The brakes on my C280 were changed recently.... I had all 4 rotors, all sets of pads changed, new sensors, and new brake fluid. Prior to the service, and past brake replacements, I notice that the brake pedal always needs more brake pressure to stop as effectively. In addition, the brake must be pushed much further than normal, as if there is not "bite" to them.

But after I had all 4 brakes done (and, like past brake services), I instantly noticed the "bite" to the brakes again. The brakes were like MERCEDES brakes again! They were touchy, and required little effort to stop the car quickly.

The brake pedal firmness always re-appears after I get new pads, I recall having been told (on Mercedesshop) awhile back that this is not normal. Is it? or ISN'T it?


Thx for the help guys.

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2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

Do you ever change the fluid in between brake jobs? This crispness to the braking may be because of the new fluid. The old fluid may have had air in the lines. Some caliper designs sometimes allow a little air to get "slurped" past the seals during brake release. I'm not sure if that includes Mercedes brakes.

New pads and rotors should actually have the opposite effect of what you experience, unless the old parts developed a glaze. The system should be somewhat soft until the new parts are seated.

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95 E320 Cabriolet, 159K

Definitly no haze.... I use them too much, and too hard I'm sure.
And yes, the brake fluid is totally changed at every brake job (just front pads even).

Could air be getting into the system (very small amt, gradually) over the course of my brake services!? Thus the softer pedal before service, and firmer after?

? Thx.

__________________
2006 E350 w/ 155k miles (Daily Driver)

Previous:
1993 300E 3.2L Sedan w/ close to about 300k miles
2003 E500 Brilliant Silver (Had 217k miles when totalled!)
1989 300E with 289,000 miles (had for <1 yr while in HI)
03 CLK 500 cabrio (Mom's)
2006 C230k (Dad's)
1999 S420 (Mom's/Dad's)
2000 C230k Sport sedans
2001 CLK320 Cabrio (Mom's)
1995 C280 My First Mercedes-Benz... (155k miles. EXCEPTIONAL AUTOMOBILE. Was Very hard to let go of!)

Sorta on the same subject, I remember a comment that Stu Ritter made on the Ritter-Easley list a few yrs. ago. He indicated that if you wanted a firm brake pedal to use steel brake lines. I may stand corrected, but I believe this type is what's referred to as braided. The std. lines swell over time and lose pressure. The metal variety seem to do a better job of holding it.

__________________
Mike Murrell
1991 300-SEL - Model 126
M103 - SOHC
"Fräulein"