W212 Front Rotors Warping
03-16-2018, 12:19 PM
#1
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W212 Front Rotors Warping
I have replaced the brakes on my 2011 E550 3 times in 3 yrs (25K mi appx). My indy mechanic says it my driving style. I told him "BS!" What is the issue with these brakes. I've read a lot of different threads about the issues with the brakes on this particular model, but I have not seen any solutions. What is the fix? Can I expect to replace front brakes on this car every yr? I'm ready to sell it if so! This is ridiculous!
03-16-2018, 12:27 PM
#2
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2010 e550 p2
I have replaced the brakes on my 2011 E550 3 times in 3 yrs (25K mi appx). My indy mechanic says it my driving style. I told him "BS!" What is the issue with these brakes. I've read a lot of different threads about the issues with the brakes on this particular model, but I have not seen any solutions. What is the fix? Can I expect to replace front brakes on this car every yr? I'm ready to sell it if so! This is ridiculous!
so gonna try to bed them in maybe , and if not gonna work then gonna look for blank front rotors without any drilled holes ot slots.
10 550.
03-16-2018, 12:30 PM
#3
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lol changed my rotors about a year and a half ago , and a few weeks ago started noticing a slight vibration when braking. Its only been a year ago , but in this particular case its my fault i think , because i remember around the same time back i went to a carwash after a 100 mile trip , and im thinking that the car wash mess them up with that cold water on an extremely hot rotor. Oh well , lesson learned. But i never had any issues like this with any of the previous car i had , which is kinda funny for a benz to do this.
so gonna try to bed them in maybe , and if not gonna work then gonna look for blank front rotors without any drilled holes ot slots.
10 550.
so gonna try to bed them in maybe , and if not gonna work then gonna look for blank front rotors without any drilled holes ot slots.
10 550.
poor design of brake system.
03-16-2018, 08:53 PM
#4
Super Member
I have this issue on mine, but I think there are a few miles on the front brakes. (I've only put 11K on it) I think the rotors may be soft/sensitive. I am going to try aftermarket.
03-17-2018, 12:58 AM
#5
Member
This is a well known issue on the 212’s; pre 2011 they didn’t produce enough stopping power, 2012 and after they warped. My solution was to go aftermarket. Check Centric’s web site for part number 128.35118 to see if it fits the 2011; it’s their vented disks. After replacing mine annually for three years I got those and I’ve been warp and wobble free ever since.
03-17-2018, 03:07 AM
#7
I don't have any direct experience with your Mercedes. My 2007 Mustang GT had similar problems that were cured by getting the brake rotors cryogenic treated. It is probably easiest to just order your rotors from a supplier who does the treatment. Just google "brake rotors cryogenic mercedes" and choose the best supplier for your needs. Another trick is to get the brake rotors machined while mounted on your hubs on your car. This is a special service offered by a few shops. For this service you want to google "on car rotor resurfacing" and see who does this in your area. You might be able to find a Bosch service center that does it with special Mercedes rotor lathes.
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03-17-2018, 10:57 AM
#8
Senior Member
Not sure what’s the culprit but there has to be something wrong with the design of the system. 2014 E550. When I bought my car CPO, rotors were changed out 10k miles before I purchased (per VMI). A few months after I complained about real bad vibration and replaced due to previous 10k warranty on parts. Now 15k miles later, vibration is slowly back to unbearable. NEVER had a vibration issue on my 2003 E500. In fact only replaced brake rotors every 70-90k miles - and they were still good! Just decided to do both pads and rotors same time. I drive the 2014 much like the 2003, but do realize the 2014 stops better. My theory is vent designs - lots of heat, but are those vents designed to expel heat efficiently? Wonder if directional issues with spin of the wheel vs rotors. Will have to look one of these days.
03-17-2018, 12:19 PM
#9
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2010 e550 p2
Not sure what’s the culprit but there has to be something wrong with the design of the system. 2014 E550. When I bought my car CPO, rotors were changed out 10k miles before I purchased (per VMI). A few months after I complained about real bad vibration and replaced due to previous 10k warranty on parts. Now 15k miles later, vibration is slowly back to unbearable. NEVER had a vibration issue on my 2003 E500. In fact only replaced brake rotors every 70-90k miles - and they were still good! Just decided to do both pads and rotors same time. I drive the 2014 much like the 2003, but do realize the 2014 stops better. My theory is vent designs - lots of heat, but are those vents designed to expel heat efficiently? Wonder if directional issues with spin of the wheel vs rotors. Will have to look one of these days.
03-17-2018, 12:45 PM
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2010 W212 E550 4matic
I have the same issue with mine. I replaced the front rotors and pads with Brembo made ones and less than 4k miles after that the steering wheel vibration upon light braking was back again. Doesn't do it when I press the pedal harder such as in a more agresive braking situation. Some guys here reported positive experiences with Centric rotors and Akebono pads, I've yet to try it but will soon.
I too have noticed the difference in the direction of the vent holes on the rotors, on one side they point forward and backwards on the opposite side. The OE MB ones I replaced due to the same symptoms had the same positioning, but I think I've seen replacements online which specify front left and front right, I can't remember where now.
I think blank rotors could be a good idea Belarus, I might try it too. They're cheaper as well.
I too have noticed the difference in the direction of the vent holes on the rotors, on one side they point forward and backwards on the opposite side. The OE MB ones I replaced due to the same symptoms had the same positioning, but I think I've seen replacements online which specify front left and front right, I can't remember where now.
I think blank rotors could be a good idea Belarus, I might try it too. They're cheaper as well.
03-17-2018, 01:03 PM
#11
Senior Member
I have replaced my rotors twice in 30k miles. I've heard the excuse that they will warp if you get them wet while hot, but honestly that just doesn't hold water (no pun intended). I live in the Pacific Moist West and I have owned dozens of cars with front disk brakes and none of them have had this issue. There is something else going on here that MB is failing to acknowledge and probably never will. My next set will be cyro treated and hopefully be the last. Other then this issue I absolutely love my E550. Wonderful car.
03-17-2018, 01:32 PM
#12
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2010 e550 p2
I have the same issue with mine. I replaced the front rotors and pads with Brembo made ones and less than 4k miles after that the steering wheel vibration upon light braking was back again. Doesn't do it when I press the pedal harder such as in a more agresive braking situation. Some guys here reported positive experiences with Centric rotors and Akebono pads, I've yet to try it but will soon.
I too have noticed the difference in the direction of the vent holes on the rotors, on one side they point forward and backwards on the opposite side. The OE MB ones I replaced due to the same symptoms had the same positioning, but I think I've seen replacements online which specify front left and front right, I can't remember where now.
I think blank rotors could be a good idea Belarus, I might try it too. They're cheaper as well.
I too have noticed the difference in the direction of the vent holes on the rotors, on one side they point forward and backwards on the opposite side. The OE MB ones I replaced due to the same symptoms had the same positioning, but I think I've seen replacements online which specify front left and front right, I can't remember where now.
I think blank rotors could be a good idea Belarus, I might try it too. They're cheaper as well.
There arent that many from what i saw.
03-17-2018, 01:49 PM
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2010 W212 E550 4matic
Last edited by Oda112; 03-17-2018 at 01:52 PM.
03-17-2018, 03:26 PM
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ugh ima keep on looking and see whats up.. i might look in closely for those centric c tek solid ones
03-17-2018, 05:27 PM
#17
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2010 W212 E550 4matic
That might not be a bad idea. Worst case scenario is you lose 110$. I'm looking into trying the cheapo options too, see what happens. I've come to realize I was treating my Merc way too nicely (expensive OE parts, preventative maintenance, old man driving style) and it still craps on my head every time it can so the era of "Strategic patience" is over. It's hammer time!
Last edited by Oda112; 03-17-2018 at 08:30 PM.
03-18-2018, 09:19 AM
#22
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https://mbworld.org/forums/clk-class-w209/580073-directional-front-rotors-both-same.html
The above thread is exactly what my concerns are. So rather the word 'vent', I guess official term is 'vane'.
Replacing only the rotor with the incorrect direction to see if it solves the vibration might prove the issue.
The above thread is exactly what my concerns are. So rather the word 'vent', I guess official term is 'vane'.
Replacing only the rotor with the incorrect direction to see if it solves the vibration might prove the issue.
03-25-2018, 04:09 AM
#23
Junior Member
Front End Vibrate whenever brake apply. DIY
I have replaced the brakes on my 2011 E550 3 times in 3 yrs (25K mi appx). My indy mechanic says it my driving style. I told him "BS!" What is the issue with these brakes. I've read a lot of different threads about the issues with the brakes on this particular model, but I have not seen any solutions. What is the fix? Can I expect to replace front brakes on this car every yr? I'm ready to sell it if so! This is ridiculous!
Shade section clearly visible and this is not wrapped (I just forgot the technical term for it) but I put Wrapped there anyway.
Just a second take on Left Front Inside
On the Outside of the Left Front wrapped is visible
Very little defective here on the Right Front Inside
Right Front Outside is wrapped very badly, this cause the massive vibration every time brake apply.
Benz OE Front Pads is Brembo, very good though , it's till have 85% left but I replace with new Pads anyway. Notice that there's sticky 2 circles on the back of the Pads, that should be brake quiet and it stick to the Caliber Piston very hard to pull it out unless you remove the Caliber Housing.
I love Centric and have been using it on my BMW M3s and now on my Benz. Even though it made in China but I never have any issue.
Posi Quiet is also Centric originaly, I did not use Brake Quiet Spray Products even tthough I'd brought it. I also reused the 2 long Secure Pins and Blade Spring Shim.
Last edited by Leonardick; 03-25-2018 at 04:12 AM.
