c240classic

I am on my 4th pair in about 5000 kms of driving. I seem to be only warping the driver side rotor everytime. It seems to happen after my first emergency braking or about 1500 kms of driving. I am replacing pads everytime as well. Rotors are OEM. I am bedding the pads in right even though mercedes says no break in needed. Hub surface is clean , have tried winter wheels and summer and same problem is happening on both. Any advice will be appreciated. Oh and wheels are torqued correctly everytime.

samaritrey

there is another thread that is still active that has the same problem worth a look.

jokerswld34

i started the other thread that was just referred to. conclusion, time for some new calipers. the dealer did extensive tests on my system, including run-out, pressure and mechanical. turns out, one of the pistons on my driver side caliper is slightly sticking, intermittently, and as a result, generates enough heat to warp the disc after either a bed-in procedure or a panic brake scenario 9thus every 1000 miles or so). i went through 4 sets of OEM rotors and pads to discover this problem, and now am purchasing a BBK to insure this doesnt happen again. Best bet, have someone examine the pistons, take the car for a drive, inspect again and take a temp reading for both fronts, drive again, then remeasure temp. you will either notice a difference in temp per side, or you will physically see your caliper piston lagging. i would also check your bearings and hub for proper surfacing and function, as well as your lug nut torque. otherwise, i think you are experiencing the same problems as me, and now you have to decide whether to upgrade, replace the problem caliper, or rebuild. definitely have it looked at extensively first, but unfortunately i don't think its going to be good news. good luck and if you have any questions, im all ears. thanks to everyone who helped me on my problem.

daiso'

I think i have this problem too... i am on my 2nd set with in a year, crazy shaking at higher speeds and pulsating at lower... how much are a new set of bbk's for our cars?

LILBENZ230

This is becoming a common problem it seems. I shared my experience in the other thread and so far, I'm good. But given that I've had trouble, I expect more in the future. Wonder how much stock calipers cost? Probably $50 for the caliper and $5,600 for the "MERCEDES-BENZ" lettering.

jokerswld34

BBK kits range from $2000 to $4000 depending on brand and number of pistons. stock 2 piston Brembo sport calipers cost $1000 each, which i was quoted from MB. if you have a caliper problem, think about an upgrade bc stock replacements are too damn expensive.

LILBENZ230

Stock 2-piston Brembo calipers for C230 are $370 retail or $277.50 from getmercedesparts.com

http://www.trademotion.com/partlocat...layCatalogid=0

You were misled.

jokerswld34

actually, i was wrong. they quoted me about $1000 for 2 calipers. plus add in new rotors and pads, and of course labor. seems to me like a better idea for the long run to spend a little extra for a BBK and be done with it. i apologize for my error.

Glyn M Ruck

c240classic - where are you? Obviously not the US if you have a Classic.

Jokers - interesting input - I was seriously wondering if there was not a bad batch of OE rotors out there. Sounds like Buell was correct - Good learning.

ATL_MB

I am interested to know if you guys with the bad calipers / sticking pistons are changing your brake fluid regularly (or at all).

jokerswld34

yes. i changed my fluid every year, more or less, at Mercedes. dealer theorized that the increased rotational diameter of my brabus wheels, coupled with the 5mm spacers and extra horsepower, put a strain on my brakes and shortened their longevity. either way, time for an upgrade...

LILBENZ230

The extra horsepower should definitely not have over stressed the C230 Sport brakes. The brakes are overkill on the car.. very robust.

ATL_MB

OK - thanks. That is interesting. I agree that the C230 brakes are very good (I tracked mine without problems) and I am not sure how "using them more" would have impacted them, unless more (a LOT more) heat was getting into the calipers. That doesn't seem likely to happen with heavier wheels/tires (I don't see how the spacers would have much impact or the HP for that matter).

I drove my car HARD, mostly in the city, and never had any brake problems (I replaced pads and rotors a lot, but that was not a problem) for 65,000 miles (just sold it).

LILBENZ230

I have ownership history of Honda products, so the notion that the C230 (especially the 2005+ Sport) has weak brakes susceptible to damage from some additional horsepower or abuse seems crazy. My original rotors lasted 53,000 miles and through 2 sets of pads before they were shot.

The most demanding situation for my C230's brakes that I can recall happened about two months ago. There were 5 adults in the car and a full tank of fuel. I wasn't driving, had a DD because we had been out drinking. Anyway, the limit on the 4-lane we were on was 65 and we were doing 72ish down a long hill. At the bottom of the hill was a redlight that decided to change without enough time for us to make it. So heavy braking + full load + high speed. That situation would have undoubtedly spelled the end of the rotors for any of my previous Honda cars. The Benz brushed it off.

I also take my car to the mountains of NC about once a month, often times with a few passengers. Lots of demanding braking there, too, and never any fading. My last car was a Civic Si (2007) and I took it up there once. Cost me a set of brakes @ 15,000 miles. They faded terribly and were scorched and ruined when I returned, and not because I drove it any harder or faster than I do the C230.

daiso'

so any mechanic can check the caliper or do i have to go to the dealership?

jokerswld34

yes. any knowledgeable mechanic can check the calipers for you. if youre comfortable with an indy checking for u, it will cost a bit less. i had mine checked by a few mechanics who couldn't figure out the problem along with techs at MB. only until the shop foreman began assisiting did they find the root of the problem. if i were you, i'd spend the $150 +/- to get it diagnosed at the dealer but thats just my opinion.