Rear brake pads and rotor needed at 21000 miles??
10-10-2005, 12:38 PM
#1
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Rear brake pads and rotor needed at 21000 miles??
Just got a call from MB service dept that my MY04 E500 needs both the rear brake pads and rotor. Front brake pads and rotor are still good.
On all my previous cars the front brake pads also goes out first and the rotor is not due for replacement until the second set of brake pads are done. Rear brake pads and rotor can usually last much longer than the front.
My car has 21000 miles on it, is this normal?
On all my previous cars the front brake pads also goes out first and the rotor is not due for replacement until the second set of brake pads are done. Rear brake pads and rotor can usually last much longer than the front.
My car has 21000 miles on it, is this normal?
10-10-2005, 01:00 PM
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2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by allen_7
Just got a call from MB service dept that my MY04 E500 needs both the rear brake pads and rotor. Front brake pads and rotor are still good.
On all my previous cars the front brake pads also goes out first and the rotor is not due for replacement until the second set of brake pads are done. Rear brake pads and rotor can usually last much longer than the front.
My car has 21000 miles on it, is this normal?
On all my previous cars the front brake pads also goes out first and the rotor is not due for replacement until the second set of brake pads are done. Rear brake pads and rotor can usually last much longer than the front.
My car has 21000 miles on it, is this normal?
I'd verify that your dealer really needs to change the rotors. I can't believe they are gone this fast.
10-10-2005, 01:10 PM
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Originally Posted by BudC
The SBC system applies the rear brakes far more than with with older systems. I think Mercedes have come out with new pads for the rear brakes that are supposed to last longer.
I'd verify that your dealer really needs to change the rotors. I can't believe they are gone this fast.
I'd verify that your dealer really needs to change the rotors. I can't believe they are gone this fast.
10-10-2005, 01:23 PM
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2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by allen_7
I am thinking I should get a second opinion from another shop.
The dealer is charging you 2.5 hours labor. I'll bet it doesn't take them half that to do the job, especially with a lift and impact wrench.
I'll bet your rotors are OK but the dealer is estimating that they won't last until your next service which could be quite a while.
10-10-2005, 01:28 PM
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04 E320 4 Matic, 95 Audi S6, 99 Carrera 4 Cabrio, 12 Fiat 500 Sport, 00 BMW R1200C 10, BMW R1200R
Originally Posted by BudC
A set of Pagid rear pads retail for $66 and can be had on the Internet for about $55. Zimmermann rotors retail for $51 and can be had on the Internet for $42. The right rear sensor lists for $6.50 and can be had for $5.77. That's a total of $168 list for the parts.
The dealer is charging you 2.5 hours labor. I'll bet it doesn't take them half that to do the job, especially with a lift and impact wrench.
I'll bet your rotors are OK but the dealer is estimating that they won't last until your next service which could be quite a while.
The dealer is charging you 2.5 hours labor. I'll bet it doesn't take them half that to do the job, especially with a lift and impact wrench.
I'll bet your rotors are OK but the dealer is estimating that they won't last until your next service which could be quite a while.
I am planning on changing my own brakes when I need them, but at this pace it will not be for a long time.
Steve
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10-10-2005, 02:29 PM
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I would bet $100 that the rear rotors indeed need replacement. There are two thickness' that can be found in WIS. One is the min. thickness @service and the other is the absolute minimum which is also stamped on the rotor. At 21K you are likely within a couple tenths of a millimeter of the absolute minimum if not below it. If you just do pads, the rotors will be completely gone by the next time you run out the pads. I would say that 20-25K is about the average life of the rear brakes depending on driving style. Just ask to see the old parts and see the measurements. Not replacing the discs also increases the chance of noise.
10-10-2005, 02:50 PM
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There are good independent shops in most metro areas. They usually work on MB, Bimmers,etc. I would suggest you do a little research in your area. I will be frank with you. Most of us tend to give too much credit to these dealers techs. My experience with two big dealers in my area is disappointing. Both of them have screwed up my warranty service that I have to bring the car back at least twice. I will still take my car to the dealer for warranty service, but after the warranty is over, I am taking it to a local specialist.
To replace rotors at 21K is just hard to believe! I have 26K on mine and no brake issues. Having said that, I knocked my wood table!
To replace rotors at 21K is just hard to believe! I have 26K on mine and no brake issues. Having said that, I knocked my wood table!
10-10-2005, 03:24 PM
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Originally Posted by [MB]CRS
I would bet $100 that the rear rotors indeed need replacement. There are two thickness' that can be found in WIS. One is the min. thickness @service and the other is the absolute minimum which is also stamped on the rotor. At 21K you are likely within a couple tenths of a millimeter of the absolute minimum if not below it. If you just do pads, the rotors will be completely gone by the next time you run out the pads. I would say that 20-25K is about the average life of the rear brakes depending on driving style. Just ask to see the old parts and see the measurements. Not replacing the discs also increases the chance of noise.
Anybody want to buy a nice clean W211
10-10-2005, 03:28 PM
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Originally Posted by BudC
A set of Pagid rear pads retail for $66 and can be had on the Internet for about $55. Zimmermann rotors retail for $51 and can be had on the Internet for $42. The right rear sensor lists for $6.50 and can be had for $5.77. That's a total of $168 list for the parts.
Originally Posted by Flash Gordon
There are good independent shops in most metro areas. They usually work on MB, Bimmers,etc. I would suggest you do a little research in your area. I will be frank with you. Most of us tend to give too much credit to these dealers techs. My experience with two big dealers in my area is disappointing. Both of them have screwed up my warranty service that I have to bring the car back at least twice. I will still take my car to the dealer for warranty service, but after the warranty is over, I am taking it to a local specialist.
To replace rotors at 21K is just hard to believe! I have 26K on mine and no brake issues. Having said that, I knocked my wood table!
To replace rotors at 21K is just hard to believe! I have 26K on mine and no brake issues. Having said that, I knocked my wood table!
Originally Posted by [MB]CRS
I would bet $100 that the rear rotors indeed need replacement. There are two thickness' that can be found in WIS. One is the min. thickness @service and the other is the absolute minimum which is also stamped on the rotor. At 21K you are likely within a couple tenths of a millimeter of the absolute minimum if not below it. If you just do pads, the rotors will be completely gone by the next time you run out the pads. I would say that 20-25K is about the average life of the rear brakes depending on driving style. Just ask to see the old parts and see the measurements. Not replacing the discs also increases the chance of noise.
Last edited by allen_7; 10-10-2005 at 03:31 PM.
10-10-2005, 03:33 PM
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Originally Posted by BudC
Boy is this thread depressing. I guess the days of 70K on rear pads are gone. I guess the days of 80K on front rotors are gone. I guess the days of $20 rear pads are gone.
Anybody want to buy a nice clean W211
Anybody want to buy a nice clean W211
10-10-2005, 03:39 PM
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2011 E550, 2013 GLK
Originally Posted by allen_7
May be this is the reason why MB's bumper-to-bumper service doesn't cover brake and rotor like BMW's does.
10-10-2005, 09:09 PM
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Originally Posted by allen_7
Do you know the minimum thickness for the rear rotor?
10-10-2005, 09:16 PM
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Build date 2-04 E500
My car with 22,000 on it needed just front brake pads (no rotors).... and no brakes or rotors at all on the rear side.... Go figure 
10-10-2005, 11:55 PM
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Originally Posted by [MB]CRS
I would have to look it up... I can't remember exactly. I don't do a whole lot of brake jobs, mostly electrical and cars with less than 20K.. I rarely reccomend brakes unless they are damn close to the wear sensors, just my preference.
The minimum thickness is 8.3mm, it is etched on the rotor.
Dealer performed the SBC Hydraulic unit compaign during this visit. When I pulled into the car into the gas station (I had 3 bars left in the tank when I took it in, it's empty when I picked it up and they put 11 miles on it), I noticed a grinding/pinching sound from the front end whenever I applying the brake....need to bring it back again........
10-10-2005, 11:59 PM
#19
Originally Posted by allen_7
May be this is the reason why MB's bumper-to-bumper service doesn't cover brake and rotor like BMW's does.
10-11-2005, 12:02 AM
#21
Originally Posted by CE750
new rotors at 22K doesn't sound right... do you abuse your brakes? I would guess they're good for 50K or more..
10-11-2005, 12:05 AM
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Originally Posted by ricky.agrawal
Nope. I just got all my pads and rotors changed on my X5 @ 16k miles.
A friend of mine used to sale BMW and he told me BMW warranty covers brakes and rotors.
10-11-2005, 12:07 AM
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4 wheels
Who is your dealer?
And BudC is on target, SBC will wear the rear brakes faster than the fronts. However having to change rotors this early would indicate that something is wrong with SBC or your dealer is trying to shaft you.
And BudC is on target, SBC will wear the rear brakes faster than the fronts. However having to change rotors this early would indicate that something is wrong with SBC or your dealer is trying to shaft you.
10-11-2005, 12:09 AM
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Originally Posted by CE750
new rotors at 22K doesn't sound right... do you abuse your brakes? I would guess they're good for 50K or more..
Dealer mechanic said I have 50% front and 5% left on the back. If I abuse it in any way I would still think the front will wear out much faster than the rear.
10-11-2005, 12:10 AM
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Originally Posted by allen_7
Not at all.
Dealer mechanic said I have 50% front and 5% left on the back. If I abuse it in any way I would still think the front will wear out much faster than the rear.
Dealer mechanic said I have 50% front and 5% left on the back. If I abuse it in any way I would still think the front will wear out much faster than the rear.
