CLK 320 brakes work but no bite

Boofleman

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Hello. This is my first MBO Forum item.
I've recently bought a very nice CLK 320 Elegance Cabriolet (2003). So far very pleased with it. It only has 70,000 on the clock and, looking at the history, seems to have been hardly used at all by previous owner.

Now the brakes work but they do not seem to have the bite I think they should have. I also have a Skoda Octavia and the brakes on that are amazingly good. So that is my comparison.

Further, when I do hit the brakes hard at slow speed (to see how well they work) I get a front end clonk.

Looking through the wheels the discs don't seem to be scored and, the side I can see, looks like even area wear. From what I can see of the pads I would say they are about half worn.

Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
 

rifiki

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Glazed pads, loose calliper? Had similar problem, disc on inside full of dents from rust spots(?). Car had been standing/little use.
 

Wighty

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Hello. This is my first MBO Forum item.
I've recently bought a very nice CLK 320 Elegance Cabriolet (2003). So far very pleased with it. It only has 70,000 on the clock and, looking at the history, seems to have been hardly used at all by previous owner.

Now the brakes work but they do not seem to have the bite I think they should have. I also have a Skoda Octavia and the brakes on that are amazingly good. So that is my comparison.

Further, when I do hit the brakes hard at slow speed (to see how well they work) I get a front end clonk.

Looking through the wheels the discs don't seem to be scored and, the side I can see, looks like even area wear. From what I can see of the pads I would say they are about half worn.

Any ideas would be appreciated.
Thanks
Welcome to the forum buddy . Have you checked the colour and level of the brake fluid , should look like champagne , if it's black that could be your culprit , because it absorbs water
 

Oldspanners

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A change of brake fluid is a good idea to start with as if its contaminated or has air in it it will effect the braking.
If it hasn't been used in a while or frequently the pistons in the caliper could be sticking slightly.
You may need to "exercise" them by taking the pads out one at a time and using a lever to stop it and push it back in when the brake pedal is pushed.
As for the clunk it could be one of the front control arm ball joints.
 

alexanderfoti

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Yes, all of the above.
Brake fluid that is very old gives a wooden feel, and caliper sliders that are stuck give poor braking feel too.
 
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Boofleman

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Hi. Many thanks to all for quick and very helpful response. I will certainly get the fluid changed and the calipers checked.
Concerning the fluid - where is the reservoir? Can't see it in engine bay or in the book !!

Can't see a dip stick either - except when I look in the mirror !!!
 

Wighty

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Hi. Many thanks to all for quick and very helpful response. I will certainly get the fluid changed and the calipers checked.
Concerning the fluid - where is the reservoir? Can't see it in engine bay or in the book !!

Can't see a dip stick either - except when I look in the mirror !!!
Brake fluid reservoir will be under black plastic , on my E class it's back left of the engine bay as you face the engine from the front .
yours "may" be in the same place ?
 

EmilysDad

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Boofleman

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Glazed pads, loose calliper? Had similar problem, disc on inside full of dents from rust spots(?). Car had been standing/little use.
Many thanks for your advice.
 
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Boofleman

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First thing I'd do is fit new OEM brake pads - someone may have fitted cheapies and best to start with known quality parts.
Good advice. Just ordered a new set. Thanks
 
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Boofleman

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Boofleman

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Brake fluid reservoir will be under black plastic , on my E class it's back left of the engine bay as you face the engine from the front .
yours "may" be in the same place ?
Found it !! You were spot on. However, at the far back of the engine there is a stubby little plastic dip stick in a tube. Any ideas?
 

alexanderfoti

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Found it !! You were spot on. However, at the far back of the engine there is a stubby little plastic dip stick in a tube. Any ideas?

If its red, that is just the cover.
 
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Boofleman

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A change of brake fluid is a good idea to start with as if its contaminated or has air in it it will effect the braking.
If it hasn't been used in a while or frequently the pistons in the caliper could be sticking slightly.
You may need to "exercise" them by taking the pads out one at a time and using a lever to stop it and push it back in when the brake pedal is pushed.
As for the clunk it could be one of the front control arm ball joints.
Many thanks indeed. I have ordered new brake pads and will do the fluid change when fitting them. Will also check for sticking calipers.

If the control arm ball joint is worn how could I tell? Would there be any visual signs?
Many thanks
 
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Boofleman

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If its red, that is just the cover.
No its not. Its black and when I pull it out it is about 8cm long. Fluid on the 'stick' is clear and light - hydraulic?
 
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Boofleman

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Probably not. Lift the wheel off the ground & try to move the wheel left/right by hand, feeling for any clunks knocks etc
I'll try that. Many thanks for your help
 

John Laidlaw

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No its not. Its black and when I pull it out it is about 8cm long. Fluid on the 'stick' is clear and light - hydraulic?
Surely the ATF what’s never been changed?
 


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