'02 C230 Kompressor - Issues - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

blackmercedes · #1 03-05-2006, 05:53 PM

It's normal to replace the discs on a Mercedes and never turn them. They're cheap (usually about $60 each, or so) and so it's not really worth trying to extend the life of them by removing material.

A typical top-out cost of front brakes would be about $80-100 for the pad set, $120 for the two front discs, and $250 for bits (pad sensors, etc) and labour, setting a total bill of about $450 or so. This is comparable to most cars I've owned. The advantage that I've seen with my own MB's is the ability for a DIY to perform the job at home without any special tools.

C32AMG · #2 03-05-2006, 07:44 PM

My 02 C32 AMG has worn three sets of front rotors and pads, within 36,000 miles. They made the same noise as you described. Changed twice by MB under warranty, I just changed them last week for the third time. The front brakes (pads and rotors) stops the car, they do most of the work. Yes it’s normal for them to wear, often if you drive your car hard.

mctwin2kman · #3 03-06-2006, 08:45 AM

Adding a quart or two of oil in betweek 10K Mile oil changes is no big deal. I have to add a quart at about 8K into the change. Most manufacturers state that 1 quart every 1000 miles burnt is well within engine limits and tolerances. So two quarts in 10,000 is one every 5,000 so that is very good. No engine can run without burning some small amount of oil.

As for the brakes. Well it all depends on mileage and useage. The Brakes on my W203 Coupe have just started squealing after 45,000 miles. I think that is friggin great since I did not think they would last 30,000. Ours is a 6 speed though and we do downshift some what to slow down. But still use the brakes pretty hard. No biggie to me. I feel no sign of rotor warp so I will just throw new pads on when I get a chance. We have not hit the brake sensor as of yet to throw the red light on the MFD on yet though. It is not uncommon to just put new rotors on. Especially when the customer complains of noises liek groaning. Of course to me that could be a ball joint of sticky caliper. But then again I am not working on the car......

blackmercedes · #4 03-06-2006, 09:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mctwin2kman

I feel no sign of rotor warp so I will just throw new pads on when I get a chance.

You'd be better off measuring the disc thickness and replacing them if more than half worn.

mctwin2kman · #5 03-06-2006, 12:23 PM

I do not turn or replace a rotor or even measure unless needed. One set of pads better not kill a rotor. If it does then we have more problems with **** MB parts.

blackmercedes · #6 03-06-2006, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mctwin2kman

I do not turn or replace a rotor or even measure unless needed. One set of pads better not kill a rotor. If it does then we have more problems with **** MB parts.

If you're not measuring them, how do you figure out that replacement is needed? On many MB models, it''s not unusual for you to have to replace discs with every set of pads. Our C36 had pretty long wearing brakes for such performance-oriented parts, and the discs were typically worn past 50% when replacing pads, meaning they wouldn't make it to the next pad change. It's ten seconds with a micrometer, so I'm not sure what's gained in not measuring the discs...

mctwin2kman · #7 03-06-2006, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by blackmercedes

If you're not measuring them, how do you figure out that replacement is needed? On many MB models, it''s not unusual for you to have to replace discs with every set of pads. Our C36 had pretty long wearing brakes for such performance-oriented parts, and the discs were typically worn past 50% when replacing pads, meaning they wouldn't make it to the next pad change. It's ten seconds with a micrometer, so I'm not sure what's gained in not measuring the discs...

Problem being I do not have a micrometer handy nor do I know the specs for thickness. I have always in the past visually checked them and felt them. Then when I do a second pad replacement I do the rotors. Or if I feel any strange pulsing or lack of brakes. Then again if I worked in a shop I would check them. But I am not about to pay the Stealer to Check my rotors. I doa visual and compare from side to side and check to see and feel how much the rotor has shrunk in the time used. In all honesty I already checked my rotors a week or so ago and they are not worn down too bad honestly. Not much of a lip there. My rears are barely worn......

manny · #8 03-06-2006, 04:05 PM

Nesreen

It would help us make a better judgement, if you would include the mileage of the brakes/car.

page62 · #9 03-06-2006, 08:46 AM

I agree on the pads and rotor replacement. But if your car is out of warranty, and you're not a DIYer...it's time for you to find a good independent mechanic in your area. Perhaps you can find one in the Good Shops forum (the link button is at the top of the page).

BTW: The Mercedes dealer in San Antonio has a very good service department. Not cheap, not a ripoff either...but good.