brake pads and rotors - same time?
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
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2012 ML350
brake pads and rotors - same time?
My front brake pads are nearing end of life and will need to be replaced soon.
The rotors look great. I replaced the pads once at 35,000 miles and not the rotors. Now the mileage is at 70,000 miles and due again, but the rotors look fine.
Has anyone kept their rotors and changed only the pads?
(ML400 - 2015)
The rotors look great. I replaced the pads once at 35,000 miles and not the rotors. Now the mileage is at 70,000 miles and due again, but the rotors look fine.
Has anyone kept their rotors and changed only the pads?
(ML400 - 2015)
Out Of Control!!
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From: unbegrenzt
2017 GLE350 4MATIC
Yes, many people replace pads but not rotors on all brands. 70k miles is pushing it with rotors imo. If there is a lip, replace the rotor. If there are grooves, replace the rotor. MB has a min thickness spec, if thinner, then replace the rotor. It's your call.
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Joined: Jan 2013
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2013 ML550 US spec. Air+Offroad pkg
Rotors
I take mine to OReilly auto parts and have them machined down smooth when I replace pads. They measure them to make sure they have above the minimum thickness. As long as you have enough material left on Rotor, you are fine.
My front brake pads are nearing end of life and will need to be replaced soon.
The rotors look great. I replaced the pads once at 35,000 miles and not the rotors. Now the mileage is at 70,000 miles and due again, but the rotors look fine.
Has anyone kept their rotors and changed only the pads?
(ML400 - 2015)
The rotors look great. I replaced the pads once at 35,000 miles and not the rotors. Now the mileage is at 70,000 miles and due again, but the rotors look fine.
Has anyone kept their rotors and changed only the pads?
(ML400 - 2015)
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 80
Likes: 7
2012 ML350
This would be the first "machining" so I suspect they are plenty thick. They look thick enough. There is barely no lip whatsoever outside where the brake pad contacts. This was surprising as on a Porsche the rotor and pad tend to wear down together.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Apr 2012
Posts: 80
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2012 ML350
I may just buy new rotors. The ones on the SUV have drilled holes, but I don't think I have the sport package (code: 951). I do have the 20 inch AMG wheels. Who supplies rotors to Mercedes as OEM? I'll buy those.
Thanks
Thanks
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From: The Great White North
W204 C63 Coupe, W166 ML350 BlueTEC, 928GT, Taycan GTS Sport Turismo, C5 Z06 & IS300 race cars
At 70K miles, they're very likely worn below the minimum thickness even if they look OK and they need to be replaced. Besides, we're not talking about $2K rotors here - they're a couple hundred bucks.
Don't "suspect" anything. Seeing as you're not even aware of how to tell if they need to be replaced, have someone properly measure the thickness with a micrometer. And, the ML uses floating single-sided piston calipers... if the caliper is not properly sliding on the two pins, the back side of the rotors could be shot while the front (that you see through the wheel) could be pristine. If you don't know what you're doing, take it to a professional.
Don't "suspect" anything. Seeing as you're not even aware of how to tell if they need to be replaced, have someone properly measure the thickness with a micrometer. And, the ML uses floating single-sided piston calipers... if the caliper is not properly sliding on the two pins, the back side of the rotors could be shot while the front (that you see through the wheel) could be pristine. If you don't know what you're doing, take it to a professional.
Last edited by Diabolis; Oct 8, 2023 at 09:20 AM.
