Brake Noise
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MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
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2004 CLK320
I visited my indie and after removing the wheel, he said that inside brake pad was worn to the rotor. I will changed the rear rotors and pads tomorrow, using MB parts.
Apparently, my car has only 2 brake sensors, both on the right side.
Also, I will have to change the front brakes in 2-3 months. I will have to decide which pads to use; stock or Akebono. I like the low dust aspect of Akebono but I prefer the bite and feel on the MB pads.
Apparently, my car has only 2 brake sensors, both on the right side.
Also, I will have to change the front brakes in 2-3 months. I will have to decide which pads to use; stock or Akebono. I like the low dust aspect of Akebono but I prefer the bite and feel on the MB pads.
Last edited by mis3; May 23, 2012 at 09:39 PM.
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Yes, there are only two sensors, even though there are eight pads. as long as your pads wear fairly evenly, that's fine but sometimes you may get some uneven wear. This was especially true on the W163 ML. The fixed-caliper brakes tend to be better at even wear than the floating caliper systems.
Anyhow, I put Akebono pads on my CLK550 and I'm mostly happy with them. There's zero dust, but the bit is still not as firm as OEM. I think overall stopping power is equal, though. I didn't replace my rotors, so I expected some softness during break-in. But even after several hundred miles now, it's still not as firm as OEM. Still, I can live with them.
Anyhow, I put Akebono pads on my CLK550 and I'm mostly happy with them. There's zero dust, but the bit is still not as firm as OEM. I think overall stopping power is equal, though. I didn't replace my rotors, so I expected some softness during break-in. But even after several hundred miles now, it's still not as firm as OEM. Still, I can live with them.
Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
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2004 CLK320
On top of the performance issues, I also read that the Akebono ceramic pads may not work well with stock rotors.
Will have to decide in 2 months.
I read this from other Akebono users as well. This is what I am not comfortable with. With all the distractions (radio, cell phone, hot girls in the street...), I need all the help I can get.
Will have to decide in 2 months.
I read this from other Akebono users as well. This is what I am not comfortable with. With all the distractions (radio, cell phone, hot girls in the street...), I need all the help I can get.
Last edited by mis3; May 24, 2012 at 09:24 AM.
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Let me clarify. One thing I have always like about MBZ is how they can make vehicles that operate "comfortably" in normal conditions, yet "snap to attention" when needs demand. It makes them more compliant on rough roads, easier to steer on highways, and smoother to brake and accelerate. Most MBZ brakes feel a bit mushy in normal driving. I found the CLK's to be a bit grabby, like BMW's or Toyota's and not very "Mercedes-like". I had gotten used to them, though. With the Akebono pads, they actually feel more "normal" to me. They do stop well when demanded, but in daily driving, they have great fine control like I expect from MBZ. It's not bad, just different.
As for not being compatible with OEM rotors, that makes no sense. Rotors are rotors. Yes, you can get options like drilling, slots, cry freezing, etc., but it all comes down to friction. Ceramic pads do provide less friction on any surface than the high carbon OEM's. You do need to learn to manage your distractions. Phones and radios are easy - put the phone on silent and enjoy the drive. Get an iPod and create a playlist that needs to "channel surfing". Sorry, I can't help much with the hot girls except maybe to suggest you take a different route. The only people I see on the street in my commute are kids at the bus stop and homeless people.
As for not being compatible with OEM rotors, that makes no sense. Rotors are rotors. Yes, you can get options like drilling, slots, cry freezing, etc., but it all comes down to friction. Ceramic pads do provide less friction on any surface than the high carbon OEM's. You do need to learn to manage your distractions. Phones and radios are easy - put the phone on silent and enjoy the drive. Get an iPod and create a playlist that needs to "channel surfing". Sorry, I can't help much with the hot girls except maybe to suggest you take a different route. The only people I see on the street in my commute are kids at the bus stop and homeless people.
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Thread Starter
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 2,200
Likes: 10
2004 CLK320
I went to the indie to replace the rear brakes yesterday. The left inner pad was worn down to the metal. Hence, the noise! I learnt that to inspect the rotor by my fingers, I should feel both sides of the rotor.
MB dealership charges 1.6 hrs to replace the rear brakes (pads and rotors) at $140 CAN per hour. My indie did it in less than an hour even with complications (stuck pins, screws, etc). He was meticulous. On top of the brake paste, he put anti-seize paste where applicable. After the work, there was no noise from the rear brakes.
Maybe my MB techs was good as well but I would not know because I was not allowed to go into the garage.
I will do the front in 1-2 months.
MB dealership charges 1.6 hrs to replace the rear brakes (pads and rotors) at $140 CAN per hour. My indie did it in less than an hour even with complications (stuck pins, screws, etc). He was meticulous. On top of the brake paste, he put anti-seize paste where applicable. After the work, there was no noise from the rear brakes.
Maybe my MB techs was good as well but I would not know because I was not allowed to go into the garage.
I will do the front in 1-2 months.
Last edited by mis3; May 25, 2012 at 10:17 AM.
