'92 300SE

New front (MB) rotors installed because originals were warped/under spec.

Pads were purchased at the same time from MB, but when compared to what was on the car, I elected to stick with the existing pads, as they were near-new.

Car stops fine - no pull. However, the brakes have a "gravelly" feel to them when approaching at stop from speed. Last 10mph is particularly noticeable.

I've searched numerous threads without a concrete course of action suggested.

Any ideas?

I had something similar to happen a while back and found that one of my pad retainer pins had backed out enough for the outer pad to drop down towards the hub and cause some low-speed scraping. I put it all back together and it backed out again. I finally had to replace the pins. Whatever is is, you should be able to see what's scraping/grinding on close inspection.

Just a thought: There is a stainless shim that goes behind the pads. Is is somehow possible that one of them missed the retainer pins upon reassembly and has dropped down to the hub?

__________________
02 S500
92 500SL
92 400E (Sold)
87 300E (Sold)
83 300D Turbo (Sold)
75 300D (Sold)
74 240D (Sold after 20 years)

nothing is loose here - all pins, shims, etc are in place.

Just a real "grindy" feel when slowing down from higher speeds. Around town in traffic - 35-45mph, not noticeable. Slowing on freeway from 50+ to stop (darn Houston traffic), noticeable then.

Any other suggestions?

Thanks

I would go ahead and replace the pads. Perhaps they are just too hard for the rotors. You mentioned that the old rotors warped. This may also be a clue that the pads are too hard and may eventually do the same to the new rotors.

You said you bought MB rotors so I presume they are not slotted nor drilled. ATE Power Slot rotors made an objectionable noise when I tried them. I am presently trying Zimmermen Corss-Drilled and like them so far.

I think you said you bought pads. I highly recommend the "PBR Deluxe" pad as a good all-around pad that is not bad on dust. I have tried lots of things and keep coming back to these. They are not dustless, but the dust is lighter and doesn't seem to attack the finish of my wheels as bad as others.

I had noise when braking from high speeds when I was using "EBC Green Stuff" pads. They were fine when I first installed them, but they glazed the rotors over and made noises when slowing from high speeds.

While I have done many, many, brake jobs I am not a mechanic by trade. Perhaps another reader has an idea?

Good luck! Keep us posted.

__________________
02 S500
92 500SL
92 400E (Sold)
87 300E (Sold)
83 300D Turbo (Sold)
75 300D (Sold)
74 240D (Sold after 20 years)