Weird groaning / scraping noise under braking (when coming to a stop)
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
2013 Mercedes Benz C350
Weird groaning / scraping noise under braking (when coming to a stop)
Hi all, hope everyone is doing well. For a while now, I have noticed a strange noise coming from the front left side of the car. The noise sounds like some kind of groaning / scraping and happens at lower speeds, as the car comes to a stop. I have also noticed that the noise is more pronounced when the brakes are applied fully (100%) than when applied, let's say 80% or less. Another interesting thing that I have noticed is that in the past, the brakes would usually squeak as the car came to a stop. However, that squeak has now been replaced by this noise.
Several attempts at hard braking seem to temporarily fix this issue for some reason. After doing some digging on the internet, I came across a video posted by someone having the same issue but on a 2008 Ford Fusion with some people claiming that this type of noise could be caused by low brake pads or warped brake rotors. Others that I've talked to have said that the cause might be the slider pins within the calipers, while my mechanic said that the cause may be the brake caliper, something he later retracted after being unable to create the noise while the car was idling. The front rotors / pads were replaced approx. 20,000 KMs / 12,500 miles ago. I've also attached a video to show what the noise sounds like.
Many thanks in advance.
Several attempts at hard braking seem to temporarily fix this issue for some reason. After doing some digging on the internet, I came across a video posted by someone having the same issue but on a 2008 Ford Fusion with some people claiming that this type of noise could be caused by low brake pads or warped brake rotors. Others that I've talked to have said that the cause might be the slider pins within the calipers, while my mechanic said that the cause may be the brake caliper, something he later retracted after being unable to create the noise while the car was idling. The front rotors / pads were replaced approx. 20,000 KMs / 12,500 miles ago. I've also attached a video to show what the noise sounds like.
Many thanks in advance.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 765
Likes: 171
From: Walnut Creek, CA
325Ci, 325Cic, C300
Two ideas jump at me from your description. Thank you, btw, as most folks give much less.
First is you have a sticky caliper or slide pin that ‘s caused the early demise of one or both pads. Squeaks when the backing plate starts touching the rotor. It starts to growl when it’s completely on the back plate. Did this on my old CBR.
Second is the more obvious - wheel bearings. Test it. 20-30mph sweeping turn, left and right. If it gets louder for one vs the other, the bad bearing is opposite the turn you’re taking.
First is you have a sticky caliper or slide pin that ‘s caused the early demise of one or both pads. Squeaks when the backing plate starts touching the rotor. It starts to growl when it’s completely on the back plate. Did this on my old CBR.
Second is the more obvious - wheel bearings. Test it. 20-30mph sweeping turn, left and right. If it gets louder for one vs the other, the bad bearing is opposite the turn you’re taking.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
2013 Mercedes Benz C350
Two ideas jump at me from your description. Thank you, btw, as most folks give much less.
First is you have a sticky caliper or slide pin that ‘s caused the early demise of one or both pads. Squeaks when the backing plate starts touching the rotor. It starts to growl when it’s completely on the back plate. Did this on my old CBR.
Second is the more obvious - wheel bearings. Test it. 20-30mph sweeping turn, left and right. If it gets louder for one vs the other, the bad bearing is opposite the turn you’re taking.
First is you have a sticky caliper or slide pin that ‘s caused the early demise of one or both pads. Squeaks when the backing plate starts touching the rotor. It starts to growl when it’s completely on the back plate. Did this on my old CBR.
Second is the more obvious - wheel bearings. Test it. 20-30mph sweeping turn, left and right. If it gets louder for one vs the other, the bad bearing is opposite the turn you’re taking.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 765
Likes: 171
From: Walnut Creek, CA
325Ci, 325Cic, C300
Pads will tell the story. Take pictures of both pads, of both wheels. From there we can easily determine if it’s the pins or piston that’s getting stuck. If you’re allowed to poke around in there, get the piston and rotor too, although not necessary.
Super Member
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 765
Likes: 171
From: Walnut Creek, CA
325Ci, 325Cic, C300
And since we’re waiting, might as well play the guessing game. A 125k-miles CA car should have spotless brake components. I have 256k and they still look new. I do, however, bleed the system ever 3 years if that helps.
No, my money is on a tech that forgot to change it12k miles (kms?) ago.
No, my money is on a tech that forgot to change it12k miles (kms?) ago.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
2013 Mercedes Benz C350
And since we’re waiting, might as well play the guessing game. A 125k-miles CA car should have spotless brake components. I have 256k and they still look new. I do, however, bleed the system ever 3 years if that helps.
No, my money is on a tech that forgot to change it12k miles (kms?) ago.
No, my money is on a tech that forgot to change it12k miles (kms?) ago.
Last edited by TorontoC350; Jun 15, 2025 at 06:43 PM.
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2021 GLB250 FWD, 2023 GLA250 FWD, 2013 C250, 2015 GLK350, 2005 ML350SE, 2003 E320
Don’t beat yourself up. You’re learning and on a Mercedes that may not be the easiest place. Your car doesn’t have a lot of miles, so it’s probably not too serious.🤞🏻
But you will have to acquire the tools (like maybe a 15” portable frame lift) needed to get under a W204 or it’s going to get expensive to outsource service.
These cars are very durable and reliable when maintained.
But you will have to acquire the tools (like maybe a 15” portable frame lift) needed to get under a W204 or it’s going to get expensive to outsource service.
These cars are very durable and reliable when maintained.
Last edited by Odd Piggy; Jun 15, 2025 at 09:55 PM.
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Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
2013 Mercedes Benz C350
Don’t beat yourself up. You’re learning and on a Mercedes that may not be the easiest place. Your car doesn’t have a lot of miles, so it’s probably not too serious.🤞🏻
But you will have to acquire the tools (like maybe a 15” portable frame lift) needed to get under a W204 or it’s going to get expensive to outsource service.
These cars are very durable and reliable when maintained.
But you will have to acquire the tools (like maybe a 15” portable frame lift) needed to get under a W204 or it’s going to get expensive to outsource service.
These cars are very durable and reliable when maintained.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Sep 2023
Posts: 37
Likes: 2
2013 Mercedes Benz C350
Hi all, thought I'd update everyone on this matter especially seeing how many people just disappear after not finding a solution in the forum. I brought my car in to my mechanic the other day for a couple of things, with the brake noise being one of them. Both he and his apprentice, with the latter being the person who worked on the car, stated that they did not hear any such noises under braking. I did explain to them that the noise is fairly audible under light braking as the car comes to a stop. However, they said that they didn't notice anything. After getting in the car myself, I did notice that the noise wasn't very audible anymore, and approximately 24 hours later, it appears to come and go under light braking. One difference that I notice from the day before is that the brakes are now a lot more squeaky than before. Not sure if the mechanic had role in any of this but he also mentioned that the brakes, along with the pads, appear to be in good condition.
MBWorld God!
Joined: Dec 2019
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Hi all, thought I'd update everyone on this matter especially seeing how many people just disappear after not finding a solution in the forum. I brought my car in to my mechanic the other day for a couple of things, with the brake noise being one of them. Both he and his apprentice, with the latter being the person who worked on the car, stated that they did not hear any such noises under braking. I did explain to them that the noise is fairly audible under light braking as the car comes to a stop. However, they said that they didn't notice anything. After getting in the car myself, I did notice that the noise wasn't very audible anymore, and approximately 24 hours later, it appears to come and go under light braking. One difference that I notice from the day before is that the brakes are now a lot more squeaky than before. Not sure if the mechanic had role in any of this but he also mentioned that the brakes, along with the pads, appear to be in good condition.
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