Newbie question: Brakes & ECU
 

To skip the BS, just look at the question in bold. Car maintenance is not my forte, so I'd appreciate it if some of you with knowledge on this subject could chime in! =)

Prior to posting this, I did a search and read through other threads in regards to the brakes squeaking, and how it's a common occurrence which usually does not require changing the pads. I took a look and it seems like the pads might actually need replacing now, they seem rather close to the rotors (I'll still get it diagnosed by a mechanic). Anyway, MB quoted me $140/axle for the labor, and they recommended that I get new brake sensors along with the pads. When they mentioned sensors, I got a bit worried.

Now finally, onto my question.. do I have to be at all worried about them touching the ECU for a regular brake job (pads/sensors)? I just got the tune from Eurocharged last week, and there is no freakin' way I'm compromising my new found power :rolf:

Also, is this something I should just get done by a reputable brake job or is the dealer recommended?

To your question, when I went in for any type of service, I always chatted with my service advisor before anyone touched my car and asked / told them not to reflash my ECU unless they called me first. Usually, this elicited a large scribble on the service sheet by the SA telling the tech(s) not to reflash / something equivalent.

As far as your other tidbits, I can't really help out.

That's fair, thanks for the help!

If anyone else wants to make me two cent richer.. does replacing the pads (sensors specifically) require them to mess with the ECU?

Alright, a friend of mine has a shop so he said to just come there instead.

He asked me to bring in the parts, so I need to know if I have to purchase anything else other than the brake pads & sensors?

Anytime you change the brake pads you will want to also change the brake pad wear sensor, as for anything else you may need would depend on your rotor thickness, if the rotors are too wore then they also may need replacing.

James@ACG

The only thing that, I think you'll need besides the new pads and wear sensors is brake pad paste. Although AMG doesn't recommend it, I think its a good investment to kill the squeal. And maybe even anti-seize compound, for the caliper mounting bolts, and brake pad pins.

Yup, thank you James!


I'll take a note of that! :y


It turned out the front right rotor is a bit warped in comparison to the other rotors. Since I'll be needing to replace the rotors soon, it was pointless for me to install only the pads now since they'd take the shape of the current rotors and require replacing again. I actually have a decent amount of rubber left so I'll just ride it through for a few more months.

http://i55.tinypic.com/3492o87.jpg

http://i52.tinypic.com/2w5o940.jpg

*This is the rotor that has a bit of an uneven surface. They pointed out that the groove you see (near the top) is only on this rotor; could this in any way have played a role in warping the rotor? I think maybe it was debris that could have caused this, but I don't know what I'm talking about. The funny thing about the front rotors is that I got two new ones @ 7k, and now I'm @ 16k. I've never tracked this car, so it's surprising to see it give in so quickly. Also, it's only the front passenger side rotor that's warping.


I got the parts at a wholesale price and the labor will be free of charge.


Pads & Sensors:

004-420-89-20 - $274.72
005-420-25-20 - $155.04
171-540-06-17 - $18.33 x2

Rotors:

219-421-02-12 - $821.28 x2
204-423-04-12 - $243.60 x2


The dealer quoted me $500/axle for the rotors & $140/axle for the pads. $1280 for labor is ridiculous (especially for a two hour job).


Savings on parts: $1,494
Savings on labor: $1,280

:rolf:

I was about to get ripped off so bad! Anyway, should I opt for the Evosport rotors? I saw their list of benefits, but if both rotors were priced the nearly same, would YOU still pick Evosport over stock?

I'd also like to hear people suggesitons, Evosport vs. OE rotors. Also, can I ask where you were able to get the parts wholesale?

A friend of mine is an independent dealer and he also owns a garage, so they get the parts at wholesale prices.

^ This. James is the man.

lighter, better cooling, vented the proper direction, longer lasting and the same price or less?

Seems like an easy answer.

The only issue right now is the Back Order we are working out from under to get them shipped!