Uh oh.

I went on a hard drive last night, blatting thru tight country roads (British country roads, aka just wide enough for a W124). Anyway, this resulted in a heck of a lot of heavy braking. When i was cruising home to let the car cool down, i noticed the brake light was flickering slightly when i depressed the pedal. Very dimly, but flickering. This morning going down the motorway, the light was dimly on even when not braking. It also comes on when going up steep hills. I had new pads installed about 3,000 mile ago, so i dont think its that, although I use the brakes really heavily.

Could it be fluid? How do I check the fluid level acurately? Probably time for a fluid flush anyway (its light brown)

Thanks for any advice on what this light is on for!

Brian

------------------
Brian Drought
1991 300CE
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069

Take the wheels off and look to see that the Brake Pad sensor wires are under the clips that hold them tight against the caliper. You might find that they are sticking up a little and rubbing against the inside of the wheel. You might find something else.
Good Luck,


------------------
Mike Mullins
71 250 Coupe
92 400E Sedan
90 944/S2 Cabriolet

Most likely you need new brake pads. We sell them in the partsshop and there is a do-it-yourself article for it as well in the section to the left.

------------------
Benzmac:
1981 280GE SWB
1987 16V
ASE CERTIFIED MASTER AUTO TECHNICIAN
SERVICE MANAGER FOR 14 BAY FACILITY
MERCEDES SPECIALIST 8 YRS
PARTNER IN MERCEDESSHOP.COM

aaaah, but get this.... the pads still have loads of feel and were only changed 10K ago... (or so). The light seems to flicker on in direct relation to the speed of the car. (Once every revolution). Also the light was on when i started the car this morning, with no presure on the brake. Pushing the brake pedal, and releasing caused the brake light to switch OFF. Very very weird.

Brian

------------------
Brian Drought
1991 300CE
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069

Brian,

Did you use all new wear sensors when you change the brake pads? Or be sure the new
sensors are installed correctly.

David

This is not weird at all. I have seen this many times. The way the light comes on is by grounding of the sensor against metal (rotor if it has a ridge) When you apply the brakes you flex the pads and rotor and it does not contact all of the time.

What did you find out was the problem?

havent found out yet, my g/f has been in hospital, so time has been short. I *think* it probably is worn pads, as I did take the car around the Alps for 3 days (about 1500 miles) with 4 people and a boot full of luggage (we weighed the car at 2.5 tonnes!!) Thats probably what killed the pads. Will get it checked out anf let you know.

Brian

------------------
Brian Drought
1991 300CE
http://www.users.globalnet.co.uk/~drought/
ICQ: 2180069