particular than others. Many ppl like Pagid pads. Just don't go down to Autozone and pay 2-3X more for a noisy pad. Not worth it! And don't ask me how I know!


Michael