How do I change the brake pads in my '06 C280?
 

I have a 2006 C280 and the front brakes are starting to squeak. When my car was in for its last service about 2 months ago, they said my brake pads were fine, but since the service I have noticed the squeaking. Since my warranty was up right after that service, I didnt bring it back.

Anyway, I am pretty handy, but have never done work on any car. Is this something I can do on my own or should I bring it to a mechanic?

If this is something you think I can handle on my own, can I change the back ones the same way as the front? Anything special I need to get other than the brake pads?

Thanks!

Brake pads are usually quite easy. Have their been any warning about pad life? They have brake pad wear sensors that should alert you when the pads are low. Have you looked at them physically?

Since your car is relatively new, you have wear sensors and unless the pads have been replaced already with cheap pads (no hole for the wear sensor) or the sensors were not replaced/reinstalled your pad wear is within spec unless it is lit. Yellow light with a circle in the middle and two dashes on either side at the 11 and 2 oclock position.

Mercedes brakes are notorius for squeaking, even the newer ones. You can try brake cleaner but its considered "normal" as aggravating as it can be.

if you have done brakes before you can do mercedes brakes.

The backs of caliper have a 'lid' that you flip up and then undo the top and bottom bolts of the outer back shell. That lifts off and exposes the back of pads.
Use a screw driver to wedge the back ends of pads and force the piston down to get the pads loose.
pull out pads, clean areas,apply lots of brake pad paste to stop squeaks.
reassemble.
make sure rotors are OK. those are harder to replace.

do an archive search buddy.:)

Thanks everyone. No, I dont have an alert yet. I bought the car with 7000 miles, and now with over 50k I have never changed the pads. Like I said, I just had the car serviced and they said the pads were fine, but they should be the original pads.

Since I am assuming they are original, the sensor should still be in place so I will just wait until I get the alert for low pads.

I found instructions in the archives with great pictures, but it was for a much older model. Is the process the same for all models and years? I have never worked on any car before.

Thanks for the help!

you would seem to be about ripe for pads unless your mileage reflects alot of non-stop hiway driving....
city driving my front pads last 14K to 20K.

pull a wheel and take a few pics.:)

Must be because of the hills in SF! :eek:

My front pads last me about 45k! With about 50-60% of that being city driving.

hillbilly
 

That is incredible.

My 300D gets more mileage on pads because it naturally slows down sans throttle.

The C280 just keeps on going so brakes have to be applied more to slow down.

yup, hills !