Squeaky Brakes!
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 2
Likes: 0
From: Chicagoland
2007 MB R350; 2010 VW CC; 1987 Mustang GT Conv
Squeaky Brakes!
Hello I have a 2007 R350, bought in may w/15K mi and now it's Dec w/19K mi. My brakes are so embarassingly squeaky. To myself I think it must look like I blew all my money on the car and now I can't afford a simple brake job! 
Anyways. Took it to the dealer this week and they put the car up, inspected it, and the SA came back telling me the brakes are fine. They are a luxury brake, an agresssive brake, he says, and I need to adjust my driving habits and not ride the brake.
Easier said than done when the person in front of me is riding theirs, no? At least I got a cheap carwash out of it, everyone else's car is caked in salt and mine sparkles. It goes well with the squeak.
So before I start slamming my kids into whiplash, dumping my purse contents onto the floor and spilling my mocha, does anyone have any other ideas?
Should I take it to another dealership? I am in Chicagoland so while they're not convenient I do have other options that are manageable.
Anyways. Took it to the dealer this week and they put the car up, inspected it, and the SA came back telling me the brakes are fine. They are a luxury brake, an agresssive brake, he says, and I need to adjust my driving habits and not ride the brake.
Easier said than done when the person in front of me is riding theirs, no? At least I got a cheap carwash out of it, everyone else's car is caked in salt and mine sparkles. It goes well with the squeak.
So before I start slamming my kids into whiplash, dumping my purse contents onto the floor and spilling my mocha, does anyone have any other ideas?
Should I take it to another dealership? I am in Chicagoland so while they're not convenient I do have other options that are manageable.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 574
Likes: 2
From: Pennsylvania, USA
2011 GL450, '06 R500 traded, '08 ML350 sold
For starters, thanks for an enjoyable post! It put a smile on my face.
The problem you are having is really not a problem at all. All MBs and in fact all German cars have brake pads that are of a particular softer consistency that produce A LOT of brake dust. That's the downside. The upside is that they increase braking performance. In fact MBs have excellent braking performance. Your squeaking is caused by the brake dust that gets trapped between the pad and the rotors. I assume the dealer cleaned them when he inspected them and the problem went away for a little while? Also, I have noticed that squeaking is directly related with weather conditions so during extreme cold temperatures is probably exaggerated.
IMO your dealer was correct except his comment about you riding the brakes (unless you really do that).
The problem you are having is really not a problem at all. All MBs and in fact all German cars have brake pads that are of a particular softer consistency that produce A LOT of brake dust. That's the downside. The upside is that they increase braking performance. In fact MBs have excellent braking performance. Your squeaking is caused by the brake dust that gets trapped between the pad and the rotors. I assume the dealer cleaned them when he inspected them and the problem went away for a little while? Also, I have noticed that squeaking is directly related with weather conditions so during extreme cold temperatures is probably exaggerated.
IMO your dealer was correct except his comment about you riding the brakes (unless you really do that).
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 1,265
Likes: 1
From: Nashua, NH
2008 VW GTI
I've never had brakes squeak on any of my cars or my wife's 60,000+ mile R350. The fix is to apply anti-squeal brake compound between the brake pads and caliper. I'm surprised your dealer didn't already try that.
Super Member
Joined: Dec 2005
Posts: 574
Likes: 2
From: Pennsylvania, USA
2011 GL450, '06 R500 traded, '08 ML350 sold
I have squeaks on occasion. I neglected to mention the grease you talk about. That is the recommended fix.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 6,199
Likes: 243
From: Albuquerque
'10 CL550, '12 GL550
There is a dealer tech bulletin (DTB) on squeaking brakes and your dealer is required to fix them for free on vehicles still with original warranty (and OE parts). Only once, of course. Have dealer refer to DTB T-B-42.10/80b (or later).
