Brake Pedal Feel

[NEAL560SL]

I just purchased my 1986 560SL in December and haven't been able to drive it yet, but just moving it in the driveway into the garage the brake pedal seems very low. I seem to think that way back when our american counterparts first came out with ABS brakes that they also felt this way. The fluid level is full and they seem to hold fine, just feel funny when compared to my Chrysler and Jeep Grand Cherokee.

I also wondered if it is normal for the accelerator pedal to have what I would call roughly an inch of free travel before it does anything. Maybe its not that much but it sure feels like it.

I am so so anxious for spring and dry roads to come so I can drive it!!!

[txstinger]

I agree. I have a Jeep Cherokee Sport the pedals feel great.

The brake for me took little time to get use to. I even like the extra movement in corners – brake pedal that is. I can feel the brake in my foot.

The accelerator is a completely different story. The extra play is in the design. The top roller moves a great distance before moving the linkage to the throttle body. I have not tried to adjust it out; instead I adjusted by the MB specs.

[NEAL560SL]

Thanks for the reply txstinger. I'm glad to hear that it sounds normal. I'm sure I will adjust.

BTW, a low pedal could be a sign of worn brake pads.

[txstinger]

Mine are new all the way around, renewed or changed the brake fluid. The car stops great - just more movement on the pedal than what I'm use to.

[ctaylor738]

If you pump the pedal a couple of times and notice that it moves "up" in terms of where braking starts, then you probably have some air in the system. And worn pads or rotors can require more pedal travel.

You can also firm things up by changing to aftermarket hoses that have less expansion than the stock ones.

[560slntulsa]

Hi Neal,

I was interested by your comment about the throttle feel of your 560SL. We have a 1987 560SL and the throttle feel is one of the many things I like about the car. It's heavy enough to remind me that the pedal is mechanically connected to an engine, unlike most new cars with overly light feeling throttles, like my Chrysler Pacifica. However, the long throttle travel you describe is not how I would describe our SL. It has only a small dead spot, then feels natural. A couple of years ago I almost bought a 560SEL and recall it had a pedal, like yours, that had to be pushed what seemed like a very long way before the engine responded, almost to be point of feeling unsafe. Maybe there's normal and then there's not-so-normal.

P.S.
When you finally get a chance to drive your 560SL, I know you're going to be impressed. Hope Spring comes early to your part of the country.

Bruce in Tulsa
1987 560SL
2001 Jeep GC
2004 Chrysler Pacifica
1970 Chrysler 300 (51K original miles)

[NEAL560SL]

Hi Bruce,

I know what your saying about possibly being unsafe. When putting it in the garage its like your pushing, pushing and then you going. If it is normal, it's sure going to take some getting used to. I know what your saying about the Pacifica, as I have worked at this DamlerChrysler dealership for 34 years so have seen a lot of changes with the vehicles.

I remember my dad buying a new 220D in 1973 and the accelerator on that felt this same way. At the time I thought it was a diesel thing. Thats when I first fell in love with the 107 chassis.

Thanks for the responce

[scotts560]

Hi Neal
Bring it down to Florida and drive it, it's 80 here today!!! See you Friday, Scott

[txstinger]

I had to pull my throttle housing over my vacation. I figured that since I had the top off I would renew the throttle linkage bushings and all rubber connections on vacuum lines.

I will post on the change in the feel of the throttle afterwards.