NYCMBGL450

For those with a much better understanding of these things, is it possible my rotors are gone on a 2011 GL450 with 25K miles? I replaced the pads and now they are squeaking. Any suggestions or is it time to replace the rotors on a leased car? Thanks.

BlownV8

How can your rotors be gone at 25K miles? Did you run the pads too long and score the rotors? If not, you should be fine. I got more than 100,000 miles out of my rotors. Then again, my pads lasted 60,000+ miles.

Fourdiesel

NYCMBGL450 - The squeak is most likely the pads - ie the pad material. If you replaced the pads did you use OEM pads? 'Seating' the new pads is also important for best performance and low noise. Most of the brake experts can explain the correct seating procedure.
Most modern SUVs have brakes that are designed to have the pads AND rotors replaced at the same time. If your old pads were worn to the point of setting the 'check brakes' light on the dash you should have also had the rotor thickness measured to determine if it is safe to use the rotors again. There is a minimum thickness for safe replacement of the pads (although the dealers are usually reluctant to tell you what that minimum is!). As long as the rotors are above this value you should be OK to use the rotors again. If you had the rotors turned you are almost certainly below this minimum though.

alx

Most German cars have oem pads designed to wear out their wear indicator at about 2-3mm of pad left.

So once the indicators show- you have quite a long time before you actually start grinding the rotors.

Your brakes squeal because you did not use the paste provided with your new pads or you did not install properly the tensioner brackets.

Generally speaking you replace the rotors every other time you do the pads unless you bent the rotors prematurely.

NYCMBGL450

So I was very cautious about the brakes and repalced them early, did not wait for the light to go on. I was aware of the fact that this could lead to rotor replacement and was not thrilled about that, so I was probably premature. I did replace the pads with non-oem and really think that is my problem. How does one verify that? This is a lease and I really don't want to spend a ton of money on rotors, I might replace fronts only? OEM rotors cost around $69 online, is that real? I called a dealership and he told me they were $69 each, so this doesn't seem like a major expenditure. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

thebishman

My SA whom I trust explicitly told me that the GL's never seem to need brakes replaced until at least 60K miles, and to just wait until the warning light comes on. When it does, I'll have him replace both pads and rotors since the rotors are so damn cheap.
Bish

alx

my truck requested rear brakes at 60k miles.

the fronts have still a long way to go.

and yes- if you dont want squeal- you always go with oem rotors and pads as they are designed to work well with each other.

iankayem

The sqeaking is actually "chattering" of the pads, probably due to dust or rust between the caliper and the pad. Remove the pads, clean it up, then apply some "CopperKote" or brake antisqeal paste (various brands). This will cure 90% of squealing problems.

Do not blame this on the pads (unless they are very poor quality no name brand).

The rotors are not likely to be the problem unless they are very badly scored. If they are scored, they will collect dust in the grooves, which will cause the chattering. After some time, the pads will wear to match the scores and this chattering will cease.