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Hope someone can help shed some light on this issue. Have a 2014 ML350BT with the AMG Sport package (common config in Canada) and recently replaced the rear brakes including pads and rotors. I went with Zimmermann coated rotors and Akebono pads. I confirmed the MB part numbers in EPC for both pads and rotors against the cross reference for these aftermarket parts:
All went well with the install - retracted the EPB from the onboard menu, retracted calipers the rest of the way and cleaned up caliper bracket and hub with a wire brush. Greased all slide pins and contact points and pads were moving smoothly inside the new shims. Car drives and brakes fine, but after 500+ km the Z-coat on the rotors still has not worn through on the outer circumference of both rotors. I took one side apart again and double checked fitment and everything is clean and moving well, yet the problem persists. Any ideas would be appreciated.
Some photos of the pads and rotors:
Same on the other side.
Outboard pad at top. Inboard is a bit better but still not wiping the outermost edge.
The parts combination are the best with the Japanese Akebono + Zim's rotors (I'm running exactly that!)
Pls show a caliper installed - I'll point out the exact issue for this factory-made problem:
CALIPER ANTI-RATTLE SPRINGS are way too strong
This messes up ALL floating Frt/Bck calipers - (Not applicable to the fixed multi-pistons calipers!)
The issue is floating calipers are torqued at 90° against sliding pins. This is clearly shown by the wear of pad standing on edge againt the rotor.
This issue is not caused by the necessary slide silicone lube.
> VISUAL INSPECTION: assymmetrical wear
You will winess inner piston pads ate worned out
outer side pad on caliper side are unused like new!
> In plain English:
"one dead + one new pad" is caused ridiculous spring force.... about 2x too strong.
This spring prevents caliper from sliding properly.
++++ Front floating caliper ??
If you have the same setup up front,
you're about to get the best brakes you've ever had: with short-strong proportional pedal.
Same nasty springs on TRW calipers
Zims + Akeb + springs...
I purchased a pair of $5 springs to experiment without tempering with my MB OEM part.
I loostened the "Duralast" excellent stainless steel spring to my liking.
This spring has a extra bend to mess it up (purposely!)
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Nov 5, 2024 at 05:26 PM.
I don't have a photo of the assembled caliper at the moment, but there was no anti-rattle spring at the rear that I could recall. The caliper has a plate labelled "Mercedes Benz" that is permanently attached at the front and does not seem to have any functional purpose. The caliper simply attaches via the 2 slide pin bolts..
Here is a diagram from WIS, although it does not show the decorative plate
Thanks for the input! I will double check all those things. I just found it odd that both sides are having the exact same issue, and I was meticulous with cleaning the hub and caliper bracket knowing that rust will eventually cause the pads to jam up in their spaces. I suspect it is one of 2 things
1. I messed something up that is specific to this job (Mercedes rear brakes) or
2. I have the wrong parts. I was fairly certain the right pads are EUR1630 (for vehicles with sport package) and not EUR1630A (for non-sport) but I cannot be sure that I was sent the right parts! (silly me had discarded both the Akebono box and the old OE pads right away)
Thanks for the input! I will double check all those things. I just found it odd that both sides are having the exact same issue, and I was meticulous with cleaning the hub and caliper bracket knowing that rust will eventually cause the pads to jam up in their spaces. I suspect it is one of 2 things
1. I messed something up that is specific to this job (Mercedes rear brakes) or
2. I have the wrong parts. I was fairly certain the right pads are EUR1630 (for vehicles with sport package) and not EUR1630A (for non-sport) but I cannot be sure that I was sent the right parts! (silly me had discarded both the Akebono box and the old OE pads right away)
that makes sense... go to your local auto-parts store and buy any set of rear pads for comparison then return them unused once you know.
At least the inner vs. outer pads are correct because very distinct shape for round piston and sensor.
Personally I strongly suspect the bracket installation but both L/R sides have exact similar issue do pads a good guess.
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