W126 - squeaking brakes, but pads are fine?
 

I replaced the rear brakes on my car about a month ago... they were badly worn... new rear brakes and they were fine. About two weeks ago, upon slow speed braking, I was (am) getting this horrible squeak as if brake pads are worn... the sounds is definitely coming from the front brakes.

Well, I went and purchased front brake pads and got around to removing the front wheels this evening after work and discovered that the "Mercedes brand" pads are still in very good shape and actually had more "pad" on them than the replacements (Duralast) I bought to replace them.

Anyone have any clue as to why non-worn out brake pads would squeak as if worn on low speed braking?

Thanks.

Thanks! The little devils are cheap enough arent they? :D

Btw- how do you get the brake pads out from the ABS connectors? When disconnected, the pad on the inside doesnt seem to want to pass by it.

I am seeing the same problem with my W124, Both pads and Disc's are new. It happens only on slow speed braking. What causes this and How does Brake Pad Shim help.

Thanks

Brake pad squeal is not coming from the pad side..it is caused by a high freq. vibration between the backside of the pad and the caliper piston/s...the pad damps that problem.
You can also use anti-squeal Paste, but that is usually a temporary fix, as it does not last long.

http://catalog.peachparts.com/ShopByVehicle.epc?q=1986-Mercedes--benz-560sel-Brake&yearid=1986%40%401986&makeid=63%40%40MERCEDES%2DBENZ%40%4063%40%40MERCEDES%2DBENZ%40%40X&model id=6307%3AMBC%7C1547%3AED%7C10000060%40%40560SEL&catid=241658%40%40Brake&subcatid=241665@@Brake+Anti +Squeal+Paste&mode=PA

I use a sticky blue aerosol spray. Directions say spray on the backs of the new brake pads and let them dry for about five minutes. Then put the shims on. Brakes do not squeak.

However I have bought a set of the really cheap pads from Pep Boys and they squeaked from the beginning. Put up with it for about a month then went out and purchased a better set; no squeak from the better set.

The spray is the same as the paste.
The shims do not need any anti-squeal b/c the are supposed to Float.
Notice they hang from the pad mounting pins and those holes are oval for movement..

If you get good pads , you will notice they have 4 small circular imbedded pad shims cut right into the backside of the pads..they need nothing.

Sure, brake pads often require "maintenance" before their life is over.

Contact surfaces where pads hang or rest and where piston contacts them must be greased with special grease.

If grease washes away before the pads are used up, you have to reapply it.

Our '06 W211 has this problem solved, as the pads are mounted on springs and have very thick coating on back side. Not the case with '80s cars.

Anti squeal compound isn't grease. One would not want to use grease anywhere near the brake pads, since grease is the enemy of friction.

Tried three times with this link but it failed. Got an "oops" each time.

Is there another way to see this??

Thanks,
Mike

Yeah......they changed the parts section over to a new format and seem to be having bugs in it....

I liked the old one.