Brake Squeal
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2013 E550 Cabriolet; 2004 CLK500 Cabriolet Designo (sold)
Brake Squeal
The brakes on my '04 CLK500 Cab. squeal--especially at slow stops from a slow speed. The dealer has already adjusted once, but is this a known problem? If so, recommendations for a real fix?
Thanks!
Thanks!
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2007
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From: Indiana
2008 E550 4matic, 2004 CLK500
This is a known problem. I had the same issue. One dealer said that is was due to the soft MB pads that get "glazed." Was advised to brake hard at hwy speeds. Brakes were better for a few days, but it came back. Went to another dealer who changed a spring related to the brake calipers. No charge. Now no squeal.
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From: 2000 ft over the FL coast in a B-17
Various
Dealer had to change my rotors and pads (and on one side twice) to stop the problem which started at 1200 miles when car was new. BTW, I am having the exact same problem with my 07 Porsche 997S which started at 2000 miles 
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Posts: 144
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From: Left Coast
CLK 500
I'm in SoCal... Does anyone know of/recommend better (i.e. aftermarket) brake pads and rotors for a clk 500?
My dealer says I need to change them out, even though the warning light has not come on yet. I complained about squeaking at very low speeds so that is why they said I need to change them (brakes like 3mm left and rotors are at min).
They are charging like $416 for parts and $242 for labor.
Thanks in advance!
My dealer says I need to change them out, even though the warning light has not come on yet. I complained about squeaking at very low speeds so that is why they said I need to change them (brakes like 3mm left and rotors are at min).
They are charging like $416 for parts and $242 for labor.
Thanks in advance!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
P-B-42.10/51e Front brakes squeal/grinding noise will install modified parts inclusive of pressure retaining springs, dampers, and pads.
P-B-42.10/79 Front/rear brakes squeal will replace all pads. https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class-w209/213473-brake-squeal.html
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
Squeal? One word: Paste.
If the mechanic puts anti-squeal paste on the back of the pads, they’ll quiet down. That’s assuming they’ve been bedded in properly, but since brake juddering/pedal vibration hasn’t been mentioned, I’ll assume they’re just noisy.
Let me qualify the paste comment. If they PROPERLY apply paste, they’ll quiet down. If the paste hasn’t cured before they put the pads on, it’ll squeeze out and you’ll get squeal. When I do my brakes (and I just did mine last month) I put the paste on the back of the pads before I pull out my floor jack. That way I know the paste has had time to set up.
If the mechanic puts anti-squeal paste on the back of the pads, they’ll quiet down. That’s assuming they’ve been bedded in properly, but since brake juddering/pedal vibration hasn’t been mentioned, I’ll assume they’re just noisy.
Let me qualify the paste comment. If they PROPERLY apply paste, they’ll quiet down. If the paste hasn’t cured before they put the pads on, it’ll squeeze out and you’ll get squeal. When I do my brakes (and I just did mine last month) I put the paste on the back of the pads before I pull out my floor jack. That way I know the paste has had time to set up.
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2005
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From: SCV SoCal
2002 CLK430
You didn’t mention any pedal vibration, but if the squealing occurs after 1200 miles, and the only fix involves pads and rotors, it sounds like they didn't bed in the pads properly. By the time the driver can feel brake judder, the pads (and the paste behind them) have taken a severe beating due to the uneven transfer layer.
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 144
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From: Left Coast
CLK 500
Dealer won't replace brakes as my car has passed the initial 12mo warranty period for breaks. Therefore, I'm looking for aftermarket brakes and rotors (fronts only) for less than $400. $400 is the dealer price for parts.
Thanks in advance for your help!
Thanks in advance for your help!
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Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 1,460
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From: Boston
S-class
I just ordered them EBC brake pads(green) front&rear for $150.00 shipped.A set of front rotors shouldn't be much.
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Left Coast
CLK 500
I just ordered them EBC brake pads(green) front&rear for $150.00 shipped.A set of front rotors shouldn't be much.
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From: Boston
S-class
http://www.autopartswarehouse.com/se...294967027+9183
Out Of Control!!
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From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
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Joined: Jan 2002
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From: Left Coast
CLK 500
Not sure if they road tested but they did check brake pads and rotors. The SA did bring up the SB and asked his "warranty administrator" to see if the car could be fixed under the SB.
The reason they denied to fix it under the SB is that the brakes are only covered for 12mos. I've had the car for much longer than 12mos although, I did complain about the problem within that time frame.
I believe they applied the paste to address the squeak before but eventually the noise comes back.
Any other ideas on how I should approach this with them?
The reason they denied to fix it under the SB is that the brakes are only covered for 12mos. I've had the car for much longer than 12mos although, I did complain about the problem within that time frame.
I believe they applied the paste to address the squeak before but eventually the noise comes back.
Any other ideas on how I should approach this with them?
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: The Jersey Shore
Garage Temporarily Empty
Because there is no service message to replace brake pads mention the following bulletins for no cost brake pad replacements. Unfortunately, rotors are not covered.
P-B-42.10/51e Front brakes squeal/grinding noise will install modified parts inclusive of pressure retaining springs, dampers, and pads.
P-B-42.10/79 Front/rear brakes squeal will replace all pads. https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=213473
P-B-42.10/51e Front brakes squeal/grinding noise will install modified parts inclusive of pressure retaining springs, dampers, and pads.
P-B-42.10/79 Front/rear brakes squeal will replace all pads. https://mbworld.org/forums/showthread.php?t=213473
I was denied at RAY CATENA Mercedes in New Jersey. The service guy told me there are no bulletins for brake pads on any MB except the upgraded pads on an E63 and there is no way Mercedes would fix them under warranty. Pads have never been a warrantied part.
I have been telling my service guy about htis for 7,000 miles. He said there is nothing they can do unless I want to pay for the replacement and then tried to sell me rotors....HA!
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 15,901
Likes: 4,633
From: North Scottsdale, AZ
'71 Pinto
I was denied at RAY CATENA Mercedes in New Jersey. The service guy told me there are no bulletins for brake pads on any MB except the upgraded pads on an E63 and there is no way Mercedes would fix them under warranty. Pads have never been a warrantied part. I have been telling my service guy about htis for 7,000 miles. He said there is nothing they can do unless I want to pay for the replacement and then tried to sell me rotors....HA!
I have been telling my service guy about htis for 7,000 miles. He said there is nothing they can do unless I want to pay for the replacement and then tried to sell me rotors....HA!Understand, the complaint should be “repair brake squeal” not replace brake pads under warranty. Furthermore, if there is a misunderstanding common sense should lead the SA to pull up a copy of the DTB before comment or denial.
(1) As mentioned previously, MBUSA covers brake pads and rotors under warranty for the first 12 months/12000 miles no questions asked. If any SA tells you different, the dealership is misinformed.
(2) MBUSA DTB P-B-42.10/79 released 9/20/07 unquestionably covers brake squeal during the initial factory warranty period 48 months/50000 miles period! By no means does it automatically cover brake pads (i.e.: normal wear/no squeal) however, pad replacement is specifically recommended as a solution if the brake paste application process fails to resolve the squeal regardless of pad wear.
If it was documented that you complained about brake squeal previously (i.e.: invoice) they must adhere to MBUSA policy and follow the procedure outlined in this DTB to resolve your brake squeal complaint. In addition, note the only time the rotors can potentially cause squeal is when they are warped or heavily scored.
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Joined: Jun 2007
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From: The Jersey Shore
Garage Temporarily Empty
Konigstiger -
Thanks for all the 411. I am going to another MB service center this week and I will let you know what happens. The SA I have been dealing with has been very opposed to repair the squeal I've had. He even referenced the last time I was in and said "wow, you came in a while ago for this same problem. That was 6k miles ago. That has got to get annoying". Can you believe that crap?
It was him I saw on the previous visit.
Anyway, I will let you know what happens. Thank you - seriously. Great information
Do you work for MB?
-Chris
Thanks for all the 411. I am going to another MB service center this week and I will let you know what happens. The SA I have been dealing with has been very opposed to repair the squeal I've had. He even referenced the last time I was in and said "wow, you came in a while ago for this same problem. That was 6k miles ago. That has got to get annoying". Can you believe that crap?
It was him I saw on the previous visit.
Anyway, I will let you know what happens. Thank you - seriously. Great information
Do you work for MB?
-Chris
Super Member
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 766
Likes: 0
From: The Jersey Shore
Garage Temporarily Empty
So they finally took my car in to repair the brake squeal. They will first replace the caliper springs and apply copper paste to attempt reducing/removing the squeal. It didn't work. The day after the noise came back.
I was also told if the brake pad is less than 50% worn, they will not replace the pads under warranty due to brake squeal. I will have to purchase new pads.
If the pads have 50% or more unworn pad left, they will replace the pads due to MBUSA DTB P-B-42.10/79 to repair squeal.
I have less than 50% of the pads left..........of course.
Ahh well. I am switching to another brake pad anyway to reduce brake dust.
Thanks again for all the 411.
I was also told if the brake pad is less than 50% worn, they will not replace the pads under warranty due to brake squeal. I will have to purchase new pads.
If the pads have 50% or more unworn pad left, they will replace the pads due to MBUSA DTB P-B-42.10/79 to repair squeal.
I have less than 50% of the pads left..........of course.
Ahh well. I am switching to another brake pad anyway to reduce brake dust.
Thanks again for all the 411.
