Replacing brake pads
#3
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Historically, yes, most cars go through the front brakes first because they have a fixed brake bias. However, modern cars such as the W205 have electronic brakeforce distribution, so the brake force is continuously adjusted for each wheel, and many EBD systems initially distribute more braking pressure at the rear brakes to reduce the effects of weight transfer. It keeps the car from nose diving. Under light braking, especially with DISTRONIC it may even exclusively use the rear brakes to slow down, and combined with traction control using the rear brakes to slow down spinning wheels, it's not unusual for the rear brakes to be worn first nowadays.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electr...e_distribution
Electronic brakeforce distribution (EBD or EBFD) or electronic brakeforce limitation (EBL) is an automobile brake technology that automatically varies the amount of force applied to each of a vehicle's wheels, based on road conditions, speed, loading, etc. Always coupled with anti-lock braking systems (ABS), EBD can apply more or less braking pressure to each wheel in order to maximize stopping power whilst maintaining vehicular control.[1][2] Typically, the front end carries more weight and EBD distributes less braking pressure to the rear brakes so the rear brakes do not lock up and cause a skid.[3] In some systems, EBD distributes more braking pressure at the rear brakes during initial brake application before the effects of weight transfer become apparent.
#5
Historically, yes, most cars go through the front brakes first because they have a fixed brake bias. However, modern cars such as the W205 have electronic brakeforce distribution, so the brake force is continuously adjusted for each wheel, and many EBD systems initially distribute more braking pressure at the rear brakes to reduce the effects of weight transfer. It keeps the car from nose diving. Under light braking, especially with DISTRONIC it may even exclusively use the rear brakes to slow down, and combined with traction control using the rear brakes to slow down spinning wheels, it's not unusual for the rear brakes to be worn first nowadays.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electr...e_distribution
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electr...e_distribution
#6
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Yes I realise that modern cars have plenty of different systems but it doesn't change the fact that in case of W205 in terms of standard driving (and braking) most of braking is done by the front brakes which is not only confirmed by my own experience but also by common sense when you look at the fact that front rotors and pads are like a good third bigger than the rears.
At the end of the day, you actually want the front and rear brakes to wear out at about the same time, so you can replace them together. While my rears went first, the fronts needed to be replaced less than a 1000 miles later.
Last edited by superswiss; 11-08-2021 at 07:52 PM.
#7
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@PaulR7 The old adages aren't applying well to recent MB vehicles. Physics of weight transfer says more braking effort should happen at the front. Limit braking at wheel lockup certainly results in larger braking forces at the front tire patch.
But reality says rear pads are consumed first on MBs. As stated by @superswiss assist systems utilize the rear brakes, and it's possible although unknown whether or not MB uses a faster wearing pad material on the rears. Also we don't know with certainty the fluid proportioning front-to-rear that the master cylinder delivers. Furthermore, vehicles with electric parking brakes use the rear caliper pads. While small, the parking brake contributes to rear pad wear.
The rear pads are thinner than the fronts when new, and have a smaller surface area. So the volume of rear pad material is for sure less than the front pad.
But reality says rear pads are consumed first on MBs. As stated by @superswiss assist systems utilize the rear brakes, and it's possible although unknown whether or not MB uses a faster wearing pad material on the rears. Also we don't know with certainty the fluid proportioning front-to-rear that the master cylinder delivers. Furthermore, vehicles with electric parking brakes use the rear caliper pads. While small, the parking brake contributes to rear pad wear.
The rear pads are thinner than the fronts when new, and have a smaller surface area. So the volume of rear pad material is for sure less than the front pad.
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#8
Yes I realise that modern cars have plenty of different systems but it doesn't change the fact that in case of W205 in terms of standard driving (and braking) most of braking is done by the front brakes which is not only confirmed by my own experience but also by common sense when you look at the fact that front rotors and pads are like a good third bigger than the rears.
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Having said that, the general consensus is to replace brake pads once they are down to 3 mm. That's also typically when the wear sensor trips. During regular service they will measure your pads, so you get an idea of their wear level and can then decide. Rotors are a similar story. They have a minimum thickness that's typically about 2 mm less than new on the front and 1 mm less than new on the rear. The minimum thickness is typically stamped on the hat. A technician or you yourself can measure the thickness of the rotor and decide if you need to replace them. The rear rotors often last for two sets of pads, whereas the front rotors may need to be replaced with each new set of pads. In the past, rotors could also be turned to true them up and remove grooves etc, but today's rotors are as thin as possible to begin with to save weight. If the rotors are damaged like if they have grooves for example, then you need to replace them, too.
Dealerships don't want to deal with these nuances, though, so they will talk you in to replacing everything. If you want to be more specific have your brakes serviced by an indy. They can also assist you with possibly getting better aftermarket parts if you don't have anything specific in mind yourself.
Last edited by superswiss; 11-09-2021 at 01:44 PM.
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TwoC400s (04-12-2022)
#16
I’d get another opinion. The rotor itself does not squeak because it’s wearing. Either the pad is worn and causing a metal to metal sound or the squealer is touching or occasionally touching because the pad is real close to being worn enough for the squealer to do it’s job or the noise is coming from somewhere else.
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TwoC400s (04-12-2022)
#19
Question on rear brakes...
Bought front and rear Akebono pads and replaced the fronts today. Wear sensor came on a couple weeks ago. The front pads were Mercedes brand that I believe were the second set along with new rotors when the dealer did the CPO work before I purchased. Pads had maybe 2 mm left. The rotors were in excellent shape with just a slight lip at the outer edge so I put the new pads on. Work well and are quiet and smooth.
On to the question. I started the backs and realized I did not have a 7 mm hex socket to remove the caliper so I went and got one. In checking the rear rotors, I see the wear holes in the rotor are almost gone. What's the consensus on replacing the rotor at this time. They are expensive as aftermarket in Canada and I haven't checked with Mercedes for their pricing.
Bought front and rear Akebono pads and replaced the fronts today. Wear sensor came on a couple weeks ago. The front pads were Mercedes brand that I believe were the second set along with new rotors when the dealer did the CPO work before I purchased. Pads had maybe 2 mm left. The rotors were in excellent shape with just a slight lip at the outer edge so I put the new pads on. Work well and are quiet and smooth.
On to the question. I started the backs and realized I did not have a 7 mm hex socket to remove the caliper so I went and got one. In checking the rear rotors, I see the wear holes in the rotor are almost gone. What's the consensus on replacing the rotor at this time. They are expensive as aftermarket in Canada and I haven't checked with Mercedes for their pricing.
#20
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The rears on my wife's went first (dealership said the fronts were over 75% material remaining), my car is only at 44k miles so still a bit of pad on both front and rear.
The rears on my previous 2005 Audi A8 were also always first to go, by about 15-20,000 miles.
I've used Akebono pads on all my previous Euro cars to with good results.
The rears on my previous 2005 Audi A8 were also always first to go, by about 15-20,000 miles.
I've used Akebono pads on all my previous Euro cars to with good results.