the old pads may be compressed from age.

Try getting some new ones, very cheap part, and compare them to the old ones. if they are thicker, that might help. I would also verify the springs are not lowering springs.

Alon

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'92 300CE - Sold
2004 C240 - 744 - C7 Wheels - Android Radio
2002 C320 - 816 - Sport Wagon - Sold
2006 E350 Wagon - 368 - Dead
2015 GL350 Bluetec - 197U