Mushy Brakes
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Member
Joined: Mar 2006
Posts: 215
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From: Baltimore, Md
2016 C450 AMG
Mushy Brakes
I have new rotors and pads, but the brake pedal still isnt as "hard" as I like it. I hate having huge pedal travel before serious braking happens. Is this normal for eevryone else? Or would it help if I get the brake fluid flushed and refilled? Or any other suggestions?
Super Member
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 626
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From: Los Angeles, CA
'03 E55 (My Daily), '01 ML 320 (Wifey), Twin Turbo '69 Camaro (In Progess)
The stainless steel brake lines are available on for my mercedes dot com or you can usually find them on eBay and I'm told they provide a much firmer brake pedal feel.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8
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From: Dublin, OH
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet
Newbie here. I got my 2000 CLK430 a couple of months ago, and I really like the car except for the mushy brake pedal. The stopping power is there and the ABS functions, but I have to step on the pedal near half-way down before the car will start to slow down and it makes braking difficult to modulate.
I was told by the Mercedes dealer that mushy brakes are typical for this car. Since I wasn't able to drive another CLK to compare, I really couldn't argue that point, and since the brakes "worked" (that is, the car eventually does slow down and stop), I figured I would learn to live with it.
So do all CLK's have a mushy brake pedal? Pumping the pedal doesn't make any difference, so there doesn't seem to be a problem with air in the lines. Could there be a problem with the master cylinder or the boost assist? If this is just typical, what have others done to improve the brake pedal feel?
I was told by the Mercedes dealer that mushy brakes are typical for this car. Since I wasn't able to drive another CLK to compare, I really couldn't argue that point, and since the brakes "worked" (that is, the car eventually does slow down and stop), I figured I would learn to live with it.
So do all CLK's have a mushy brake pedal? Pumping the pedal doesn't make any difference, so there doesn't seem to be a problem with air in the lines. Could there be a problem with the master cylinder or the boost assist? If this is just typical, what have others done to improve the brake pedal feel?
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Joined: Feb 2005
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From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by bbearden
The stainless steel brake lines are available on for my mercedes dot com or you can usually find them on eBay and I'm told they provide a much firmer brake pedal feel.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Feb 2005
Posts: 5,761
Likes: 4
From: North Carolina
98 Black C43 , 12’ ML 350 Blutec
Originally Posted by chem1441
Would the dealer put the stainless steel brake lines in? I know I cant do it myself...I barely own a hammer.... or could any shop do this?
Member
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 101
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From: caribbean
clk 430
the SS brake hose and flushing the brake system. if your rotors are on the thin side, your displacing more fluids thru out the braking process and you get a lower pedal because the piston calipers have to compensate for worn out pads and rotors.
Last edited by maverick5.0; Sep 7, 2006 at 03:53 PM.
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2006
Posts: 8
Likes: 0
From: Dublin, OH
2000 CLK430 Cabriolet
So, I take that to mean that the soft brake pedal is NOT normal? I initially thought that it could be air in the system, but it has been my experience on other vehicles I've owned that pumping the brake pedal would "temporarily" firm it up, but pumping the pedal on my CLK improves nothing. That is why I started to suspect the master cylinder seal or boost assist. I guess I'll have to try taking the car to a different MB dealer to get a second opinion.
Newbie
Joined: Feb 2023
Posts: 13
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2002 CLK320
I’ve got a CLK320 coupe and a CLK430 cabrio. CLK320 stops amazing… the CLK430, not so much. CLK430 even has brand new calipers (properly bled, yes). The issue is that these two cars have the exact same caliper part numbers, but the CLK430 convertible weighs so much more. I think upgrading the brake setup to W209 CLK55 6 piston brembos, or even W209 CLK500 4 piston brembos, would do the trick. You can do W208 CLK55 amg calipers, but these are a lot more expensive, and the W209 brakes perform better anyways. I wish I upgraded to these when I replaced my calipers, but oh well. I am happy keeping everything original on my CLK430.
Member
Joined: Jun 2024
Posts: 118
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From: Midwest
CLK 430
What issue are you noting with your brakes? Reduced stopping power, difficult to modulate, poor brake feel, excessive pedal travel, excessive dusting, or other?
What front tires do you have on the different cars and what brake pads are on each?
What front tires do you have on the different cars and what brake pads are on each?
