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Thoughts on brake pedal performance

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Old 05-20-2018, 09:44 PM
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Thoughts on brake pedal performance
I've recently purchased a 2004 ML350. The brake pads were just changed before I purchased the vehicle and the rotors are still in good condition. I'm finding that in order for the brakes to start engaging I have to depress the pedal down at least half way. And for hard breaking I'm depressing at least 3/4 of the way down. I've looked through all the brake lines for fluid leaks, checked for vacuum leaks and I've already replaced the master cylinder and all the brake fluid thinking that was the issue. I know the pedals react differently in Mercedes then in most cars but something just feels off to me. Is there something else I should be looking into or is this just the way they are? Thanks for any help

Anthony
Last edited by anthonym13; 05-21-2018 at 12:18 AM.
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Old 05-21-2018, 05:18 AM
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Have you bled the system?
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Old 05-21-2018, 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Have you bled the system?
Yes I bled the system when I replaced the master cylinder. I got a bunch of air out of the lines but the pedal didn't seem to stiffen up any.
Anthony
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Old 05-22-2018, 05:00 AM
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Then there is still air in the system. Re-bleed. Hope you are using DOT 4 fluid and the correct sequence.
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Old 05-25-2018, 04:46 PM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee

Then there is still air in the system. Re-bleed. Hope you are using DOT 4 fluid and the correct sequence.
I've rebled the system and still have no difference in the pedal. I am using Dot-4 and the correct bleeding sequence. I have now run 3 32oz bottles through the system and the air bubbles have stopped. I'm really at a loss as to why I still have such poor brake performance.
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Old 05-27-2018, 11:06 AM
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2010 Mercedes GL450; 2000 Mercedes ML55 AMG; 2016 VW GLI SEL Stick!!!
You have cheap brake pads.

Change your pads to akebono, Pagid techstar or any other oem or oe pad and you will notice much better stopping power.

I had had the same issue when I bought my ml55.
Horrible brake feel when I bought it, thought there was air in the system; because selling dealer told me they had changed pads.

Turned out they were bargain basement pads and rotors; so I changed the rotors to powerstop vented and drilled rotors and the pads to akebono pads.

Changing this out is really easy and is definitely diy.

Try rockauto for the best deals on pads, and auto anything has great deals on ebc sport rotors!


Cheers!
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Old 05-29-2018, 10:34 AM
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Originally Posted by kombifan
You have cheap brake pads.

Change your pads to akebono, Pagid techstar or any other oem or oe pad and you will notice much better stopping power.

I had had the same issue when I bought my ml55.
Horrible brake feel when I bought it, thought there was air in the system; because selling dealer told me they had changed pads.

Turned out they were bargain basement pads and rotors; so I changed the rotors to powerstop vented and drilled rotors and the pads to akebono pads.

Changing this out is really easy and is definitely diy.

Try rockauto for the best deals on pads, and auto anything has great deals on ebc sport rotors!


Cheers!
I'll definitely check out what kind of pads and rotors are on there. But would that make the pedal go to the floor to brake or would it just have very poor braking in general?
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Old 05-30-2018, 08:48 PM
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Both.

I had poor braking performance and my pedal felt like it was going to the floor all the time.


It seems the car likes oem pads or premium pads. 🤷🏼*♂️
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Old 05-31-2018, 05:17 PM
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Originally Posted by kombifan
Both.

I had poor braking performance and my pedal felt like it was going to the floor all the time.


It seems the car likes oem pads or premium pads. 🤷🏼*♂️
The brakes are Bosch QuietCast all the way around. I'm not sure what kind the rotors are but they look to be in good condition.
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Old 05-31-2018, 07:51 PM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee

Then there is still air in the system. Re-bleed. Hope you are using DOT 4 fluid and the correct sequence.
I was wondering does the ABS effect the bleeding process at all? A mechanic told me I had to hook the truck up to special equipment to open up the ABS and bleed the brakes properly. But I've never heard of this before.

Thanks
Anthony
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Old 06-01-2018, 07:51 AM
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Never heard of that, but I think you should have the system pressure bled.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...e+bleed+brakes
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Old 06-01-2018, 09:33 AM
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Originally Posted by Maj. Dundee
Never heard of that, but I think you should have the system pressure bled.

https://www.youtube.com/results?sear...e+bleed+brakes
Thanks this looks like a good idea. I'll have to find one that I can borrow from someone. I'll let you know how it works out.
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Old 06-03-2018, 01:09 PM
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Originally Posted by anthonym13
I was wondering does the ABS effect the bleeding process at all? A mechanic told me I had to hook the truck up to special equipment to open up the ABS and bleed the brakes properly. But I've never heard of this before.

Thanks
Anthony
ALWAYS... get a second opinion and a THIRD.... mechanics will tell you anything to sell their service. Weed out the incompetent ones. Just my 2 cents.
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Old 06-08-2018, 01:50 PM
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Alright guys I pressure bled the system. I am 100% confident there is no more air in the lines. The peddle got a little better but nothing to sing about. I'm still not happy with the braking quality of the truck. Like I said before the brakes are new and I just replaced the master cylinder. Is there a way to check if it is the Brake Proportioning valve/Pressure Regulator?
Thanks Anthony
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Old 06-09-2018, 03:43 AM
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These are heavy vehicles with smallish tires, calipers and rotors. Are your calipers A1? I'd start there. Sounds like sluggish calipers.

Maybe beef up your calipers and rotors if you are that worried about it. And check your suspension.
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Old 06-09-2018, 09:08 AM
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Originally Posted by Aar Sto
These are heavy vehicles with smallish tires, calipers and rotors. Are your calipers A1? I'd start there. Sounds like sluggish calipers.

Maybe beef up your calipers and rotors if you are that worried about it. And check your suspension.
pads...

Really try it. You have to remember Bosch USA and Bosch Europe are very different companies.

Try the akebono or even the oem product and you will notice a difference.
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