Brake question!!
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Sep 2004
Posts: 90
Likes: 1
From: Massachusetts
2001 clk320
Brake question!!
I just got the warning signal that I need brakes, the dealer has been bugging me for a while saying that the pads are too thin. One question I got is it neccesary to replace the rotors as well? The dealer doesn't seem to want to turn them. Are they trying to rip me off or is there a benefit to put new rotors in as well as pads, my clk has only 35,XXX miles on it. Any feedback appreciated.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 2,330
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1967 Morris Cooper "S", 1983 911SC, 1997 Toyota Tacoma, 1999 HD FXSTB, 1998 C43
Brakes
Your car with 35K miles should not need rotors unless you have let the pads wear to the metal and have gouged the rotor. This is an easy do it yourself job....CAR 101 material.
Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2005
Posts: 462
Likes: 3
From: By the City by the Bay, CA
2001 E320 (210.065), Brilliant Silver; 2002 Ducati ST-2, Arrest-me Red
Certainly DIY...
Hi, Lupo.
You only need to replace the rotors if they are warped or otherwise damaged. If your car stops smoothly, no need to worry about them. Your dealer is being honest about not turning them: MBZ does not approve turning rotors, if they're warped, they spec replacement.
I did a step-by-step pictorial post re: the 210 and it's almost identical on the 208, the link is: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w210/107227-okay-brake-job.html.
If you've done disc brakes on other cars, you won't find anything particularly challenging about the benz discs. Just don't forget to get new sensors -- especially once you've gotten the warning and they are very cheap -- and MBZ brake paste, one packet for each wheelset.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
You only need to replace the rotors if they are warped or otherwise damaged. If your car stops smoothly, no need to worry about them. Your dealer is being honest about not turning them: MBZ does not approve turning rotors, if they're warped, they spec replacement.
I did a step-by-step pictorial post re: the 210 and it's almost identical on the 208, the link is: https://mbworld.org/forums/e-class-w210/107227-okay-brake-job.html.
If you've done disc brakes on other cars, you won't find anything particularly challenging about the benz discs. Just don't forget to get new sensors -- especially once you've gotten the warning and they are very cheap -- and MBZ brake paste, one packet for each wheelset.
Take care and enjoy the ride,
Greg
Senior Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 390
Likes: 3
2000 Silver CLK430
Replacing rotors typical
Most (all?) MB dealers won't turn rotors. The rotors on CLK's and most newer Benz's are soft by design to improve "grab" and thus wear out faster. I went through this same thing at 35K and replaced mine with Brembo cross drilled rotors and Axxis Deluxe pads. I also took the opportunity to cadmium coat my rotors so they don't rust. Cost an extra $150 bucks but keeps 'em looking sweet since you can seem them through the wheels. Good luck.
