Brake Pad/Rotor Problem

[Woody]

BRAKE PAD/ROTOR PROBLEM - About two months ago, I had my brakes checked by my dealer, and was told I had about 30% left on my pads. At that time I had about 35,000 miles on the car but most were highway.

Recently, my instrument cluster showed the message "brake pad wear, visit workshop". OK, I expected that since I now had about 40,000 miles on the car.

When I got to the shop, I discouvered that my rotors were shot, and the pads & rotors needed replacement. No one could explain why this occurred since the warning light had just gone on about two weeks before.
I was told that "rotors normally have to be replaced when the pads wear out". Since I'm 62 years old, and have had many, many cars over the years, I surmise this is either bull----, or a serious design flaw of the S430.

Incidently, they replaced the sensor as well - coincidence ?

Anyone else with this sad tale.

Woody

 

[piestore]

brake pads and rotors

Hi Woody

Im sorry I would have to agree with you garage in the quest for longer service intervals brake pads have become harder ( also no asbestos) and this has resulted in higher wear on the discs (rotor's) and the other factor that we tend to forget is that the cars are now more powerful the tyres are better and the brakes are a lot more effiecient the cost is front disc about every two sets of pads rear discs about every four sets (excluding corrosion problems) and yes sensors are changed with every set of pads.

You can always ask for the disc thickness as there is a min spec by MB, you can also instruct new pads only and leave rotors but don't complain if they are inefficient and squeel like a London Bus.


The dealer's do tend to reccomend rotors with pads because if new pads are fitted without rotors the brakes will squeel the customer comes back and complains, car inspected to stop noise rotors are required customer says this wasn't reported at time of pad fit so I'm not paying, dealer fitts at own cost. Result dealer made about seventy pounds on fitting pads and then lost about three hundred and forty pounds fitting discs free and also lost dissatisfied customer

 

[Andy]

Hi

I have to agree with Piestore. We all forget that these cars are more powerfull,heavier and stop quicker than they ever did before. Now the cost is brake discs and I would agree with the wear rate Piestor has said. Tyres are the other casualty.

Sorry but that the way it is.


Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com

 

[GrahamC230K]

Incidently, they replaced the sensor as well - coincidence ?

I alway seem to have new sensors on my bill after having had new pads.

Don't know why, but they are only a few quid.

 

[Andy]

Hi Graham

Standard procedure to replace sensors as well. I have been caught out a couple of times where you tried to save the custome a couple of quid. Only to find the light come on later. Due to bad insulation. Its just not worth the hassle.

Regards

Andy @ www.mercedesservicing.com