PeterTownsend

The GL brakes seem to perform well, but the mushy pedal feel takes some getting used to especially when switching among cars. Stainless steel braided lines can help a bit, but after searching the forum I didn't find the answer on this braking system.

Has anyone upgraded to ss lines on their GL and noticed any difference in pedal feel?

Thanks, this forum has been super helpful with researching and now owning a used GL. Love it so far (when I can wrestle it away from the better half).

Peter

PeterTownsend

Really, not one of the mushy pedal haters out there has done this routine mod on a GL? Is it because you didn't it would make any difference with this braking system?

N_Jay

I have put SS lines on a few cars, and if they have a firm peddle, the SS lines take out that last little bit of mush.
I think the softness in the GL is somewhere other than the lines. (They simply can't be stretching that much).
Would you notice the difference? Maybe.
Would it be significant? Probably not.
Would you then have to work about the sudden failure of an SS line vs. the slow failure typical of standard lines? Definitely.

alx

the gl brakes are adequate for the volume of the brake fluid and plebian single piston sliding caliper design in the back.

i wouldnt bother.

N_Jay

Do other ML/GL models have a different arraignment in the back?
Maybe that accounts for the fairly spongy peddle?

2010GL550

I think the pedal feel is mushy, too. I've been wondering what improvements could be made and have been thinking about upgrading rotors and pads. If SS lines are available, I'll volunteer to give them a try.

N_Jay

Rotors and pads will do little for feel.

2010GL550

I know, I'm reviving an old thread but I'm ready to try SS brake lines too. Anyone every find any? I've been searching online for several minutes and can't locate a thing.


I've upgrade the pads/rotors and it made a noticeable improvement, but still looking for more.

N_Jay

Any good race shop should be able to make you a set.

DarthVaderpa

FCP euro has Techna-Fit stainless lines:
https://www.fcpeuro.com/products/mer...hnafit-mer1620

They fit without any issue. I installed the kit and the pedal feel more firm, definitely less mushy.

lkchris

2007 was first year for GL and all the road tests back then noted the mushy brake pedal feel. Like the ell in Blues Brothers, it will eventually be something you stop noticing.

expl0rer

Having run SS lines with 4 piston monoblock calipers on another car's front only, rears were left with stock lines and calipers, there was a huge difference in the brake pedal feel and travel before the brakes would bite. The travel was practically eliminated.

I'm wondering it is with the GL? Where are the brakes starting to bite and how much more brake pedal travel to lock brakes/engage ABS?

N_Jay

For that price I am planning on putting on a set the next time I have the brakes off.

sak335

My personal opinion is that the 'mushy' feel on the GL is quite similar to every other Mercedes that I have ever driven. I've always considered it a feature rather than a problem. I'm not convinced that SS lines will fix it, but it certainly won't hurt anything and will be a good excuse to bleed the lines.

N_Jay

My E350 has a much firmer peddle. I do find MB brakes a little softer than other German cars, so you are probably right some is designed in, but the GL sometimes feels like the brakes are pre-faded!

eric_in_sd

This.

I put stainless lines on a street/race car. Dropped a caliper once; it kinked the line. Didn't think much of it. A long time later, the line failed at the point it had been kinked.

I was lucky there was room to steer around the car I would have rear-ended. Also lucky the line didn't fail when I was doing hard braking into a hillside corner. If it had, I would have enjoyed free fall for the last moments of my life.

N_Jay

I had kind of stopped thinking about that as I see more places advertise them without warnings.
I am guessing that he new line and connectors might be more forgiving, but it was the concern back in the day.

DarthVaderpa

A lot of brake makers like Brembo, Powerstop, Wilwood, Goodridge, offer stainless steel braided lines as the upgrade to replace old rubber hoses. Old rubber hoses can soften and swell over time, leading to a spongy or soft brake pedal. Stainless steel hose strongly resists expansion under high pressure and temperature. Might not be the holy grail to fix the mushy brake pedal feel but for the price I think it worth the change. One disadvantage is that if you kink or twist the line you will have to replace it.