I just replaced the front brake pads on my 1998 E320. Even though I applied ample amounts of paste and "Disc Brake Quiet" substance to the back of the pads, I have still noticed an occasional "squealing" sound when applying the brakes.

Could the sound be the result of the rotors going bad?

I am not sure what to look for in the rotors to determine when they need to be replaced.

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

CK

 

Rotors have a minimum thickness. You must measure the thickness with a mike. Get the limits from a dealer. Also check for any bad grooving in the rotors. MB does not reccommend turning them. Replacement is the way to go. Can't believe you tackled that job without the very basic knowledge.

 

Sosh:

Thanks for the reply. I did examine the rotors and did not see any noticable grooves, alas, my reason for the question. My motivation to tackle a job like that is driven by the prices one pays at the dealership. When I took my car in for a simple oil change, they told me I needed new pads and rotors. $835 later I got my car back. That price was obscene!

So, I decided to do the job myself.

CK

 

Alot of it has to do with the pads that you use. I have only found a couple of different pads that don't make noise or dust. Axxis Delux Plus pads worked the best for me. Are you getting pulsation when you apply the brakes at a high speed? That would be one thing that would tell you that your rotors are bad.

 

denewman:

The pads that I used were called "Originals" by Ate. At least, that was on the box. The pads that you were referring too, are you able to get them through the internet. Your question regarding the pulsation at high speed - no, the brakes are smooth when applied at high or low speed.

CK

 

You should be able to buy them over the internet. You can go to thier website and look at them. axxisbrakes.com Also look at centricparts.com, they also have info on axxis brakes and where to purchase them. I bought mine from a local brake shop. I found out about Axxis brakes on this forum. They have never made any noise, they are dust free, and stop like the factory brakes. I have found it is best to change the rotors when you change tha pads. They are not very expensive and the system just seems to work better. Look at stopshopanddrive.com or autohausaz.com. for great prices.

 

dnewman:

check your PM.

Thanks
CK

 

I just changed my rotors on my car and left my pads. The pads always squealed like a stuck pig but now i get pulseation at high speeds!! The rotors are aftermarket slotted. Should i switch to softer pads to fix this problems????????

 

Did you file your brake pads? Sometimes they require the edges to be filed at 30 degrees to prevent squealing.

 

Highend, Have you checked the rear rotors? When I recently changed my front and rear pads I only replaced the front rotors. I had some pulsation so I changed the rear rotors and the car now stops as smooth as new. Also, in the past I've tried both slotted and crossdrilled rotors and did not like either one. I would not say they pulsated but I could definately feel them on the brake pedal and could here them make noise when stopping. Personally, I didn't like either so I went back to smooth rotors. I also tried various pads and they all made noise (which drove me crazy) accept the Centric and Axxis Deluxe Plus. I currently have the Axxis pads on front and rear and they have been completely quiet with no dust!!! However, I changed the rotors (smooth type) when I changed the pads. This is definately the combination I will use from now on.