help! Brake squeal - Akebonos
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 17
Likes: 6
From: PHX
CLS55 AMG
help! Brake squeal - Akebonos
Hi there,
2006 CLS55 owner here. I've just replaced my OEM rotors and pads - I went with Zimmerman rotors and Akebono ceramic pads. I am getting a VERY loud squeal from my passenger front brake since the change and it's driving me crazy. I am used to some brake squeak with these cars especially when very hot and very cold, and its usually bearable.
I've been back to my independent mechanic with the complaint, and he ha suggested resurfacing the rotors and pads, which he did, and he relubed all the components. It was good for a couple days, but it is back again loud as ever. He now suggests a new caliper. I took the car for a second opinion, they did the same thing - disassemble, lube, anti-squeal paste/gel, reassemble, and said the caliper is fine. Before I shell out 1200 bucks for a new caliper, I'd like to exhaust all other options.
I've seen so many threads on this topic, but very few with any solutions. Any help here would be appreciated. It's really driving me crazy.
I am also getting a very weird mouse-like squeak when the pedal is depressed, which I've learned is related to the SBC pump and potentially there being air trapped in the lines. I don't know if these are related, but the car is going to the dealer on Monday for that issue.
Thanks very much
GH
2006 CLS55 owner here. I've just replaced my OEM rotors and pads - I went with Zimmerman rotors and Akebono ceramic pads. I am getting a VERY loud squeal from my passenger front brake since the change and it's driving me crazy. I am used to some brake squeak with these cars especially when very hot and very cold, and its usually bearable.
I've been back to my independent mechanic with the complaint, and he ha suggested resurfacing the rotors and pads, which he did, and he relubed all the components. It was good for a couple days, but it is back again loud as ever. He now suggests a new caliper. I took the car for a second opinion, they did the same thing - disassemble, lube, anti-squeal paste/gel, reassemble, and said the caliper is fine. Before I shell out 1200 bucks for a new caliper, I'd like to exhaust all other options.
I've seen so many threads on this topic, but very few with any solutions. Any help here would be appreciated. It's really driving me crazy.
I am also getting a very weird mouse-like squeak when the pedal is depressed, which I've learned is related to the SBC pump and potentially there being air trapped in the lines. I don't know if these are related, but the car is going to the dealer on Monday for that issue.
Thanks very much
GH
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 920
Likes: 163
From: Virginia
N/A
Hi there,
2006 CLS55 owner here. I've just replaced my OEM rotors and pads - I went with Zimmerman rotors and Akebono ceramic pads. I am getting a VERY loud squeal from my passenger front brake since the change and it's driving me crazy. I am used to some brake squeak with these cars especially when very hot and very cold, and its usually bearable.
I've been back to my independent mechanic with the complaint, and he ha suggested resurfacing the rotors and pads, which he did, and he relubed all the components. It was good for a couple days, but it is back again loud as ever. He now suggests a new caliper. I took the car for a second opinion, they did the same thing - disassemble, lube, anti-squeal paste/gel, reassemble, and said the caliper is fine. Before I shell out 1200 bucks for a new caliper, I'd like to exhaust all other options.
I've seen so many threads on this topic, but very few with any solutions. Any help here would be appreciated. It's really driving me crazy.
I am also getting a very weird mouse-like squeak when the pedal is depressed, which I've learned is related to the SBC pump and potentially there being air trapped in the lines. I don't know if these are related, but the car is going to the dealer on Monday for that issue.
Thanks very much
GH
2006 CLS55 owner here. I've just replaced my OEM rotors and pads - I went with Zimmerman rotors and Akebono ceramic pads. I am getting a VERY loud squeal from my passenger front brake since the change and it's driving me crazy. I am used to some brake squeak with these cars especially when very hot and very cold, and its usually bearable.
I've been back to my independent mechanic with the complaint, and he ha suggested resurfacing the rotors and pads, which he did, and he relubed all the components. It was good for a couple days, but it is back again loud as ever. He now suggests a new caliper. I took the car for a second opinion, they did the same thing - disassemble, lube, anti-squeal paste/gel, reassemble, and said the caliper is fine. Before I shell out 1200 bucks for a new caliper, I'd like to exhaust all other options.
I've seen so many threads on this topic, but very few with any solutions. Any help here would be appreciated. It's really driving me crazy.
I am also getting a very weird mouse-like squeak when the pedal is depressed, which I've learned is related to the SBC pump and potentially there being air trapped in the lines. I don't know if these are related, but the car is going to the dealer on Monday for that issue.
Thanks very much
GH
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 372
Likes: 50
From: Las Vegas, NV
2006 E55
A set of those pads is around $150. Not sure I would pay that just to see if that is the problem.
You might try knocking the edges of each pad down with a file. Sometimes the sharp edges can cause noise. From what you wrote, it does not seem like you are a DIY person. Having shops try all these things is going to get expensive. Are you able to do any work yourself?
You might try knocking the edges of each pad down with a file. Sometimes the sharp edges can cause noise. From what you wrote, it does not seem like you are a DIY person. Having shops try all these things is going to get expensive. Are you able to do any work yourself?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
First, I would try a high speed run, and then smash the brake pedal to the floor for a few runs. And then see if that fixes your squeal.
Often times, it's due to moisture either on the face of the rotor or the pads. Or the pads aren't sitting flush in the calipers.
Often times, it's due to moisture either on the face of the rotor or the pads. Or the pads aren't sitting flush in the calipers.
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 920
Likes: 163
From: Virginia
N/A
A set of those pads is around $150. Not sure I would pay that just to see if that is the problem.
You might try knocking the edges of each pad down with a file. Sometimes the sharp edges can cause noise. From what you wrote, it does not seem like you are a DIY person. Having shops try all these things is going to get expensive. Are you able to do any work yourself?
You might try knocking the edges of each pad down with a file. Sometimes the sharp edges can cause noise. From what you wrote, it does not seem like you are a DIY person. Having shops try all these things is going to get expensive. Are you able to do any work yourself?
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 372
Likes: 50
From: Las Vegas, NV
2006 E55
I agree with Yuille. I assumed that they were already bedded in, but I shouldn't have. This might just do the trick.
Last edited by MJBelcher500; Mar 31, 2023 at 08:00 PM.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 17
Likes: 6
From: PHX
CLS55 AMG
Thanks guys -- I will give this a go today and report back.
I did call Akebono and provided them a thorough rundown of the issue. They said that their pads don't like Zimmerman rotors for some reason (but the sound is definitely only coming from one wheel, not all four corners) and that they think it's the caliper.
I did call Akebono and provided them a thorough rundown of the issue. They said that their pads don't like Zimmerman rotors for some reason (but the sound is definitely only coming from one wheel, not all four corners) and that they think it's the caliper.
Trending Topics
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2021
Posts: 372
Likes: 50
From: Las Vegas, NV
2006 E55
Thanks guys -- I will give this a go today and report back.
I did call Akebono and provided them a thorough rundown of the issue. They said that their pads don't like Zimmerman rotors for some reason (but the sound is definitely only coming from one wheel, not all four corners) and that they think it's the caliper.
I did call Akebono and provided them a thorough rundown of the issue. They said that their pads don't like Zimmerman rotors for some reason (but the sound is definitely only coming from one wheel, not all four corners) and that they think it's the caliper.
MB World Stories
The Best of Mercedes & AMG
Manual Mercedes? 6 Times Sindelfingen Let Drivers Have All The Fun
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes SLR McLaren 722 S Is Extremely Rare Example Modified by McLaren
Verdad Gallardo
8 Classic Boxy Mercedes Designs That Have Aged Like Fine Wine
Verdad Gallardo
Flawlessly Restored Mercedes 190E Evo II Heads to Auction
Verdad Gallardo
Electric Mercedes C-Class Unveiled: 11 Things You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes EQS Gets A Major Update: Everything You Need to Know
Verdad Gallardo
5 Underrated Mercedes-Benz Models That Don't Get the Love They Deserve
Verdad Gallardo
Mercedes 300D Has Pushed Well Past 1 Million Miles and It Ain't Stopping
Verdad Gallardo
10 Most Reliable Mercedes-Benz Models You Can Buy Used
Verdad Gallardo
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 17
Likes: 6
From: PHX
CLS55 AMG
@Fountain35 The above methods (rebedding procedure) did not fix the issue. I've gone ahead and purchased a used set of front calipers that look like they're in really solid shape -- They've arrived and I am really pleased with their condition. I will re-seal the pistons and install (should be Thursday-Friday) and will report back! Thanks all.
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,228
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
Just to chime in I have akebono pads and Zimmerman rotors on my 550xi and did have some squeal after 500 miles and used brake cleaner twice and it went away now for 2000 miles .. not a big fan of the lower initial bite of these pads over OEM but I do like no dust
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 314
2006 CLS55 AMG, 2005 SLK 350 AMG
@Fountain35 The above methods (rebedding procedure) did not fix the issue. I've gone ahead and purchased a used set of front calipers that look like they're in really solid shape -- They've arrived and I am really pleased with their condition. I will re-seal the pistons and install (should be Thursday-Friday) and will report back! Thanks all.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 17
Likes: 6
From: PHX
CLS55 AMG
@PeterUbers I agree; initial bite is not as good as the OEM -- but i can live with that if they are quiet and produce less dust! Also, the squealing I hear today is not normal - it is incredibly loud and sustained all the way through braking. It's extreme.
@machild Yeah, I think for the reasons outlined above that this truly does sound like a caliper issue. Expensive, but not the end of the world. Do you use an anti-squeal paste you'd suggest?
@machild Yeah, I think for the reasons outlined above that this truly does sound like a caliper issue. Expensive, but not the end of the world. Do you use an anti-squeal paste you'd suggest?
Super Member
Joined: Nov 2017
Posts: 920
Likes: 163
From: Virginia
N/A
Out Of Control!!
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 13,799
Likes: 3,228
2014 E63S; AMS 100 octane ECU dyno tune; EDOK TCU tune; BB intakes; sprintbooster
yep I won't use akebono again, will use OEM pads .. I drive my car more than I look at the wheels so don't really care about dust anymore
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,177
Likes: 314
2006 CLS55 AMG, 2005 SLK 350 AMG
@PeterUbers I agree; initial bite is not as good as the OEM -- but i can live with that if they are quiet and produce less dust! Also, the squealing I hear today is not normal - it is incredibly loud and sustained all the way through braking. It's extreme.
@machild Yeah, I think for the reasons outlined above that this truly does sound like a caliper issue. Expensive, but not the end of the world. Do you use an anti-squeal paste you'd suggest?
@machild Yeah, I think for the reasons outlined above that this truly does sound like a caliper issue. Expensive, but not the end of the world. Do you use an anti-squeal paste you'd suggest?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
one of the ways that you can eliminate brake squeal is to use brake paste everywhere that the pad makes contact with the caliper. The squealing occurs becuase the pad is vibrating against the rotor or caliper. If you can eliminate that vibration, you will have no more squealing issues.
I use brake paste on the back of the pads, on the edges where the pads sit in the caliper, and where the pins go through the caliper and pads. And also where the spring clips touch the top of the pads.
I use brake paste on the back of the pads, on the edges where the pads sit in the caliper, and where the pins go through the caliper and pads. And also where the spring clips touch the top of the pads.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 17
Likes: 6
From: PHX
CLS55 AMG
Hi everyone:
just wanted to provide an update here. I got my car back yesterday after installing a new caliper. Squeak is gone. Fixed!
The “leading” piston on the inside of the caliper was seized - it was glazing the rotor and the ceramic brake pad, creating a horrendous sound.
It is probably rebuildable, so I will do that, and now I have another full set of calipers should this happen again.
thanks for all the helpful replies! cheers.
just wanted to provide an update here. I got my car back yesterday after installing a new caliper. Squeak is gone. Fixed!
The “leading” piston on the inside of the caliper was seized - it was glazing the rotor and the ceramic brake pad, creating a horrendous sound.
It is probably rebuildable, so I will do that, and now I have another full set of calipers should this happen again.
thanks for all the helpful replies! cheers.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Apr 2009
Posts: 6,020
Likes: 532
From: Alexandria, VA
07 E63 AMG, 10 C63 AMG, 07 E63 Designo, 07 E350, 09 C300, 07 C230
Hi everyone:
just wanted to provide an update here. I got my car back yesterday after installing a new caliper. Squeak is gone. Fixed!
The “leading” piston on the inside of the caliper was seized - it was glazing the rotor and the ceramic brake pad, creating a horrendous sound.
It is probably rebuildable, so I will do that, and now I have another full set of calipers should this happen again.
thanks for all the helpful replies! cheers.
just wanted to provide an update here. I got my car back yesterday after installing a new caliper. Squeak is gone. Fixed!
The “leading” piston on the inside of the caliper was seized - it was glazing the rotor and the ceramic brake pad, creating a horrendous sound.
It is probably rebuildable, so I will do that, and now I have another full set of calipers should this happen again.
thanks for all the helpful replies! cheers.
This could have contributed to your stuck piston issue. Having a seized piston that caused your glazing and squeaking issue, could have also warped your rotor.
Thread Starter
Junior Member
Joined: Feb 2022
Posts: 17
Likes: 6
From: PHX
CLS55 AMG
This is why it's important to change your brake fluid every two years, as brake fluid is hydroscopic and absorbs moisture.
This could have contributed to your stuck piston issue. Having a seized piston that caused your glazing and squeaking issue, could have also warped your rotor.
This could have contributed to your stuck piston issue. Having a seized piston that caused your glazing and squeaking issue, could have also warped your rotor.
