I have an 01 c320 sport that was in today for servicing. It has 58,000 km on it and had brake pads replaced at 52,000 km. I have no braking problems, shuddering, vibration,etc. except the usual intermittent brake squeal(when rolling to a stop) which seems to be a common complaint. The tech mentioned something about maybe needing new rotors at its next servicing. What are the indications for changing brake rotors? If they aren't warped, what is the reasoning behind replacing them? I will replace them if needed, but would obviously like to save myself a big bill if not needed. Thanks for any and all info.

 

Rotors don't need to be replaced until they get too thin. MB must have a minimum thickness specification below which they will not work on your brakes UNLESS you replace the rotors (liability concerns). The rotors will get thinner just from use (my old scirocco used to go through almost as many rotors as pads when I was using semi-metallic pads) but resurfacing them to fix slight warpage, gouges, etc. is a bigger impact.

I would just ask the tech what the spec minimum is, what original thickness is, and what my current thickness is. If it seems that I am likely to need new rotors before my next brake pad replacement (based on my past wear rates) I would have them put them in while the car was already in the air.

jlm

 

A good rule of thumb is to replace rotors with every other set of pads - or if they are warped, of course. Machining is not recommended by MBZ (and most European auto manufacturers).

 

u can try to apply some anti-squeal lube between the piston and the back of the pad. make sure not to make a mess or else if u get some grease on the rotor or pad surface, well...grease doesn't stop well. there are also anti-squeal shim kits, but i'm not sure if they're correct or available for mb.

 

steve...


i saw your sig...make me miss my t5-r...just sold it off 1 yr ago to get an A6...................

 

1995 850 turbowagon AKA wet noodle