Grinding or squeaking brakes are only one symptom of impending brake failure. Here are the others. Should you encounter these, come in for service immediately:
- Brake warning light illuminated
- Pulsation or vibrating in the steering wheel or brake pedal
- Pulling to one side while braking
- Burning odor
Brake Inspections
Especially if your oil is changed at an oil changer place, you should plan a brake inspection yearly. If we do your oil changes while your Mercedes is on the lift, our technician will inspect the entire brake system to catch minor problems before they become large headaches. Brake lines, for example, can rust out, causing leaks. If your brake fluid leaks out, air leaks in, making air bubbles in the system. When enough fluid is gone, the brakes will be ineffective.
How Brakes Work
Brakes decelerate your car by applying pressure to force the pads against the rotors, disk-shaped parts connected to each wheel. Brake pads live in calipers that envelop each rotor. Pistons in the calipers apply pressure pressing the pads against the rotors. This action creates friction that slows your Mercedes.
Brake Fluid
Brake fluid passes on the force you produce when stepping on the brake pedal to the calipers. This fluid soaks up water from the air, causing rust and a lower boiling point. Water contamination makes brake fluid boiling and brake fade more likely. This calls for service at two-year intervals.
Wear Sensors
A metal plate attaches to the back of all brake pads. The metal backing plate will contact the metal brake rotor with enough wear. In this scenario, there will not be enough friction to stop your car. Many modern cars, including Mercedes, have wear sensors to warn drivers of this dangerous situation. Brake wear sensors came about because some drivers neglected to check their brakes until they became ineffective.
Electric Brake Wear Indicators
Mercedes-Benz vehicles have electric brake wear sensors to alert you to the need for brake service. This technology triggers a caution light on your instrument panel when the brake pads reach the wear limit. Electric wear sensors are separate from the brake pads; we replace them independently. An abnormality with these sensors may set off a brake caution light.
We are an independent shop; you should know that a Mercedes dealer will not replace brake parts under the factory warranty. These parts are subject to normal wear and are separate from the warranty. We can beat dealer brake job prices.
Call or visit our website to see the considerable difference between us and the dealer service department for brake repair or any repairs you require.
