rostov

Hi guys,

I am thinking of buying 06 ML500 and found the vehicle I kind of like, but have one concern – the brake pad travels to long until complete stop – it has consistent performance, but it is much longer (pad travel) then on other MLs that I drove. And it starts braking from the beginning, but goes far down towards floor until complete stop. (brake pads condition is ok - about 50% left).
Now, the stupid question – could it be related somehow to the towing package that is factory/dealer installed on it from the beginning? The car has 41K on it.
Any info would be appreciated.

Thank you!

DUTCH

Are you saying that the brake pedal travels too far, or the vehicle travels too far before it stops?

rostov

The brake pedal travels too far. No problem with stopping. But you need to make an adjustment in mind that you have to push it much deeper before it stops.

DUTCH

My guess is that there is air in the system - probably up near the master cylinder.

I recently rebuilt the calipers on my G500. After what I thought was a very thorough bleeding of the brake system, I had this exact same problem. It required a non-standard reverse brake pressure bleed to get the air cleared out, followed by a conventional pressure bleed. I then had a good pedal; and it's been fine ever since.

rostov

Correct me if i am wrong, but if there is an air in the system, wouldn't it get back to normal if you pump during single stop?

DUTCH

No. it will not.

roadrutz

If there is air in the system it will stay in the system unless it is somehow removed. This can only be done by bleeding the system. I used to bleed brakes myself but some modern systems are so complex and sensitive that I now find it easier to take it to a mechanic or a brake shop and have them do it.

It is also possible in an '06 that the fluid has acquired water and needs changing. I wouldn't fiddle around -- get it changed and bled professionally and it should be fine. Maybe make that a condition of the sale.

rostov

Of cause it has to be removed by bleeding the system… I meant that if you pump it a few times during braking, the pedal will get harder and free way will be reduced – only for the current braking. Next time you brake it will be the same bad as before.

Anyway, thanks everybody. I decided not to mess with it and got another one – had to compromise the color, but my wife likes it (that is her car anyway ) It has less miles on and in really good shape.