CLK500 W209 braking vibration only at speed

[philnewmerc]

Hello everyone, I wondered if anyone can give any advice based on on the evidence? I realise I'll have to take this to the garage when I just wondered if this was a common issue: My newly acquired clk500 brakes in a straight line and quietly at low brake pedal pressure and at moderate speed. However, at higher speed and under heavy braking there is a *very noisy vibration* from the front left ( we'll I think it is). I'm guessing but could this be a loose ball joint or other joint of some kind? I say that because I assume a a warped disc would vibrate all the time?? thanks so much!

 

[AndrewOl]

I would look at this as soon as possible. If you can take both front wheels off and have a close look at the suspension comparing each side looking for anything broken or damaged. Checking for play is tricky and best left to a mechanic but have a go wiggling bits around. Any movement is generally a problem but by the sounds of it you are looking for something broken rather than worn. The bottom ball joint can wear out and produce a lot of play if left.

 

[DesignJunkie]

I would look at this as soon as possible. If you can take both front wheels off and have a close look at the suspension comparing each side looking for anything broken or damaged. Checking for play is tricky and best left to a mechanic but have a go wiggling bits around. Any movement is generally a problem but by the sounds of it you are looking for something broken rather than worn. The bottom ball joint can wear out and produce a lot of play if left.

AndrewOI is best advice.
Just FYI I had similar on my 2012 S350 (judder only at high speed braking) and new front discs stopped it - on a previous car a sticky calliper created similar judder.

 

[philnewmerc]

Thank you both, I will take it to a garage but I just wanted to be a little more informed before they inspect it. Thank you

 

[W1ghty]

Hello everyone, I wondered if anyone can give any advice based on on the evidence? I realise I'll have to take this to the garage when I just wondered if this was a common issue: My newly acquired clk500 brakes in a straight line and quietly at low brake pedal pressure and at moderate speed. However, at higher speed and under heavy braking there is a *very noisy vibration* from the front left ( we'll I think it is). I'm guessing but could this be a loose ball joint or other joint of some kind? I say that because I assume a a warped disc would vibrate all the time?? thanks so much!

Where do you live for an Mb specialist recommendation buddy ?

 

[zipdip]

I am going through the same problem,the disc's and pads are new nothing has changed,the car brakes ok when you start off but as things warm up and braking from say 40 mph the juddering occurs my feeling is that it is a brake caliper,when I can be bothered I will get my local guy to sort both calipers out,at the moment it can stay on the driveway.

 

[philnewmerc]

Where do you live for an Mb specialist recommendation buddy ?

I am going through the same problem,the disc's and pads are new nothing has changed,the car brakes ok when you start off but as things warm up and braking from say 40 mph the juddering occurs my feeling is that it is a brake caliper,when I can be bothered I will get my local guy to sort both calipers out,at the moment it can stay on the driveway.

So the jury is out... Could be anything!

I am in Gateshead nr Newcastle... Any good places round here?

Cheers

 

[W1ghty]

So the jury is out... Could be anything!

I am in Gateshead nr Newcastle... Any good places round here?

Cheers

I’m sure someone will recommend one , if you put your location under your user details it’s easier to see for the future

 

[Petrol Pete]

OP , do not get dragged down the 'warped disc' rabbit hole. especially if you are only feeling it one side at very specific speeds.

 

[philnewmerc]

OP , do not get dragged down the 'warped disc' rabbit hole. especially if you are only feeling it one side at very specific speeds.

Thanks, I will try and explain to the garage (always frightened of sounding like I'm patronising them!)

 

[sweeper]

well what can happen, brake sticks on and overheats without realising, you come to a stop and the heat reacts with the pad material this transfers to the disc leaving the disc with uneven coefficient of friction and the judder begins. Don't replace the discs and pads unless you have checked and freed off the caliper(s), you may be able to re-bed the brakes using the tried and tested get them hot and keep braking from 60mph without stopping until they fade, keep doing this until you can really smell them, drive around without stopping until they cool down, you will have great brakes that really last, if you are a light braker then repeat the process occasionally.

 

[philnewmerc]

Update: all new discs and pads sorted this. I was surprised because the discs did not look particularly worn or rusty, but the mechanic said they were very rusty on the inside where you can't see.

Chees all

 

[Stratman]

A disc that's rusty on one side is usually caused by the caliper not sliding properly on its pins. Hopefully whoever did the brakes addressed the issue but it's worth keeping a careful eye out for different surface appearances on either side of the disc.

 

[zipdip]

Well sounds as if you have sorted the problem,but time will tell,these brake judders can come back,if it does look to the calipers

 

[philnewmerc]

A disc that's rusty on one side is usually caused by the caliper not sliding properly on its pins. Hopefully whoever did the brakes addressed the issue but it's worth keeping a careful eye out for different surface appearances on either side of the disc.

good point, they seem to be a good specialist but i will keep an eye on that, cheers

 

[W1ghty]

good point, they seem to be a good specialist but i will keep an eye on that, cheers

I’ve been through a lot of this with my CLK over the years . I think firstly I had vibration under braking so changed the front discs and pads (MB parts) . That worked for a while and then started again so I changed discs and pads (Brembo) , but that didn’t fix it immediately so I changed the front control arms , that worked .
Another year or so passed and some vibration crept back in but this felt different so I overhauled the rear calipers fitting new discs and pads (Brembo) at the same time . That worked
I then overhauled the front calipers as well as a treat .
All is now good for the last couple of years

 

[philnewmerc]

I’ve been through a lot of this with my CLK over the years . I think firstly I had vibration under braking so changed the front discs and pads (MB parts) . That worked for a while and then started again so I changed discs and pads (Brembo) , but that didn’t fix it immediately so I changed the front control arms , that worked .
Another year or so passed and some vibration crept back in but this felt different so I overhauled the rear calipers fitting new discs and pads (Brembo) at the same time . That worked
I then overhauled the front calipers as well as a treat .
All is now good for the last couple of years

Thanks i will keep an eye on it like you suggest.

Btw, If anyone would care to look at my electric steering wheel adjustment woes thread please do!

 

[philnewmerc]

Update: all new discs and pads sorted this (even though the old ones had plenty of life left in them). mechanic said it was corrosion issue