"Check brake pad wear" message
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Joined: Aug 2013
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2015 s550
"Check brake pad wear" message
I recently got the dashboard alert to "check brake pad wear". A friend and long-time Mercedes owner informed me that this doesnt necessarily mean that I need new brakes, but is rather a "built-in alarm" that comes on after a certain mileage level to alert you to get the brakes checked. Of course, when I called Mercedes, they indicated that I "probably" need to get front and rear brakes replaced within the next 500 miles or so.
Can anyone provide me with clarity as to whether the "check brake pad wear:" alarm is a legitimate sign to get the brakes replaced ASAP. Or is it simply a sign to get the brakes checked ASAP. All responses will be appreciated.
Can anyone provide me with clarity as to whether the "check brake pad wear:" alarm is a legitimate sign to get the brakes replaced ASAP. Or is it simply a sign to get the brakes checked ASAP. All responses will be appreciated.
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Joined: Nov 2015
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From: Newcastle, WA
2019 S63 4Matic+, 2018 E400 Cabrio, wardens car.
There is a sensor in the front and rear passenger side of the vehicle that sits in the pad. When the pad wears down to the point that the sensor touches the rotor it grounds out the sensor and triggers the idiot light on the dash for either the front or rear brakes. This sensor indicates that the pads are within a few MM of the pad material being gone and the backing plate touching the rotor. Once this happens you have a dangerous situation because braking ability is diminished. This sensor and subsequent light is not a random light that just comes on for a quick brake check. Brakes on this car are pretty simple to DIY if you have some basic hand tools and a floor jack. You tube is your friend in this regard. You should be able to do the front and back axles with all new pads, rotors HW and fluids for around 800 bucks in parts. Having the stealership do it for you could cost 2-3K as they charge a big premium for work like this.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Apr 2019
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From: Silicon Valley
W212 MY'14 M276-3.5NA @75kMi
I recently got the dashboard alert to "check brake pad wear". A friend and long-time Mercedes owner informed me that this doesnt necessarily mean that I need new brakes, but is rather a "built-in alarm" that comes on after a certain mileage level to alert you to get the brakes checked. Of course, when I called Mercedes, they indicated that I "probably" need to get front and rear brakes replaced within the next 500 miles or so.
Can anyone provide me with clarity as to whether the "check brake pad wear:" alarm is a legitimate sign to get the brakes replaced ASAP. Or is it simply a sign to get the brakes checked ASAP. All responses will be appreciated.
Can anyone provide me with clarity as to whether the "check brake pad wear:" alarm is a legitimate sign to get the brakes replaced ASAP. Or is it simply a sign to get the brakes checked ASAP. All responses will be appreciated.
It could be worned out pads or a fluid leak...
BOOK APT or inspect ASAP!
Last edited by CaliBenzDriver; Aug 8, 2022 at 01:51 PM.
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560
Once the sensors hit, you have 5000 miles !!! Not 500, but a good 5000 miles before your metal to metal !!!! Don't let dealer scare tactics tell you 500.
Once the sensors hit, you must replace the sensors when you do the pads. $2.50 each at Rock Auto. Yes people, $2.50 each !!!
I went 3000 miles with the warning light. Could have gone more.
The front pads are easy. Takes 12 minutes per side.
The rear pads... you need to be a computer scientist to get the parking brake into "brake service mode". What a PITA. Good thing I have my son who can watch youtube videos, and other social media nonsense on brake service mode.
Once the sensors hit, you must replace the sensors when you do the pads. $2.50 each at Rock Auto. Yes people, $2.50 each !!!
I went 3000 miles with the warning light. Could have gone more.
The front pads are easy. Takes 12 minutes per side.
The rear pads... you need to be a computer scientist to get the parking brake into "brake service mode". What a PITA. Good thing I have my son who can watch youtube videos, and other social media nonsense on brake service mode.
Thread Starter
Member
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 76
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2015 s550
Thanks so much for such thorough responses to my post; I did have an additional question. Is the sensor built into both front and rear brakes? Or does it mean that both front and back need replacing? Just getting a head start on what to expect when I take the car into the dealership for the brake service.
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Sensors are on the passenger side only. Front & rear. My rears were equally worn with the fronts. Be prepared to pay double at the dealer than a local garage. However, the rear brakes are difficult because you need to get the car into 'brake service mode', and then land the parking brake afterwards.
I'm confident you can go another thousand miles, 2 thousand miles before you're metal to metal. Not that it matters, because if the warning message is on, you need pads.
I'm confident you can go another thousand miles, 2 thousand miles before you're metal to metal. Not that it matters, because if the warning message is on, you need pads.
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