Necessary to change rotors with each brake pad change?
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2014
Posts: 19
Likes: 1
From: Easton, PA
2016 MB GLE 300d / 2019 F-150 Lariat 3.5 EcoBoost / 2007 Subaru Forester XT Sport
Necessary to change rotors with each brake pad change?
Our 2016 GLE 300d's "Check Brake Wear" warning came on for what seems like the 4th time in almost 70k miles. MB actually ate the cost multiple times as they couldn't explain why our pads were wearing so quickly with mostly highway driving. Anyway, at this point they're not going to pay anymore, but the prices they're quoting for a brake job are pretty insane. The rotors actually look pretty good with minimal scoring. Is it absolutely necessary to change the rotors? I was going to buy a full PowerStop Z23 kit, but I'm not sure if that's even necessary. Any recommendations for brake pads? I'd like to avoid the OEM pads if possible for something a little less dusty.
Thanks in advance for your help.
Thanks in advance for your help.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,118
Likes: 271
'13 GLK350 4matic,'10 C207,'15 GLA250,'07 Honda Odyssey, '18 GLE 43, '24 EQS 580
MLs and GLEs are heavy trucks and the MB pads (somehow soft) are designed to help it stop the truck. On my ML my rear pads went through 38k and fronts at 50k compare that to my 2009 C300 with 130k on the motor and it still has 6mm of pads on both front and rear. If you can find a indy and your rotors have been replaced like 4 times go with a aftermarket like Zimmerman rotors and Textar pads. Zimmerman rotors are German made and Textar pads are the same pads that MB uses they just slap their logo on it. BTW....if you are going through rotors and pads for every 15-18k I think you are riding the brakes as that is abnormal wear and tear.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Sep 2018
Posts: 14,668
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Agree with the previous comment. Also be mindful that assist systems, including basic cruise control (no Distronic), consumes brake pads. The basic cruise control function decelerates the vehicle if actual speed is above set speed, such as on a descent. The M-B cruise control is truly a control system, with actuation to accelerate as well as decelerate the vehicle. Most other brands have cruise control actuation only to accelerate the vehicle, and do not use the brakes to decelerate the vehicle for speed control purposes.
Additionally, the active lane keeping assist system consumes brake pads, to create a corrective yawing moment on the vehicle.
The brake "HOLD" function consumes brake pads, if you don't release it manually yourself by actuating the brake pedal. If, when using the HOLD function, you simply use the accelerator pedal to start moving again, there is a momentary consumption of brake pad as the driveline torque builds and the brake hydraulic pressure releases. It's not much, but if this is your normal method of operating the vehicle, it adds up over time.
Additionally, the active lane keeping assist system consumes brake pads, to create a corrective yawing moment on the vehicle.
The brake "HOLD" function consumes brake pads, if you don't release it manually yourself by actuating the brake pedal. If, when using the HOLD function, you simply use the accelerator pedal to start moving again, there is a momentary consumption of brake pad as the driveline torque builds and the brake hydraulic pressure releases. It's not much, but if this is your normal method of operating the vehicle, it adds up over time.
Last edited by chassis; Jul 5, 2020 at 09:51 AM.
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Senior Member
Joined: Feb 2002
Posts: 303
Likes: 46
From: Minneapolis/ St Paul
Buy the kits from FCP Euro. Pay once and that it. If your pads or rotors fail they replace for free for the life of the automobile. I did this and everything went great and the braking is awesome. Get the Textar Pads if possible.
in a couple yes when I need new brakes I’ll just order them and send the old back for 100% refund. I do this with oil and filter every year on both my MB and BMW
in a couple yes when I need new brakes I’ll just order them and send the old back for 100% refund. I do this with oil and filter every year on both my MB and BMW
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Member
Joined: Jun 2017
Posts: 94
Likes: 27
From: Fly Over Land
'17 AMG GLE 43
Specs tell you when to replace (thickness), but labor "while you are in there" vs the timing of the eventual parts costs will help you decide. My advice, if one part needs replacing (thickness limits) and the matched part is ~50% or less of list, replace them both. Also, old school use to be 2 fronts to 1 rear on wear, but seeing now with nannies using the brakes, which nannies seem to prefer the rears to correct driving dynamic errors, seeing rears wear out before/with fronts in multiple applications.
It cost monies to drive, skimping on basic parts to save a buck on a $70k SUV/SAV may indicate the wrong performance vehicle was purchased. That is not to say throw money at the $ealer, but don't skimp on replacing wear items to save a buck. Learn to do these basic jobs yourself and the labor savings alone will negate any parts prices. YMWV.
It cost monies to drive, skimping on basic parts to save a buck on a $70k SUV/SAV may indicate the wrong performance vehicle was purchased. That is not to say throw money at the $ealer, but don't skimp on replacing wear items to save a buck. Learn to do these basic jobs yourself and the labor savings alone will negate any parts prices. YMWV.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2016
Posts: 1,124
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From: NW
2018 GLC 4MATIC
Just checked my ML 350 BT log,
Rear pads were replaced at 35K, not sure why
they were bad at 35 and second pair last 2x times more.
Front at 90K
Rotor never, they were just perfect.
Car sold at 110K.
To OP: Changing rotors shouldn't add a lot of labors, if they are bad replace them as all others suggested.
Rear pads were replaced at 35K, not sure why
they were bad at 35 and second pair last 2x times more.
Front at 90K
Rotor never, they were just perfect.
Car sold at 110K.
To OP: Changing rotors shouldn't add a lot of labors, if they are bad replace them as all others suggested.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 500
Likes: 137
From: Washington D.C. area
16 GLE400 4matic
When i do brakes. I always change out the rotors, pads and sensor. Do it right the first time. For rotors and sensor I stick with OEM (Mercedes-Benz) for pads I go with OEM or Akebono.
