I think I threw a brake rotor
 

Hello friends:

1993 190e 2.6

Can someone help me figure out if I threw a brake rotor? For the last few months since I had my new brakes put on in April, I have been having problems with the brakes. Here are the conditions:

1. Moderate braking at higher speeds (above 50) will yield an almost scraping-like feel followed by a rumble.

2. If I apply the brakes very slowly at or above 50, the brakes will work normally - the scraping/rumbling feel like in #1 is kinda there, but much much less.

3. Brake pressure and firmness is fine -- no problems there.

I'm thinking that there must be a rotor that got warped somehow. They're really new (replaced in April), so I don't know how they would have gotten warped. I don't apply the brakes hard, so there were no emergency stops.

If it is the brake rotor, should I just live with the rumble/vibration until I need new brake pads and then have the pads and rotors replaced again, or should I replace the bad rotor(s) now as they might cause damage to other brake components?

Thanks for everyone's help.

Take care-
Michael.

You may have a caliper sticking that may cause premature brake pad wear or rotor warpage. It could possible be a wheel bearing. It is best to have it checked out right away. You are talking about your brakes. Good luck.

JDUB is right: don't mess with safety items like brakes. If in doubt, check it out!

It seems this only occurs when braking? Correct?

If it is a warped rotor ... did you install them or did you have them done? If someone else, take it back.

If you have done the work, you could remove them and have them turned. Yes, a bummer, but any Midas shop with turn 'em for you. Hint, find out if they are open on Sunday. Call them on Sunday and see if they would turn them for you. Around here, they will turn them for not very much money since Sundays are slow days.

The scraping sound .... hmmm is it from the front or rear?

On our '91 300E we had a very weird sound that would only come about during heavy braking from the rear. I pulled the rear wheels and found that the previous owner had installed brake pads that were square/rectangular instead of curved. The rectangular part was rubbing on the center of the brake disk, the hub part. It would only do it when it got hot enough.

I installed the correct "curved" pads and the trouble disappeared.

It seems that brake pads tend to come in similar sizes. In this case the old pads fit. They just didn't function well.

Haasman

I'm not in the least a DIY -- I'd probably blow my car up if I tried to do anything. I can check fluids, check tire pressure, and that's about it for me. I'm dependent upon others to help me!!! :)

I will take it back and will have the brakes inspected I guess. The noise is coming from the front of the car -- definitely the front. I had the wheel bearings replaced as well in April.

It's just that noise that is somewhat concerning. Other than that, the brakes work just fine.

OK ... will have it checked out. For now, it's back to studying for Catholic Reformation History!! :o :rolleyes: