2016 GLE350 Grinding Noise
 

Hi All!

We just recently got back from a road trip and noticed a grinding noise in the wife's GLE. It only occurs sometimes, more often then not, and only when we're coming to a stop. If I was to bet, I'd say the noise is coming from the wheels, I do feel it in the brakes and maybe the noise transfers to the steering wheel but minimally. The noise is not loud, but can be heard with windows rolled up or down. It sounds metallic in nature, like grinding on rotors but that shouldn't/can't be it.

A visual of the rotors and pads passes, we're at about 70% pads, and rotors are basically new. The car has about 16K miles.

Thoughts? Correct diagnosis gets a batch of good Karma sent via the multiverse.

i'm also feeling the grinding in my '16 gle350 4m (about 28k currently). intermittent and mostly on highway. couldn't say if it was road conditions or vehicle. that and having a "clunk" come up thru the steering column as if something is engaging in the front end. not the clutch bs in the trans; that's different and doesn't come up thru the column. had it in and they replaced motor mounts. "clunk" is diminished, but still there. going in next week. my post on 4matic technicals was an effort to see if it is related to the front diff or xfr case.

sorry no diag, but i'll post more if they come up with anything. good luck, ron

I would recheck those brakes. I replace my first pair at 16k, then 26k, and just had the priviledge of doing it again at 39k.

I checked my rotors about a week ago after reading about your issues. I didnt have any reason to check them other than just reading about your experiences. The good is, my rotors are in fantastic condition, the bad is my fingers were a little sore because I ran my hand along the rotors after driving it and they were pretty hot. I know better, but just had a momentary lapse...hahahaha

Found the problem.

For some reason, the driver side pad is toast and the caliper is grinding on the rotor. All the others are at least 75%!

Anyone experience this???

When I replace, should I do both rears just to start fresh t the same time?

Something to call and complain to MB USA about????

Common issue on the 166, rear brakes wear out really fast. Supposedly there is an updated brake pad part #, I've replaced rear calipers and it still doesn't seem to help. I think it's an issue with the electronic parking brake but I don't know what to say. This is the bulletin for the early ones, but it still happens.

Yep sounds about right.

I'm bringing it in on Wednesday. The dealer was completely unhelpful over the phone, but did urge me to bring the car in. I suppose so they can call me after and say that I need a $1500 brake job. The same job I can get done across the street for $300.

I will be sending a full report with pictures to MB USA, and informing them on all dealer correspondence. I'm happy to pay for the brake job, but not if it's a manufacturer error, install error, or just **** design.

I think it is a design problem with the brakes, although all my problems have been with the front brakes and both sides wearing out. I got my front two brakes replaced, new rotors, and a B service done about a month ago for about $1300. Let us know how the letter to MB goes. I really like my GLE400 but the maintence is becoming expensive.
Good luck