deuxslow

So the other day she starts complaining that the brake pedal feels kinda spongy. I don't drive the car much, so I've been driving it everyday for the past few days and the pedal does seem a little spongy. I find that if I quickly pump the pedal on the second press it's a lot more stiff and firm. Is this natural for this car? 2000 CLK430

stock rotors/pads all around. I checked the pads yesterday and they're still in great shape. BTW...the brake fluid in the resevoir is slightly below MAX

What do you guys think? Is she nuts or is she right?

markmam1

its funny how you said that i was backing out of my garage when my bro got out of the passenger door and left the door open so i put it on reverse and let the car move a bit and stomp on the brakes after the 3rd time i did it the brakes went spongy and you can let the car roll and step on the brakes all the way the car woul just stop slowly like the booster would fail and your just using your muscle to stop the car just do what i did try it and you would know what im talking about

chem1441

How old is your brake fluid? My pedal was pretty spongy in the past, but I got a brake flush this spring, and the pedal feels a lot more solid. The pedal isnt "stiff" by any means, and I think the pedal will always feel a bit spongy, but you shouldn't have to pump the brakes to get a firmer feel.

If its been more than 2 years since your last DOT4 brake flush, get one with quality fluid (OEM MB or better)...it should help a lot.

ApproachingZero

I have that issue too with my 430. I just bought mine form the dealership.

Seems like the pedel is soft, and goes pretty far down. I only have about 8 inches from the floor board. Fluid level has not moved in 2 months and it brakes really well... Just thought it was a wired pedal.

wnycec

some people might say the brakelines might be a cause - try upgrading to stainless steel brakelines which will expand less than the stock brakelines

deuxslow

Well I took it to the dealer yesterday. Only cost $100 for the brake fluid flush and bleed. The pedal does feel firmer now. The car does shimmy a little when braking from a high speed...Oh well!

Well at least when she starts driving the car again she'll think I'm a hero
(she doesn't know I gave up and went to the dealer) The dealers my last resort for anything.



BTW off topic - Damn! the S65 AMG is an expensive *** car. They had one listed for $190K...Since I switched to BMW's I haven't really kept with whats new in the stable.