GLK-Class (X204) Produced 2008-2014

Fixing Brake Squeal

Old Dec 7, 2014 | 08:28 PM
  #1  
bha1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Seoul
2010 Mercedes Benz GLK220 4Matic BlueEfficiency
Fixing Brake Squeal

I have a 2010 220 CDI 4matic and around 2012 the brakes starting squealing under soft braking so I took it in under warranty and it was fixed. The service center told me to expect it to come back after awhile.

When it started getting really cold here this year it started again. I've read here and other sites that if you brake hard a few times it should go away. I've tried that near my house on a downhill incline before heading to work but I was only going around 40 km/h and broke hard a few times (ABS also kicked in). It seemed to do the job but the squeal always comes back later at night.

My car is kept in a garage overnight but outside under covered parking at the office. Does the cold have anything to do with it?

Since I'm in Seoul, there's not a lot of places where I can go 100 and brake hard without putting myself and others in danger. Is this the trick to make the annoying squeal go away? I got new tires in August and when I brought the GLK for service after someone bumped my car, the guy said that my pads were still very much new so if this is not the way to do it, I'd rather not put wear on my tires and pads.

Any insight will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2014 | 07:05 AM
  #2  
n8nu's Avatar
Member
 
Joined: Feb 2010
Posts: 105
Likes: 1
From: Ontario, Canada
GLK 350
I have a 2010 4 Matic and had horrible brake squeal. I needed few front brakes and they ended up replacing all 4. While I didn't like the price, it was worth it as I no longer have any brake squeal. I can come to a gentle stop with confidence knowing my car won't sound like a truck!

I'm guessing the material changed in the pads. So one option, although not the cheapest, would be to replace all the pads.
Reply
Old Dec 8, 2014 | 04:09 PM
  #3  
Wankafella's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: GTA
GLC 300 4matic
I gotta agree with n8nu on the brake squeals. The GLK has horrible brakes and the only way to stop squealing is to replace the brake pads. Mine is squealing like jingle bells and I've only replaced the two years ago. The life on the OEM pads are very short and not the cheapest so I might look at other pads.
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2014 | 01:36 AM
  #4  
bha1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Seoul
2010 Mercedes Benz GLK220 4Matic BlueEfficiency
Thanks guys. That sucks as the guy that looked at my current pads said they still have a lot of life in them. Guess I gotta look at non-OEM pads.
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2014 | 09:41 AM
  #5  
Wankafella's Avatar
Junior Member
 
Joined: Feb 2014
Posts: 23
Likes: 0
From: GTA
GLC 300 4matic
Try giving them a good wash and try to get as much brake dust off the rims/pads/rotors as you can. That might help reduce the squealing.
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2014 | 01:24 PM
  #6  
rmfnla's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
I've read that a really hard stop will remove glaze and stop the noise.

My 2011 squealed almost from day one and it drove my wife crazy (crazier?).

I recently did a full brake job and absolutely no noise now. I made sure to carefully grease all the metal contact points so I am not sure if that or the new pads made the difference, but I'll take it regardless...
Reply
Old Dec 9, 2014 | 05:38 PM
  #7  
vanrooster70's Avatar
Newbie
 
Joined: Oct 2013
Posts: 13
Likes: 0
mercedes benz glk 350
Originally Posted by bha1980
I have a 2010 220 CDI 4matic and around 2012 the brakes starting squealing under soft braking so I took it in under warranty and it was fixed. The service center told me to expect it to come back after awhile.

When it started getting really cold here this year it started again. I've read here and other sites that if you brake hard a few times it should go away. I've tried that near my house on a downhill incline before heading to work but I was only going around 40 km/h and broke hard a few times (ABS also kicked in). It seemed to do the job but the squeal always comes back later at night.

My car is kept in a garage overnight but outside under covered parking at the office. Does the cold have anything to do with it?

Since I'm in Seoul, there's not a lot of places where I can go 100 and brake hard without putting myself and others in danger. Is this the trick to make the annoying squeal go away? I got new tires in August and when I brought the GLK for service after someone bumped my car, the guy said that my pads were still very much new so if this is not the way to do it, I'd rather not put wear on my tires and pads.

Any insight will be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance.
I have a '10 glk 350, I tried EVERYTHING to get rid of the noise. I noticed the rotors were actually wearing out as there was a lip overhanging the pads. And those were the original pads at about 50k (kms). I think the squeal was a combination of softer metal rotors and the pad material. They worked well, but the noise and dust was ridiculous. I replaced the front rotors with an after market performance rotor (Ate brand) pronounced "ahtay"
and used wagner thermoquiet pads. I've had that combo now for 20k. No issues. Quiet as a mouse. Great initial bite and very smooth and linear predictable braking. I left the rear wheels stock. The wagner pads even have the proper hole drilled in them for your pad replacement sensor. Basically I haven't heard one good thing about the stock rotors. I wouldn't waste cash on pads alone. Just do both and then enjoy.....

Last edited by vanrooster70; Dec 9, 2014 at 05:43 PM. Reason: adding on
Reply
Old Dec 10, 2014 | 01:17 AM
  #8  
bha1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Seoul
2010 Mercedes Benz GLK220 4Matic BlueEfficiency
Thanks for the additional tips. I'm going in for a scheduled service soon and see what they have to say but I suspect that they'll try to gouge me if they fix it so I'll see if I can get the replacements done elsewhere.
Reply
MB World Stories

The Best of Mercedes & AMG

story-0

New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-1

6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

 Verdad Gallardo
story-2

Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

 Verdad Gallardo
story-3

Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

 Verdad Gallardo
story-4

8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

 Verdad Gallardo
story-5

Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

 Verdad Gallardo
story-6

Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-7

Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

 Verdad Gallardo
story-8

5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

 Verdad Gallardo
story-9

Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

 Verdad Gallardo
Old Dec 10, 2014 | 01:27 AM
  #9  
bha1980's Avatar
Thread Starter
Junior Member
 
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 68
Likes: 0
From: Seoul
2010 Mercedes Benz GLK220 4Matic BlueEfficiency
Also, possibly a dumb question but I've been looking on ebay for replacement rotors and pads. I think I may have to order online and then have someone do it for me because I'm pretty sure that these things are more expensive in Korea.

Anyways, dumb question: the rotors/pads are for a GLK350. They only sell the 220CDI in Korea. Should fit okay right?

Also, do you recommend just changing the front or the rear as well?

Thanks again.
Reply
Old Dec 11, 2014 | 04:13 PM
  #10  
rmfnla's Avatar
MBWorld Fanatic!
 
Joined: Aug 2010
Posts: 1,136
Likes: 7
From: Los Angeles
2013 Infiniti G37 Coupe; 2011 GLK 350 w/ Premium 1, Multimedia & Sport Appearance; I LOVE IT!
In the U.S. most mechanics will not use parts supplied by the customer. They claim it is for warranty reasons but they also mark parts up and don't want to lose that $.

As to parts compatiblity, you probably should check with the parts seller.

Change the rear if they need them; if it ain't broke don't fix it...
Reply
Old Dec 12, 2014 | 01:15 PM
  #11  
107123210's Avatar
Super Member
15 Year Member
Liked
 
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 689
Likes: 30
Squealing is not usually directly caused by the pads or the rotors especially if the are OE.

The squealing is caused by vibration of the pad metal backing against the caliper pistons. You can make the noise go away, by removing the pads and applying an anti-squeal paste between the metal pad backing and the caliper pistons. Just takes a light smear. Has to let sit for a while to cure. It is some sort of high temperature silicone. Available at most auto stores.
Reply

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)
 

Thread Tools
Search this Thread
Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:
You have already rated this thread Rating: Thread Rating: 0 votes,  average.


All times are GMT -4. The time now is 11:53 AM.

story-0
New Electric Mercedes-AMG GT 4-Door Coupe Unveiled: 10 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes-AMG's new electric GT 4-Door Coupe trades combustion for software, synthetic noise, and more than 1,100 horsepower.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-20 20:08:15


VIEW MORE
story-1
6 Mercedes Models That Did NOT Age Well (But Are Somehow Still Cool)

Slideshow: Not every Mercedes design becomes timeless, some feel stuck in the era they came from.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-12 18:09:07


VIEW MORE
story-2
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun

Slideshow: Yes, Mercedes built manual cars, and some of them are far more interesting than you'd expect.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-05-02 12:36:58


VIEW MORE
story-3
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren

Slideshow: A one-of-one U.S.-spec Mercedes-Benz SLR McLaren Roadster became even rarer after a factory-backed transformation at McLaren's headquarters.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-29 11:19:28


VIEW MORE
story-4
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine

Slideshow: Before curves took over, Mercedes mastered the art of the straight line, and some of those shapes still look right today.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-25 12:05:49


VIEW MORE
story-5
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction

Slideshow: The 190E Evolution II shows how a homologation necessity became a six-figure collector icon.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-22 17:53:47


VIEW MORE
story-6
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know

Slideshow: Mercedes is turning one of its core nameplates electric, and the details show just how serious this shift is.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-21 13:58:06


VIEW MORE
story-7
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know

Slideshow: Faster charging, longer range, and a controversial steer-by-wire system define the latest evolution of Mercedes-Benz EQS.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-15 10:35:34


VIEW MORE
story-8
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve

Slideshow: These overlooked Mercedes-Benz models never got the spotlight, but they quietly delivered more than most remember.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-13 19:35:45


VIEW MORE
story-9
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping

Slideshow: A well-used 1991 Mercedes-Benz 300D with more than one million miles is now looking for a new owner, and it still appears ready for more.

By Verdad Gallardo | 2026-04-10 10:05:15


VIEW MORE