C320 2001 Brake Squeal
 

Question. On my new 2001 C320 Sport I’ve been having problems with the front brakes. They squeal when I attempt to stop gently or creep up to a point. The screech was so bad at times. Once while attempting to stop at a light, crowded by cars and pedestrians, the brakes mad the highest pitch squeal jet, all of the heads turned my way. What an embarrassment for a new C320 this moment was? After taking it to the dealer, they wanted to replace them for $160.00 while still under warranty. So, I decided to do the job my self. I bought new OEM brake pads and installed them my self for less then 60 bucks. While I was at it I cleaned the calipers and lubed them up. But still I have been experiencing the squeaks, but not as much as before. Any suggestion’s on my problem?

Thanks Becky

:confused:

My brakes will groan while applying light pressure at low (just barely rolling/creeping) speed. I have also had other cars (non MB) that did this. It's usually the brake pad compound that is the issue. The same may be true with the squealing, however, I would think the dealer would replace them under warranty to keep a happy customer.

Brian

At dealer we had more complaints about BRAKE squeal (squeak) than any other problem. Squeal comes from vibrations at the pads where the are in contact with the caliper. SOME squeak is normal. Many times around town braking causes dust build-up & that leads to squeal as well.

I thought that the dealer would replace them too, to keep a happy customer. Unfortunately the dealership, that is in town, isn’t that great. I had many different problems with them. I really think that they don’t care about customer satisfaction. For example I have seen them go out of their way not to give out loaner vehicles to their customers. But besides that, thanks for responding to my forum.
It is surprising that brake squeals are the number one complaint from today’s owners. Knowing this information helps, but at the same time makes me wonder. Why don’t they fix the number one customer complaint? Well, any way’s I will attempt to take the car to this other dealership which is about 98 miles up north, I herd that their technical and customer satisfaction skills are much better. If you guys have any other info please send it out thanks.

Becky
:)

front brake squeal
 

There is an excellent thread on this:- Technical Information & Support>tech help>brake squeal on new pads/rotors (OE).
www.peachparts.com/shopforum/showthread.php?s=694008ed80fb34db439a78ee. Search will not recognise it for me but I have hardcopy & the post by Gillybenztech cured my longstanding problems.
Perhaps TXBill can drag it back?

Tigerfox

Brake pads & OTHER wear items are covered only for 12month/12,000mi, even for noise. After that you are on your own!

My wife gets all bent out of shape over brake squeal. Myself, I check to make sure the pads have adequate thickness. If they do, I just turn up the radio volume.

As MB Doc pointed out, brake pads are one of the very few things that are not covered under the 50,000 mile warranty. Learn to enjoy the brake tunes.

Have a great day,