Brake squeal under light braking (noise)
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 311
Likes: 1
From: Washington DC
axe muderer with headlights
Brake squeal under light braking (noise)
I have around 4,800 miles now and have noticed that the brakes are squealing when I am braking lightly. Under hard braking the don't make any noise.
I visually looked at the rotor and there isn't any abnormal wear that I can see.
Is this normal for MB? I am trying to be more informed before I "take it to the dealer".
I visually looked at the rotor and there isn't any abnormal wear that I can see.
Is this normal for MB? I am trying to be more informed before I "take it to the dealer".
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2009
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From: Montreal, Canada
2021 Taycan Turbo, 2018 Radical SR3, 2021 Lincoln Aviator
Squealing is usually just brake dust, clean the wheels and if possible use a brake cleaner in spray. The fact it's only under light braking is probably because its slightly dusty. The noise will increase with time if not cleaned.
If this fails go to the dealer but I've never seen squealing be anything else. Any other pad or rotor damage will not make this type of noise, they will mostly create grinding noise or a vibration under braking.
Hope this helps.
If this fails go to the dealer but I've never seen squealing be anything else. Any other pad or rotor damage will not make this type of noise, they will mostly create grinding noise or a vibration under braking.
Hope this helps.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2009
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From: Denver, CO
'09 SL Black, '12 ML63, '13 SL63, '14 E63 Wagon, '14 458 Italia
I've had this issue as well (1700 miles) - from what I've seen on forums this is simply sort of the character of the brakes that come on this car. I usually live with it, but I always ask my authorized MB maintenance guy what other brake components are available when it comes time to replace them.
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Porsche 991S, Cayenne S, 1972 BMW 3.0CS E9 Coupe
If you're not driving the car hard that often, you'll get squeal. Dust and rotor glaze.
Go out and toss the car into some corners with really hard braking. Seriously. The squeal will go away. If and when it returns, repeat above and it will go away again.
Go out and toss the car into some corners with really hard braking. Seriously. The squeal will go away. If and when it returns, repeat above and it will go away again.
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Joined: Jul 2009
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From: FL
'09 C63 AMG
Squealing is usually just brake dust, clean the wheels and if possible use a brake cleaner in spray. The fact it's only under light braking is probably because its slightly dusty. The noise will increase with time if not cleaned.
If this fails go to the dealer but I've never seen squealing be anything else. Any other pad or rotor damage will not make this type of noise, they will mostly create grinding noise or a vibration under braking.
Hope this helps.
If this fails go to the dealer but I've never seen squealing be anything else. Any other pad or rotor damage will not make this type of noise, they will mostly create grinding noise or a vibration under braking.
Hope this helps.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Mar 2007
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From: Sydney, Australia
Vath ML63 Brabus C63 SL63 CLK63BS C63BS
welcome to being an mercedes benz owner - squeeling brakes is an ongoing fact of life. Although its intermittent.
Can put a man on the moon but cant get brakes that dont squeek
Can put a man on the moon but cant get brakes that dont squeek
Senior Member
Joined: Jul 2008
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From: Moscow Russia, Los Angeles USA
2009 MB C63 2007 MB ML63 2006 MB CLS 500 (wife)
Find an empty backroad. Put gear selector in Reverse, get some speed and brake hard. Repeat twice if needed.
This was a recommendation from a tech guy (Brady or Brandon) who serviced my car @ Beverly Hills Mercedes, he used to have E55 himself.
I tried it myself and it helped.
This was a recommendation from a tech guy (Brady or Brandon) who serviced my car @ Beverly Hills Mercedes, he used to have E55 himself.
I tried it myself and it helped.
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Senior Member
Joined: Aug 2009
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From: Sydney & the NSW Central Coast, Australia
C63 AMG, BMW 135i
Not just an MB issue, many cars with big brakes suffer from some squeal. An ongoing fix often requires changing the pad compound which can compromise brake performance. I live with it with a number of my cars and as stated earlier, keeping them clean goes a long way to helping.
I like the advice from -michael-, I’ll give it a go.
.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 311
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From: Washington DC
axe muderer with headlights
Find an empty backroad. Put gear selector in Reverse, get some speed and brake hard. Repeat twice if needed.
This was a recommendation from a tech guy (Brady or Brandon) who serviced my car @ Beverly Hills Mercedes, he used to have E55 himself.
I tried it myself and it helped.
This was a recommendation from a tech guy (Brady or Brandon) who serviced my car @ Beverly Hills Mercedes, he used to have E55 himself.
I tried it myself and it helped.
It did help except the squeal came back, that's all. No worries as long as it's normal for the car.
I will spray some brake cleaner tomorrow.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
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From: Southern California
C63AMG
The Big Brake Squeal Fix
I have around 4,800 miles now and have noticed that the brakes are squealing when I am braking lightly. Under hard braking the don't make any noise.
I visually looked at the rotor and there isn't any abnormal wear that I can see.
Is this normal for MB? I am trying to be more informed before I "take it to the dealer".
I visually looked at the rotor and there isn't any abnormal wear that I can see.
Is this normal for MB? I am trying to be more informed before I "take it to the dealer".
The permanent fix is to take the brake pads out, thoroughly clean the pad backing and the adjacent touch point of the pad to the brake caliper/piston assembly. Apply a product such as disc quiet, http://www.autobarn.net/ch05016.html to the brake pad backing and reinstall the pads into the calipers.
Use the brakes as normal, the annoying brake squeal will be gone.
I wouldn't let a dealership get within ten feet of my car personally, not even just to look at it. However, a good mechanic can accomplish this for you at most garages. It's not rocket science.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 1,249
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From: Chicagoland, IL
09 C63
Dust on wheels?
HUH?
Squealing brakes indicate one of two things - pad type or poor pad installation.
By pad type I refer to the triangle of inequality - in this case, clean pad/effective pad/quiet pad - and as they say, pick two. You can get a quieter pad, but you'll have to give up cleanliness or stopping power.
Generally pads that have better performance and dust characteristics squeal while cold - when they warm up the squeal is gone.
The other possibility, poor installation, means that an even backing compound is not in place. By removing the pads, cleaning the backing plate, reapplying a smooth and even backing you may lose this.
Like the folks above say, by stepping on the brake hard, the squeal will go away for a while. This is most likely because you are pushing the pad into the backing goop and fixing it for a moment. However, I think in our case it's a combo of pad seating and pad type because it is definitely worse on cold days for first 15 minutes which backs the concept of pad warmup.
HUH?
Squealing brakes indicate one of two things - pad type or poor pad installation.
By pad type I refer to the triangle of inequality - in this case, clean pad/effective pad/quiet pad - and as they say, pick two. You can get a quieter pad, but you'll have to give up cleanliness or stopping power.
Generally pads that have better performance and dust characteristics squeal while cold - when they warm up the squeal is gone.
The other possibility, poor installation, means that an even backing compound is not in place. By removing the pads, cleaning the backing plate, reapplying a smooth and even backing you may lose this.
Like the folks above say, by stepping on the brake hard, the squeal will go away for a while. This is most likely because you are pushing the pad into the backing goop and fixing it for a moment. However, I think in our case it's a combo of pad seating and pad type because it is definitely worse on cold days for first 15 minutes which backs the concept of pad warmup.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C63AMG
Therefore..........
Dust on wheels?
HUH?
Squealing brakes indicate one of two things - pad type or poor pad installation.
By pad type I refer to the triangle of inequality - in this case, clean pad/effective pad/quiet pad - and as they say, pick two. You can get a quieter pad, but you'll have to give up cleanliness or stopping power.
Generally pads that have better performance and dust characteristics squeal while cold - when they warm up the squeal is gone.
The other possibility, poor installation, means that an even backing compound is not in place. By removing the pads, cleaning the backing plate, reapplying a smooth and even backing you may lose this.
Like the folks above say, by stepping on the brake hard, the squeal will go away for a while. This is most likely because you are pushing the pad into the backing goop and fixing it for a moment. However, I think in our case it's a combo of pad seating and pad type because it is definitely worse on cold days for first 15 minutes which backs the concept of pad warmup.
HUH?
Squealing brakes indicate one of two things - pad type or poor pad installation.
By pad type I refer to the triangle of inequality - in this case, clean pad/effective pad/quiet pad - and as they say, pick two. You can get a quieter pad, but you'll have to give up cleanliness or stopping power.
Generally pads that have better performance and dust characteristics squeal while cold - when they warm up the squeal is gone.
The other possibility, poor installation, means that an even backing compound is not in place. By removing the pads, cleaning the backing plate, reapplying a smooth and even backing you may lose this.
Like the folks above say, by stepping on the brake hard, the squeal will go away for a while. This is most likely because you are pushing the pad into the backing goop and fixing it for a moment. However, I think in our case it's a combo of pad seating and pad type because it is definitely worse on cold days for first 15 minutes which backs the concept of pad warmup.
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Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 1,853
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From: Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
SLS Irridium silver,2014 GL350 BT Irridium, 2015 White Dodge RAM Hemi Quad
I beleive there is a TSB on this for brakes, it is covered under warranty and they should replace them.
Senior Member
Joined: Sep 2008
Posts: 342
Likes: 0
From: Southern California
C63AMG
Have A TSB #
What, the great American corporation forgot to send it to all the continental owners? How convenient.........
Last edited by lomita; Jan 24, 2010 at 12:58 PM. Reason: sp
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
2008 c63
The warranty is good for one year or 12,000 miles which ever comes first. I’ve got a 2008 c63 with 11,000 miles and W.I. Simonson MB in Santa Monica CA won’t fix it free. They want large money to replace everything. I took it to my former BMW, MB guys up the street and they will do the clean and spray fix before replacing the pads and and or rotors. Stay away from the dealerships if you can unless it’s under warranty.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
2008 c63
OK, the easy non permanent fix is simply to flush the brake assembly with the garden hose. Removing the dust will temporarily help. Put a nice stream of water and flush all the brake dust out of the entire brake assembly. Leaves a nice black residue down the driveway.........
The permanent fix is to take the brake pads out, thoroughly clean the pad backing and the adjacent touch point of the pad to the brake caliper/piston assembly. Apply a product such as disc quiet, http://www.autobarn.net/ch05016.html to the brake pad backing and reinstall the pads into the calipers.
Use the brakes as normal, the annoying brake squeal will be gone.
I wouldn't let a dealership get within ten feet of my car personally, not even just to look at it. However, a good mechanic can accomplish this for you at most garages. It's not rocket science.
The permanent fix is to take the brake pads out, thoroughly clean the pad backing and the adjacent touch point of the pad to the brake caliper/piston assembly. Apply a product such as disc quiet, http://www.autobarn.net/ch05016.html to the brake pad backing and reinstall the pads into the calipers.
Use the brakes as normal, the annoying brake squeal will be gone.
I wouldn't let a dealership get within ten feet of my car personally, not even just to look at it. However, a good mechanic can accomplish this for you at most garages. It's not rocket science.
I followed these directions and it works. Cost $150. Total. From my local friendly MB, BMW mechanic. The dealer wanted $4100 and they were going to do me a favor and only charge me $2500 for new brakes - my C63 is a 2008 and has 11,000 miles. MB said the brakes are a wear item and out of warranty. Not a lot of class. I told MB USA they had an engineering problem and they should have fixed the brakes long ago.
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Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
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From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
I had this issue on my E63, and brought it to Mercedes attention. They insopected the car and said that nothing is wrong with it, this is an aspect of AMG Brakes. With high performance brakes, your going to get brake sqeal period. Brakes squeal is caused by the pads vibrating against something under braking. And easy fix is to apply brake pad compound or anti-squeal paste to the back of the pads. But AMG doesn't recommend this, trust me I've asked. Because that is what, I would have done. This is your only salvation, besides spraying the brakes down with brake cleaner or water to flush out the brake dust.
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
2008 c63
=====================================
I followed these directions and it works. Cost $150. Total. From my local friendly MB, BMW mechanic. The dealer wanted $4100 and they were going to do me a favor and only charge me $2500 for new brakes - my C63 is a 2008 and has 11,000 miles. MB said the brakes are a wear item and out of warranty. Not a lot of class. I told MB USA they had an engineering problem and they should have fixed the brakes long ago.
I followed these directions and it works. Cost $150. Total. From my local friendly MB, BMW mechanic. The dealer wanted $4100 and they were going to do me a favor and only charge me $2500 for new brakes - my C63 is a 2008 and has 11,000 miles. MB said the brakes are a wear item and out of warranty. Not a lot of class. I told MB USA they had an engineering problem and they should have fixed the brakes long ago.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 2,286
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From: eNyCe
Steel Grey Metallic C63!!
Before you do that, just take a hose and clean your wheels and spray down the brakes. You'll be amazed at how much brake dust comes out of the calipers when you clean your wheels thoroughly. I believe you should definitely try that out before replacing your brakes.
Member
Joined: Nov 2010
Posts: 184
Likes: 1
From: Los Angeles, CA
2013 C63 AMG
I can't stand the noise from my pads anymore..... My car is 1 month old, I already had MB replace the brake pads, however the annoying high pitch sound is back & its so annoying. I've bled the brakes but the sound comes back after 1 hour!! My 2009 911 never had this issue & my 2008 M5 was fine, both high performance cars (& braking system compared to MB). So it really is frustrating & embarrassing. I'm taking the car back to MB tomorrow morning.
What do you guys recommend for aftermarket pads? I hear Akebono pads are good, however I don't see them available for 2011's yet.... ?
What do you guys recommend for aftermarket pads? I hear Akebono pads are good, however I don't see them available for 2011's yet.... ?
Newbie
Joined: Oct 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: Santa Monica, CA
2008 c63
I can't stand the noise from my pads anymore..... My car is 1 month old, I already had MB replace the brake pads, however the annoying high pitch sound is back & its so annoying. I've bled the brakes but the sound comes back after 1 hour!! My 2009 911 never had this issue & my 2008 M5 was fine, both high performance cars (& braking system compared to MB). So it really is frustrating & embarrassing. I'm taking the car back to MB tomorrow morning.
What do you guys recommend for aftermarket pads? I hear Akebono pads are good, however I don't see them available for 2011's yet.... ?
What do you guys recommend for aftermarket pads? I hear Akebono pads are good, however I don't see them available for 2011's yet.... ?
